Consumer Medicine Information
What Is A Cold Sore (Fever Blister)?
A cold sore is a sore which usually occurs in the lip and nose region. They are caused by an infection of the virus, Herpes Simplex Type 1. The first symptoms of cold sores are tingling, itching or burning sensations and then blister formation occurs. If the blister bursts, the lesion may become infected with bacteria. After the first Herpes Simplex Type 1 infection, the virus remains dormant in the tissue. You can never kill the virus which causes cold sores and you may suffer from them for a lifetime. Recurrent cold sores are caused by reactivation of the virus by various precipitating factors including: sunlight, fever, stress, respiratory tract infections and menstruation.
What is VIRASOLVE?
VIRASOLVE Cold Sore Cream is a topical treatment for the relief of the symptoms of cold sores. It contains three active ingredients including: idoxuridine 0.5% w/w, lignocaine hydrochloride 2% w/w and benzalkonium chloride 0.5% w/w.
Idoxuridine is an antiviral agent which is active against Herpes Simplex Type 1 and, if used early enough, at the first sign of an oncoming lesion can prevent further development of the cold sore.
Lignocaine hydrochloride is a local anaesthetic which provides relief of the pain and itching associated with cold sores.
Benzalkonium chloride is an antibacterial agent which helps control bacterial infections in broken cold sores.
ANTI-VIRAL – Fights the Cold Sore Virus
ANTIBACTERIAL– Helps prevent bacterial infection
ANAESTHETIC – Helps ease pain, itching & discomfort
VIRASOLVE Cold Sore Cream can be used at any stage of the Cold Sore cycle:
Tingling stage: VIRASOLVE fights the colds sore virus and if treatment with Virasolve begins at this stage, the cold sore may not develop.
Blister stage: VIRASOLVE fights the virus, and numbs the pain and itching.
Weeping stage: VIRASOLVE helps to prevent bacterial infection and numbs the pain associated with an open blister.
Scab stage: VIRASOLVE helps to prevent bacterial infection and eases the pain as the cold sore heals.
Before Using VIRASOLVE Cold Sore Cream
Read the following warning statements before using VIRASOLVE.
(i) Consult your pharmacist or doctor before use if you are allergic to any of the medicines in VIRASOLVE.
(ii) Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
(iii) VIRASOLVE is not to be used inside the mouth or in the eye.
(iv) Consult your doctor before using VIRASOLVE on children under 12 years of age.
Using VIRASOLVE Cold Sore Cream
VIRASOLVE is most effective if applied during te early stage of the infection.
The cream should be applied as soon as symptoms such as tingling, itching or burning of the area noticed or blistering becomes evident.
Cover the affected area with a thin layer of VIRASOLVE. Repeat this application every hour on first day and then every four hours on subsequent days until the cold sore disappears.
After Using VIRASOLVE Cold Sore Cream
Adverse effects cause by application of VIRASOLVE are rare.
However, local irritation and/or allergic reaction may occur.
If a persistent redness or irritation occurs, cease application of VIRASOLVE and contact your doctor.
Storing VIRASOLVE Cold Sore Cream
Keep out of reach of children.
Store below 30°C.
Further Information:
Use VIRASOLVE Cold Sore Cream only as directed unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
If you have any questions about VIRASOLVE Cold Sore Cream, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
For consumer information in Australia call
Australia: Toll Free: 1800 630 056
New Zealand: Toll Free: 0508 375 394
Made in Australia
iNova Pharmaceuticals (Aust) Pty Ltd
L10, 12 Help St Chatswood
NSW 2067 AUSTRALIA
Published by MIMS April 2019