Vectavir is a topical cream containing the active ingredient
Penciclovir. It is manufactured by Novartis (but untill 2000 by
GlaxoSmithKline) and has been available in New Zealand, some
European contries and UK since 1996. Vectavir is another brandname
for Denavir, also from Novartis. Vectavir is used to treat Oral
Herpes also known as cold sores. Vectavir can't cure Oral Herpes but
it can treat it with good results. If used correctly and as soon as
the first symptoms appear, Vectavir can

• Reduce severity of the symptoms
• Reduce the duration of the symptoms
• Reduce the frequency of outbreaks
• Reduce the risk of spreading

When you use the cream you should try to use it as soon as you feel
any irritation around the mouth prior to an outbreak because that will
have the best effect. Vectavir should be applied every 2 hours during
the time you are awake for 4 days. Only apply the cream on the affected
area. Be careful when you use the cream:

• Do not use your fingers to apply the cream, use a cotton
  bud
• Wash your hands first
• Avoid touching the tip of the cotton bud
• Do not dip the cotton bud more than once in the cream, use
  several if needed

This may seem a little exaggerated but you avoid cross contamination
which may slow down or even eliminate the effects of the cream. If
you want to use Denavir to treat cold sores, you should ask your doctor
for a prescription and keep the cream with you so that you are ready
to treat cold sores as soon as you feel the first symptoms. It is best to
see your doctor when you have an outbreak as this eases diagnosis. Your
doctor may prescribe another type of treatment and will also be able to
give you further advice.

Ingredients of Vectavir, from Novartis' product decription of Denavir:

• Active ingredient: Penciclovir
• Inactive ingredients:
• Cetomacrogel 1000 BP
• Cetostearyl alcohol
• Mineral oil
• Propylene glycol
• Purified water
• White petrolatum

Vectavir cream comes in a tube with 1,5 g containing 10 mg Penciclovir
per g (1%).

There are usually no side effects of using Vectavir. You skin may
become dry and flaky but this will go as soon as the cold sore is healed
and you stop using the cream. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients
listed above, you should not use Vectavir.

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