Abreva Frequently Asked Questions

Abreva FAQ

If you have questions about ABREVA, there’s a good chance you'll find the answer here. So, what would you like to know?

Abreva Basic Information

What does it look like?: A. ABREVA^® comes in a convenient 2.0-gram tube so that you can easily carry it with you and apply as directed. ABREVA^® is a smooth, white cream that has no smell or taste. It dries clear so that it can be your secret weapon against cold sores.; [Back to Top]
How is it packaged?: A. ABREVA^® comes in a tube, so you can easily carry it with you and be prepared at the first sign of a cold sore. ABREVA^® is a smooth, white cream that dries clear. It won't sting or burn and it has no smell or taste. So, it can be your own secret weapon against cold sores.; The clamshell is composed of polypropylene (a type of plastic).; [Back to Top]
Where can I buy it?: A. ABREVA^® is available in the cough & cold or oral care section of your local drug or grocery store. Ask your pharmacist for more information and help in finding ABREVA^®.; [Back to Top]
How is it different from other over-the-counter cold sore products?: A: Most over-the-counter products only treat the symptoms associated with an episode. ABREVA is clinically proven to shorten the duration of the cold sore and the symptoms. ABREVA contains real medicine – 10% Docosanol. This is a unique, patented active ingredient that, during a cold sore outbreak, helps protect surrounding healthy cells from the cold sore infection. This means the sooner you start using ABREVA, the sooner you can begin healing your cold sore.; [Back to Top]
Is Docosanol an antiviral?: A. Docosanol is not classified as an antiviral. Prescription drugs and over-the-counter products can be used for the treatment of cold sores. Abreva is an effective cold sore treatment and does not require a prescription. They are classified as antivirals because their activity occurs in virus-infected cells. Docosanol's mode of action is different. Its mode of action takes place only in healthy cells, where it works on the cell membrane to inhibit the ability of the virus to fuse with the cell membrane. This makes the virus less likely to enter the cell to begin the process of infection.; [Back to Top]
How long will a tube of it last for the average cold sore sufferer? How many applications can I expect to get out of one 2.0-gram tube of ABREVA?: A. It is estimated that a tube of ABREVA^® will last the average cold sore sufferer though 2-3 episodes (a year's supply for the average sufferer). On average, a tube of ABREVA^® lasts for 2-3 cold sore episodes. However, because the duration of cold sores varies among different individuals, your results may vary. It is important to apply ABREVA^® according to the package directions (and avoid trying to "stretch" the product to last for an extra episode).; [Back to Top]

When to Use Abreva Cold Sore Medication

When should I use ABREVA?: A. For best results, use ABREVA^® the moment you feel a cold sore coming on. Learn what triggers your cold sore and how to recognize the signs of a tingle, redness, bump or itch so you can start to heal it as soon as you feel it. ABREVA^® should be used five times a day until the cold sore is healed for up to 10 days.; [Back to Top]
If I feel a tingle, but the cold sore hasn’t erupted yet, can I use this?: A. Yes. Begin use at the first sign of a cold sore for best results.; [Back to Top]
Will this help if I start to apply it after the blister has developed?: A. Best results are seen when ABREVA^® is used early in a cold sore episode. Once the cold sore has reached the stage of forming an ulcer or even a crust, then it will not be as effective in shortening healing time.; [Back to Top]
Will the scab on my cold sore interfere with the absorption of the product?: Once the scab has formed, the cold sore is nearing its stage of complete healing. Keep applying the product until the scab has fallen off or for 10 days, whichever is earliest.; [Back to Top]
What if I miss a dose?: A. Apply a dose as soon as you remember and then reapply the next dose on schedule.; [Back to Top]

