This combination product contains two medications: acyclovir and Hydrocortisone. Together, these medications are used to treat the tingling, pain, and swelling that occurs with Cold Sores.
Available form
Cream
Dosage
Manufacturer
Bausch Health
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Acyclovir - hydrocortisone should be started immediately after you notice the first signs or symptoms of a cold sore. It should be applied to all the lesions 5 times a day for 5 days. To reduce the risk of transferring the infection or irritating the area, avoid vigorously rubbing the cream into the skin.
Acyclovir - hydrocortisone topical cream should be applied only to the lips and around the mouth where a cold sore is developing. Avoid using Xerese around the eyes, inside the mouth, nose or eyes, on the genitals or the rectal area. Do not cover the cold sore or area around it with a bandage.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the cream. This will help you to prevent infecting the cold sore with bacteria and prevent spreading the cold sore virus to other areas and other people.
If you have not noticed any improvement after 2 weeks, contact your doctor for further advice.
It is important that Xerese be applied exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store Xerese at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Xerese. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Xerese with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Xerese. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Xerese.
Each gram of cream contains 5 mg of acyclovir and 1 mg of hydrocortisone. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cetostearyl alcohol, citric acid, isopropyl myristate, mineral oil, poloxamer 188, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, water, and white petrolatum.
Do not use acyclovir - hydrocortisone if you:
There may be an interaction between acyclovir - hydrocortisone and any of the following:
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Xerese.
Circulation problems: If you have problems with blood circulation, discuss with your doctor how Xerese may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Immune system: If you have a weak immune system, or you are taking medications that weaken your immune system, discuss with your doctor how Xerese may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xerese, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Medications that may affect your immune system include medications taken to prevent rejection after an organ or stem cell transplant, cancer medications, and high doses of corticosteroids that are taken by mouth.
Infection: Topical corticosteroids increase the possibility of developing skin infections where the medication is applied. If your condition does not improve within 14 days, or if the cold sore appears to get worse, contact your doctor.
Pregnancy: Xerese should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Xerese, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if acyclovir passes into breast milk. Hydrocortisone passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Xerese, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under the age of 12 years.
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