Xerese™
(acyclovir and hydrocortisone) Cream 5%/1%

Read this Patient Information that comes with XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) before you start using it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This patient leaflet does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.

What is XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) ?

XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) is a prescription medicine used in people ages 12 and older to lessen the healing time of cold sores (herpes labialis) and lessen the chance of a cold sore becoming worse (ulcerating).

XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) is not a cure for cold sores.

It is not known if XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) is safe or works in children younger than 12 years old.

What should I tell my doctor before using XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) ?

Before you use XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) , tell your doctor if you:

• have a weak immune system (become sick very easily). It is not known if XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) will harm you.
• have any other medical conditions.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) will harm your unborn baby.
• are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. It is not known if XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) is passed in your milk to your baby.

How should I use XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) ?

• Use XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Use XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) early, at the first sign of a cold sore.
• Wash your hands before and after using XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) .
• Clean and dry the skin before applying XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) .
• Spread a thin layer of XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) on the affected area.
• Do not rub the cold sore because it may spread to other areas around your mouth, or make your cold sore worse.
• Do not cover the cold sore or area around the cold sore with a bandage.
• Do not use other skin products (such as make-up, sun screen or lip balm) or other skin medicine on the cold sore or area around the cold sore.
• Do not bathe, shower or swim until 30 minutes after applying XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) .
• Talk to your doctor if your cold sore is not better in 2 weeks.

What are the possible side effects of XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) ?

The most common side effects of XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) are:

• drying or flaking of the skin
• tingling or burning after you apply XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream)
• redness of the skin
• changes in your skin color where the cream is applied (pigmentation changes)
• swelling where XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) was applied
• bitter taste after you apply XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) .

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) . For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How should I store XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) ?

• Store at temperatures between 20°-25°C (68°-77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).
• Do not freeze XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) .
• Keep the XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) tube closed tightly.

Keep XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General Information about XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream)

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient leaflets. Do not use XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

This patient leaflet summarizes the most important information about XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) If you would like to know more information about XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) , talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for additional information about XERESE (acyclovir and hydrocortisone cream) that was written for healthcare professionals.

What are the ingredients of XERESE?

Active Ingredients: acyclovir and hydrocortisone

Inactive ingredients: cetostearyl alcohol, mineral oil, Poloxamer 188, propylene glycol, isopropyl myristate, sodium lauryl sulfate, white petrolatum, citric acid, sodium hydroxide and water.

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/15/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.