Xerese

Only use Xerese (acyclovir / hydrocortisone) 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.

Use Xerese (acyclovir / hydrocortisone) as soon as you notice symptoms of a cold sore (e.g., painful, fluid-filled blisters).

Wash your hands before and after you use Xerese (acyclovir / hydrocortisone) to prevent getting medication in your eyes or mouth.

How to apply Xerese (acyclovir / hydrocortisone): Clean and dry the skin around your cold sore. Then, cover the cold sore (including its outer edges) with the cream thoroughly and completely using your fingertip or a cotton swab. Avoid rubbing the medication in harshly since this can cause the infection to spread or get worse.

Don't cover your cold sore with a bandage after you apply Xerese (acyclovir / hydrocortisone).

Avoid using skin products, such as makeup, sunscreen, or lip balm, on or around your cold sore to avoid contaminating these products.

Xerese (acyclovir / hydrocortisone) 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.

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 Xerese (acyclovir / hydrocortisone). 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.

Talk with a healthcare professional if your cold sores get worse of if they haven't gotten better after 2 weeks. They can check whether there's a better treatment option for you.

Talk with your primary care provider if you get cold sores often. They might discuss with you about prescribing antivirals pills for you to prevent outbreaks.