Cold Sore Medicines: A Guide to Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Treatments
Bothersome cold sores can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications. Learn how to treat cold sores and which medicines may work best for you.
penciclovir
Used for Cold Sores
Used for Cold Sores
Penciclovir (Denavir) 1% cream is a prescription medication that's used to treat cold sores (also known as oral herpes) in people ages 12 years and older. Penciclovir (Denavir) is applied on the lips and around the mouth every 2 hours while you're awake, typically for 4 days. This medication works best if you start it as soon as you feel cold sore symptoms. Most people don't experience many side effects from penciclovir (Denavir), but some have reported mild skin irritation after application. Penciclovir (Denavir) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.
What is Penciclovir (Denavir)?
What is Penciclovir (Denavir) used for?
- Cold sores in people ages 12 years and older who have repeated outbreaks
How Penciclovir (Denavir) works
Penciclovir (Denavir) is a topical antiviral medication. It stops the herpes simplex virus (HSV) from making copies of itself.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Denavir |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antiviral |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Penciclovir (Denavir)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Application site reaction (e.g., skin irritation)
Less Common Side Effects
- Local numbness
- Changes in taste
- Rash
The following Penciclovir (Denavir) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Mild pain, burning, or stinging
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Headache
Less common
Change in sense of taste
decreased sensitivity of skin, particularly to touch
redness of the skin
skin rash
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$779.39
GoodRx discount
$150.79
Pros and cons of Penciclovir (Denavir)
Pros
- Most people don't experience any side effects
- Possible option during pregnancy, if directed by HCP
- No significant interactions with other medications or supplements
Cons
- Need to apply the medication every 2 hours
- Only shortens healing time by half a day compared to placebo
- Might not work as well if you wait too long to start treatment
Pharmacist tips for Penciclovir (Denavir)
- It's best to start penciclovir (Denavir) as soon as you notice symptoms of a cold sore, such as tingling, redness, or blisters. It's unclear how well this medication might work to treat cold sores if you start it after you've had symptoms for a while.
- Wash your hands before and after you apply penciclovir (Denavir) to prevent getting medication in your eyes or mouth.
- When you're using penciclovir (Denavir), avoid applying skin products, such as makeup, sunscreen, or lip balm, on or around your cold sore to avoid contaminating these products.
- Cold sores are contagious until your sores are completely healed, which can take up to 3 weeks. Try to avoid close physical contact with other people when you have a cold sore, even when you're treating it with penciclovir (Denavir). This is because cold sores can easily spread to others. Avoid kissing or sharing items (e.g., utensils, lip balm) that have touched your mouth.
- Only use penciclovir (Denavir) on cold sores around the outside of your mouth. Don't put this medication into your mouth or swallow it. Never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears or on your genitals.
- Talk with your primary care provider (PCP) if you get cold sores often. They might discuss with you about prescribing antivirals pills for you to prevent outbreaks.
- Penciclovir (Denavir) isn't a cure for cold sores. It only helps to shorten the time it takes for your cold sores to heal and prevents them from getting worse.
Risks and warnings for Penciclovir (Denavir)
Penciclovir (Denavir) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Use only on your skin
Use penciclovir (Denavir) for cold sores that are on the lips and on the skin around the mouth only. Don’t put the medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth or on the genitals.
Bacterial infection
If your cold sores don't improve or get worse after 4 days, follow up with your PCP. Your PCP might check your sores to make sure it's not infected by bacteria. Common symptoms of a bacterial skin infection include redness, swelling, and pus. Let your PCP know if you have these symptoms.
Penciclovir (Denavir) dosage
The average cost for 1 tube of 5g of 1% of Penciclovir (Denavir) is $150.79 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 80.65% off the average retail price of $779.39. 
Tube of cream
Tube of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5g of 1% | 1 tube | $150.79 | $150.79 |
Typical dosage for Penciclovir (Denavir)
Each tube contains penciclovir (Denavir) 1% cream.
Adults and children ages 12 year and older: Apply penciclovir (Denavir) to the affected area(s) every 2 hours while awake for 4 days. Start treatment as soon as symptoms begin.
Interactions between Penciclovir (Denavir) and other drugs
Penciclovir (Denavir) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Penciclovir (Denavir). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Penciclovir (Denavir) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Penciclovir (Denavir)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Penciclovir (Denavir). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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