Is there a generic version of Abreva?
The generic version of Abreva cold sore cream is called docosanol.
Does benzalkonium chloride help cold sores?
“Without comparing labels and ingredients, you may think the ‘look-alike’ treatment will heal your cold sore just like Abreva, but benzalkonium chloride does not heal cold sores,” said Marquess.
What is a good substitute for Abreva?
To boost the healing effects of the Abreva, you could also mix in some hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation. If you don’t have Xerese (a prescription-strength cortisone cream for cold sores that’s antiviral), an over-the-counter hydrocortisone can be effective too.
What do dermatologist recommend for cold sores?
Antiviral medication: Cold sores are caused by a virus, so antiviral medications are used to treat them. Your dermatologist may prescribe medication that you: Apply directly to the sores, such as docosanol cream or acyclovir cream. Take by mouth, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir.
What is the same as Abreva?
Are Zovirax and Abreva the Same Thing? Zovirax (acyclovir) and Abreva (docosanol cream) are antiviral medications used to treat different conditions caused by the herpes virus. Zovirax is used to treat shingles, chickenpox, and genital herpes. Abreva is used to treat cold sores/fever blisters on the face or lips.
Is CVS cold sore treatment the same as Abreva?
Does not treat cold sores. Be advised that this product does not have the same active ingredient as Abreva (docosanol), and will not reduce the healing time for cold sores.
Does Abreva work on cold sores?
Abreva cold sore cream has been clinically proven to reduce healing time, as well as symptoms such as pain and burning, itching or tingling. It has also been shown to help prevent cold sores from progressing to blister stage when applied at the first sign of an outbreak.
Does abreva work on cold sores?
Which is better for cold sores releev or Abreva?
In terms of safety considerations, Abreva cream is the only non-prescription cold sore medicine approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Its main active ingredient is Docosanol. On the other hand, Releev is a relatively new product in the treatment of cold sores.
Is there an alternative to benzalkonium chloride for cold sores?
They mix with the Benzalkonium Chloride to make it work better, but having an allergic reaction to it would be even worse than the blister itself. There is an alternative to benzalkonium chloride, which is Docosanol. This can be found in products, such as Abreva.
Which is the best cream for cold sores?
Looking for a remedy that not only numbs the pain and itching but gets rid of the cold sore will quickly climb at the top of your priority list. Two of the most commonly used creams are Releev and Abreva.
How often can you apply Abreva cream to a sore?
With Abreva cream, you can apply it up to five times a day. Application with Releev is recommended to only three or four times a day. Whether you’re using Abreva or Releev you can use a cotton swab or your finger and remember it’s vital the sore is completely covered.