How to Use Abreva Cold Sore Medication

How do I use it?: A. First wash your hands with soap and warm water before treating the cold sore. Then, using your finger or an applicator, such as a cotton swab, apply an ample amount to fully cover the sore and the area around it. Rub gently, but completely. ABREVA will become clear once it dries. After you have applied the medication, wash your hands again with soap and warm water. Do this five times a day until healed for up to 10 days.; [Back to Top]
How should I apply this? Should I pat it on or rub it in? Should I use my fingertip or a Q-tip? How much should I apply each time?: A. Apply enough to completely cover the cold sore and gently rub it in. Keep the area clean so either wash your hands before and after applying or use a cotton swab and discard it after applying ABREVA.; [Back to Top]
Do I need to apply this product around the clock or only during waking hours?: A. Applying five times a day during waking hours would average out to approximately every 3-4 hours.; [Back to Top]
How far apart should the applications be spaced?: A. Apply 5 times daily during the waking day that averages out to approximately every 3-4 hours.; [Back to Top]
How often can I reapply?: A. ABREVA^® should be applied 5 times per day, until healed. Apply ABREVA^® every 3 to 4 hours while you are awake.; [Back to Top]
Can it be used to treat genital herpes, canker sores or shingles? Can I use this on the cracks that form in the corner of my mouth?: A. No. ABREVA^® is indicated only for the treatment of cold sores caused by Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 that occur on the lips or around the mouth.; [Back to Top]
How thin or thick of a coating should I apply?: A. Use an ample amount to completely cover the cold sore and the area around the cold sore for best results. Per package directions, rub in gently, but completely.; [Back to Top]
Who can use it?: A. ABREVA^® can be used by adults and children over 12 years old. ABREVA^® should be used five times a day until the cold sore is healed for up to 10 days. And because cold sores are contagious, you won't want to share your tube of ABREVA^® with others. Doing so may spread the infection.; [Back to Top]
Does the tube contain any aluminum or latex?: A. The tube does contain aluminum; it does not contain latex.; [Back to Top]
Can I use longer than 10 days?: A. No. It is not recommended for use longer than 10 days. Also, it could be the sign of a more serious infection so you should contact your health care professional for advice.; [Back to Top]
Why should I call my doctor if my cold sore has not healed in 10 days?: A. You should contact your doctor if your cold sore has not healed within 10 days while using ABREVA^®. If an infection has not healed after this length of time, then getting the doctor to look at it will ensure that you receive an updated diagnosis and possibly, additional treatment.; [Back to Top]
Can I apply cosmetics and/or sunscreen on top of it?: A. Yes. Cosmetics, such as lipstick, may be applied over ABREVA^®. However, use a separate applicator, like a cotton swab, to apply cosmetics or sunscreen over an unhealed cold sore to avoid spreading the infection. For best results, remove any cosmetics prior to applying/reapplying ABREVA^®.; [Back to Top]
Can I use it if I'm pregnant or breast-feeding?: A. Testing has not been conducted with ABREVA^® on pregnant or breast-feeding women. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using ABREVA^®.; [Back to Top]
What happens if I lick my lips and swallow some of the product? Will this harm me?: A. The amount ingested by licking the affected area will be minimal and should not give cause for concern. If in doubt, always ask your physician's advice.; [Back to Top]
Can I kiss someone while this is on my lips?: A. Since cold sores are contagious, kissing should be avoided during a cold sore outbreak.; [Back to Top]
What can I expect to happen if I get some of it on the skin around the sore?: A. ABREVA^® is safe to apply on both normal skin and cold sores. In fact, applying ABREVA^® both on and around the sore is good as it will ensure both the obvious cold sore and areas still developing are adequately treated.; [Back to Top]
Why can't I apply this inside my mouth or nose?: A. Mucous membranes inside the mouth and nose are very sensitive and you could experience some irritation of the membranes. If your cold sore spreads upward to involve the outside of the nostrils, then ABREVA^® can be safely applied. It is not recommended that you insert ABREVA^® inside the nose.; [Back to Top]
What happens if I actually get some in my mouth?: A. Small amounts that get just inside the lip/mouth junction by the cold sore should not be problematic, however, if you accidentally place a large amount of cream into the mouth, then remove the cream and rinse out your mouth with water.; [Back to Top]
Will the scab on my cold sore interfere with the absorption of the product? Can I peel the scabs on my cold sore?: A. Once the scab has formed, the cold sore is nearing its stage of complete healing. Keep applying the product for the 10 days, or until the scab has fallen off, whichever is the earliest. We do not recommend peeling the scab. You could damage the new, delicate skin underneath. Let the scab fall off naturally.; [Back to Top]

*ABREVA Risk-Free Guarantee: If you aren't completely satisfied for any reason, save your receipt and remaining product, and call 1-888-7-ABREVA to get your money back.