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

Quick overview

Xerese Cream combines acyclovir, a topical antiviral, with hydrocortisone, a topical corticosteroid. It is a prescription cream applied to the skin to treat cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus. Xerese is used for the early treatment of recurrent cold sores on the lips and around the mouth in adults and children aged 6 and older. It does not cure the herpes virus or prevent future outbreaks.

What is Xerese Cream

Xerese is a prescription topical cream that combines an antiviral medicine (acyclovir) and a corticosteroid (hydrocortisone). It is used on the skin to treat cold sores.

Xerese Cream uses

• Early treatment of recurrent cold sores (herpes labialis) on the lips and around the mouth in adults and children aged 6 and older
• Treating cold sores/fever blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus

Benefits of Xerese Cream

• Helps shorten healing time of cold sores when applied early
• Lowers the risk of the cold sore turning into an open ulcer if applied at the first sign of symptoms
• Reduces swelling, redness, pain, itching, and burning associated with cold sores

How Xerese Cream works

Xerese contains two medicines that work together. Acyclovir is an antiviral that stops the herpes virus from growing and spreading so the body can fight the infection. Hydrocortisone is a steroid that reduces inflammation and eases symptoms like pain, itching, and burning.

Xerese Cream dosage

Start using this medicine as soon as possible after the first signs of a cold sore, such as tingling, burning, itching, or redness. Wash your hands before and after applying the medicine, and wash the skin area to be treated first. Apply a thin layer of cream to cover the cold sore or tingly area, including the outer edge. Do not rub the cold sore, to avoid making it worse or spreading the virus. Do not cover the treated area with a bandage. Do not apply sunscreen, lip balm, or makeup on the treated area. Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, or genital area.

Use for the full length of time prescribed, even if symptoms improve quickly. Tell your doctor if the cold sore does not heal within two weeks. If a dose is missed, apply it as soon as remembered, but skip it if it is almost time for the next dose; do not double up doses.

Available forms and strengths

• Topical cream

Side effects of Xerese Cream

Common

• Dry or flaky skin, chapped lips
• Burning or stinging or tingling sensation
• Skin redness, swelling, or irritation at the application site
• Changes in skin color

Serious

• Severe allergic reactions: rash, hives, itching, severe swelling of the face, lips, tongue, mouth, or throat, or trouble breathing or swallowing
• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain
• Signs of excessive hydrocortisone absorption into the body, such as unusual skin thinning, acne, or other systemic effects with long-term or improper use

Warnings and precautions

• Xerese will not cure or prevent herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection. Herpes infections are contagious, and you can still infect other people even while using Xerese.
• This medication does not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.
• Xerese is only for cold sores on the lips and around the mouth. It will not treat herpes lesions on the genitals or eyes.
• Tell your doctor if you have a weak immune system before using Xerese.
• People allergic to Xerese, acyclovir, hydrocortisone, or any ingredient in the product should not use it.
• Do not share this medicine with other people, even if they have the same condition, as it may harm them.
• It is not known if or how Xerese could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
• It is not known if Xerese passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
• Kidney: No routine adjustment is generally required for topical use.
• Liver: No routine adjustment is generally required.
• There are no known interactions between Xerese and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.
• Driving: Does not normally affect driving.

Storage

• Store at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C)
• It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it
• Store in a cool, dry place
• Do not freeze
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets
• 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

• Stop using Xerese and get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or hives.
• Stop using Xerese and call your doctor right away if you have severe burning, stinging, or irritation of the treated skin.
• Call your doctor if your cold sore does not improve after two weeks of treatment.
• If you or someone else has used too much Xerese, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center.

Alternatives

• Valacyclovir
• Docosanol cream
• Penciclovir cream
• Acyclovir cream