Acyclovir; Hydrocortisone topical cream

What is this medication?

ACYCLOVIR; HYDROCORTISONE (ay SYE kloe veer hye droe KOR ti sone) cream is used to treat cold sores caused by the herpes virus. This medicine will not cure herpes.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Xerese

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• immune system problems
• large areas of burned or damaged skin
• using steroid cream, lotions, or inhalers
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acyclovir, hydrocortisone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is only for external use on cold sores. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Use a finger cot or rubber gloves so that you do not spread the infection to another site. Apply a thin layer to cover all lesions. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Do not bathe, shower, or swim within 30 minutes of applying this medicine. Use this medicine at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think you are better. Do not stop using except on your doctor's advice. Talk to your doctor if your cold sore is not better in 2 weeks.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Do not apply other skin care products (cosmetics, lip balm, or sunscreens) to the sore unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Even though you are using this medicine, you can still spread the herpes infection to another person. Try to keep the sores (blisters) from making contact with another person's skin.

This medicine works best when applied very early in the course of an infection. Begin treatment at the first sign of infection. These signs include tingling, itching, or pain in the affected area.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care provider as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care provider if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in color of skin
• mild skin irritation, redness, burning or dryness
• thinning or wrinkling of the skin

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.