Medications to Prevent Cold Sore Outbreaks

Cold sores come from the herpes virus. They can be irritating, painful and embarrassing. Some people who have the herpes virus may never experience an outbreak, but others may experience multiple outbreaks each year. Cold sores are contagious, so proper hand washing is important during an outbreak. A cure is not available for the herpes virus, so there is no cure for cold sores either, but there are medications to help with treatment and prevention.

Definition

• Cold sores, also referred to as fever blisters, are small blisters that form around the mouth and on the lips. The skin surrounding the cold sore is usually red, swollen and sore to the touch. A cold sore can open and leak clear fluid. It will then scab over after several days, but it can take up to two weeks to completely heal. While there is no cure for cold sores, there are treatment options.

Stages and Symptoms

• Cold sores often occur on the lips or around the mouth but can also appear on or around the nose and cheeks. Other symptoms that might occur are fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and a sore mouth. Some infected people may never experience an outbreak, while others may have one to 12 outbreaks each year. The sore progresses through five stages: tingling, blistering, weeping, scabbing and healing. The most contagious stage of cold sores is during the weeping stage, but all stages are contagious.

Treatment

• A cure is not available for cold sores, but eventually they go away on their own. Medicines can help ease the pain and possibly prevent an outbreak in the future. For treating your very first outbreak, you might consider oral medications. The oral cold sore medication is typically applied daily. The amount depends on the severity of the outbreak. Topical creams or ointments can be obtained with or without a prescription and can decrease the pain and itching.

Topical Denavir

• Denavir is an antiviral medication and FDA approved to treat recurring cold sores on the lips and face. There are no serious side effects with Denavir. Minor side effects that may occur include a headache, change in taste, rash, numbing, tingling or irritation of the medicated area. While the FDA has not disapproved the use of Denavir in pregnant women, consult your physician if you are pregnant before taking this medication. General treatment involves applying Denavir every two hours.

Acyclovir (Zovirax)

• Acyclovir is also used for the treatment of cold sores. Acyclovir works by stopping the spread of the virus throughout the body. You can take Acyclovir in capsule, tablet or liquid form. It is administered at the start of an outbreak, with or without food and up to five times a day for up to a year. You should drink lots of fluid while taking the medication. Side effects may include diarrhea, dizziness, hair loss, upset stomach, vomiting, tiredness and vision changes. If you experience any serious side effects, such as hives, itching, rash, trouble breathing or swallowing or swelling, see your doctor right away.

Famvir (Famciclovir)

• Famvir is for people with normal immune systems who have recurring outbreaks of cold sores. It's an antiviral medication that stops the spread of the virus within the body. It is not a permanent cure for cold sores and may not prevent the spreading of herpes to others. It can decrease the pain of cold sores and help heal them faster. The tablets should be taken at the first sign of a cold sore.

Valacyclovir

• This medication is used to treat herpes and help reduce the pain while improving healing time and preventing new cold sores from developing. It comes in tablet form and is taken orally. General treatment for cold sores is two times a day up to five days. Side effects may occur, including vomiting, constipation, headache, diarrhea and upset stomach. If you have serious side effects such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, blood in urine, fever, itching, confusion or rash you should see your doctor immediately.