DENAVIR (PENCICLOVIR)

Description of Denavir

Denavir is a topical antiviral cream that your doctor can prescribe to treat cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus, known as HSV-1. This virus can cause an infection in or around your mouth area, usually in the form of a cold sore that can lay dormant in the nerve cells of your face and may never re-activate. But when something triggers it, you want to get rid of it as fast as possible. Cold sores are painful and very unappealing.

Denavir Inserts Itself Into the Viral DNA

When you apply Denavir to the affected area, the active ingredient called Penciclovir is absorbed into your skin cells. When it enters the virus-infected cells, Penciclovir is changed into Penciclovir Triphosphate through a chemical process. Now it goes to work by inserting itself into the viral DNA as it is being created and takes the place of one of the four constituents that the virus needs to grow and multiply. This action breaks the chain of events needed for the virus to thrive. Denavir is not a cure for the HSV-1 virus, but it can speed up the healing process to reduce the pain and the unattractive sores.

More Info About the Herpes Simplex Virus

The first sign of a cold sore developing is a tingling sensation followed by redness, pain, and swelling. As small bumps appear the swelling may continue and then the blisters emerge, break open, and form an ulcer. Avoid touching the area as the HSV-1 virus is very contagious and could result in the outbreak spreading or infecting your eyes. As the ulcer dries up, shrinks, and disappears, your skin returns to normal.

Many people have been exposed to the HSV-1 and 2 virus unknowingly and may never experience an outbreak. An infection may be activated in some individuals if their immune system is compromised, they become stressed out, fatigued, and even the weather can trigger it. The first infection usually occurs between the ages of six months and three years and almost 60-90% of people have been infected by their adult years.

Before You Apply Denavir

Because Denavir is absorbed into your skin cells, you need to advise your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant during treatment, or are breast feeding so it can be determined if the benefits outweigh any risks to your unborn or nursing baby.

Discuss your medical history with your doctor and list any current OTC or Rx medications you take or use, including herbal remedies and vitamin supplements as certain meds could react negatively with the use of Denavir or affect the efficacy. You should not use Denavir on children younger than twelve years of age as its safety and effectiveness has not been established.

Proper Use of Denavir

Make certain to wash your hands thoroughly after applying Denavir to the sores to decrease the likelihood of spreading the virus. Be careful not to share towels, utensils, or other items that have been used by an infected person while the virus is still active. If there has been no improvement or the infection appears to be getting worse, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Possible Side Effects of Denavir

• Headache
• Mild burning or stinging
• Rash