Denavir Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Denavir Cream (penciclovir) is a prescription topical antiviral used to treat cold sores and fever blisters on the lips and face caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is approved for adults and children aged 12 and older. The cream works by stopping the virus from multiplying, which can speed healing and reduce the severity of symptoms. It should be applied only to the lips and face, starting at the first sign of an outbreak.

What is Denavir Cream

Denavir is a prescription antiviral cream used to treat cold sores on the lips and face caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is for adults and children aged 12 and older.

Denavir Cream uses

• Treats cold sores and fever blisters (herpes labialis) on the lips and face caused by the herpes simplex virus

Benefits of Denavir Cream

• Speeds up the healing process of cold sores
• Reduces the duration and severity of symptoms such as pain, burning, tingling, and itching

How Denavir Cream works

Denavir contains penciclovir, which stops the herpes virus from multiplying by blocking an enzyme the virus needs to copy its DNA.

Denavir Cream dosage

Start using the cream as soon as you notice the first signs of a cold sore, such as tingling, redness, itching, or a bump. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying the cream. Clean and dry the affected skin before applying.

Apply a thin layer to cover just the cold sore area or the area of tingling, and rub in gently until it disappears. Use only on the lips and face; do not swallow it or use it inside the mouth or nose. Do not apply inside the nose or in or near the eyes; rinse with water if it gets in your eyes.

Do not use other topical products on the same area at the same time unless your doctor tells you to. Avoid close physical contact, such as kissing, with others during an outbreak until the cold sore has fully healed. Try not to touch the cold sore, and wash your hands if you do.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose; do not double up. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse after you finish treatment.

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream (1%)

Side effects of Denavir Cream

Common

• Headache
• Numbness, tingling, or local anesthesia at the application site
• Changes in your sense of taste (taste perversion)
• Mild skin redness, irritation, burning, or stinging
• Application site reactions such as rash, pain, itching, skin discoloration, or hives
• Swollen mouth or throat

Serious

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, rash, severe itching, pain, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe skin redness, itching, rash, or pain after applying the medicine
• Severe dizziness

Warnings and precautions

• Do not apply the cream inside the nose or in or near the eyes.
• This medicine is only approved for cold sores on the lips and face; it should not be used on mucous membranes.
• Denavir does not cure herpes, does not stop future outbreaks, and does not prevent you from spreading the virus to others.
• Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to penciclovir.
• This medicine is not approved for children younger than 12 years old.
• Since penciclovir is not absorbed into the body through the skin, using this medicine is not expected to be harmful during pregnancy, but tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using it.
• Because penciclovir is not absorbed into the body through the skin, breastfeeding is not expected to expose your baby to the drug, but check with your doctor first.
• Kidney: No routine dose adjustment is needed for topical use.
• Liver: No routine dose adjustment is generally required.
• Alcohol: No significant direct interaction is expected.
• Driving: Does not normally affect driving.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Firmly screw the cap back on the tube of medication after each use.
• Keep all medications away from children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
• Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you have severe skin redness, itching, rash, or pain after applying this medicine.
• Call your doctor if your cold sore symptoms do not improve or get worse.
• If your cold sores don't improve or get worse after 4 days, follow up with your doctor, who may check for a bacterial infection such as redness, swelling, or pus.

Alternatives

• Valacyclovir
• Oral acyclovir
• Acyclovir cream
• Docosanol cream