Question 1

would you treat shingles with abreva ?

Accepted Answer

Shingles: The best way to treat shingles is to start oral antiviral meds such as valtrez as soon as possible to reduce the chance of postherpetic neuralgia.

Question 2

can i use abreva or zovirax cream on shingles to speed up recovery?

Accepted Answer

Shingles treatment: These treatments will not help at all. If your herpes zoster (shingles) is being treated with high dose valacyclovir or acyclovir by mouth, that's all you need -- sometimes along with a corticosteroid to reduce the risk of later nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia). If not on such treatment, discuss with your doctor ASAP.

Question 3

can abreva help with hsv2?

Accepted Answer

Not indicated : Abreva is indicated for the treatment of HSV 1. It is not indicated for the use on genital herpes. It is not dangerous but will likely not work. Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Acyclovir are the recommended treatment options. Acyclovir is very expensive with 30 pills costing only $4 at certain large stores.

Question 4

can abreva work on cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Yes But: Do not play with it or it will get bigger,  do anything that makes you comfortable. It takes about 2 weeks to go away no matter what you seem to do. However check with your pharmacy for a few items that may make you more comfortable - remember that they generally do not shorten the 2 week time.

Question 5

what does abreva do to cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Abreva: Abreva (topical Docosanol) is an antiviral medication that can be used to treat recurrent oral/ facial herpes simplex virus infections. It works by blocking fusion of plasma membrane &amp; envelope of herpes simplex virus. This decreases replication of the virus.

Question 6

is abreva safe to use during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

A revs: No human studies have been done on abreva and pregnancy. However, when the drug was given to pregnant animals, it did not appear to cause any problems. Because animals and humans can respond to drugs in different ways, if you become pregnant while using this drug, your healthcare provider will consider the benefits and risks in your particular situation.

Question 7

is abreva and denavir (penciclovir) the same?

Accepted Answer

Different: While they are both topical treatments for cold sores (herpes simplex), they are different medications. They both may shorten the duration of an active cold sore outbreak somewhat, but through different mechanisms. Abreva has an advantage in that it is available without a prescription.

Question 8

which is better abreva or denavir (penciclovir)?

Accepted Answer

HSV: Abreva is otc and am not at all impressed with its utility.  Denavir (penciclovir) requires a prescription.  Quite frankly the effect that any topical anti-herpes medication has on a relapse of HSV is minimal at best.

Question 9

how will i know what does abreva do for cold sores?

Accepted Answer

Docosanol.: Abreva contains docosanol which is reported to prevent the herpes simplex virus from penetrating the membranes of your cells. I am hoping some other physicians who prescribe this produce can comment on effectiveness.

Question 10

is it okay to mix valtrex (valacyclovir) and abreva?

Accepted Answer

Yes: One is topical and the other is oral and they are both used to treat the same thing.

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Doctor answers about:

Abreva for shingles

A member asked:

Would you treat shingles with abreva ?

A member asked:

Can i use abreva or zovirax cream on shingles to speed up recovery?

A member asked:

Can abreva help with hsv2?

A member asked:

Can abreva work on cold sores?

A member asked:

What does abreva do to cold sores?

A member asked:

Is abreva safe to use during pregnancy?

A member asked:

Is abreva and denavir (penciclovir) the same?

A member asked:

Which is better abreva or denavir (penciclovir)?

A member asked:

How will i know what does abreva do for cold sores?

A member asked:

Is it okay to mix valtrex (valacyclovir) and abreva?

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