Why Denavir?

Take Control with Denavir

Having Denavir on hand means you can be ready to start treating when you first feel a cold sore coming on.

Denavir is a steroid-free topical cream that you apply directly to the cold sore for soothing relief.^2,4 It’s non-greasy, dries clear, and penetrates to targets the virus that causes cold sores.^{† 4,5}

• Shortens the cold sore and the pain, too. The antiviral medicine in Denavir shortens the duration of the cold sore and of the pain it may cause.⁴
• Relieves discomfort. As a topical cream, Denavir reduces discomfort from dryness and cracking.²
• Works at the tingle or the blister. Unlike some other prescription and over-the-counter cold sore medicines, Denavir can be started when you first feel the tingle or when the blister forms.⁴ (Learn how to use Denavir.)
• Is well-tolerated. The most common side effect with Denavir was headache, which occurred in 5.3% of patients treated with Denavir and 5.8% of those who received a cream that contained no medication (placebo).⁴ (Learn more about Denavir side effects.)

^† Denavir selectively targets cells infected with HSV-1 and prevents the virus from reproducing.

How Denavir Works

Get tough on cold sores: get touch. Denavir^® (penciclovir cream, 1%) contains an antiviral medicine (that’s the penciclovir part). It targets the virus that causes cold sores.^{† 4,5}

Denavir penetrates the cold sore

…and helps make it disappear.

Here’s how it works: when you apply Denavir, it penetrates the skin to deliver penciclovir directly to the site of infection. It targets cells that are infected with HSV-1, the virus that causes cold sores, and prevents the virus from reproducing.^4,5 That way, the healing process can begin.^2,4,7

Feel the tingling or burning of an oncoming cold sore? As soon as you feel it, you can treat it.⁴ But not everyone gets symptoms before a cold sore.^1,6 No worries. Unlike some other cold sore medicines, you can start Denavir when the blister forms, too.⁴ (Learn more about how to use Denavir.)

^† Denavir selectively targets cells infected with HSV-1 and prevents the virus from reproducing.

Side Effects

Denavir^® (penciclovir cream, 1%) was well tolerated in clinical studies.⁴

The most common side effect with Denavir was headache, which occurred in 5.3% of patients treated with Denavir and 5.8% of those who received a cream that contained no medication (placebo).⁴

Other side effects with Denavir reported in less than 2% of patients included: application site reactions, decreased sensitivity to touch, local numbness, taste perversion and rash.⁴

Precautions

Denavir should only be used on the lips and face. Application inside the nose or mouth is not recommended. Sores that do not improve or that worsen while on therapy should be evaluated by your healthcare provider.⁴

Denavir is approved for the treatment of recurrent cold sores in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Denavir is not a cure for cold sores and not all patients respond to it. Do not use if you are allergic to Denavir (penciclovir) or any of its ingredients. Before you use Denavir, tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.⁴

How to Use Denavir

Denavir^® (penciclovir cream, 1%) combines the power of an antiviral medication and the soothing relief of a cream.^2,4

When to Use Denavir⁴

• Apply Denavir every 2 hours during waking hours for a period of 4 days.
• When possible, start applying Denavir at the first sign or symptom of a cold sore. But know that, unlike some other prescription and over-the-counter cold sore medicines, Denavir can be started even when the blister has formed.

How to Apply Denavir⁴

• Wash your hands. Your face should be clean and dry. Apply a layer of Denavir to cover only the cold sore area or the area of tingling (or other symptoms) before the cold sore appears. Rub in the cream until it disappears.
• Apply Denavir with your finger or a cotton swab. Wash your hands with soap and water after using Denavir. Particular care should be taken to avoid application in or near the eyes since it may cause irritation.

Be Ready for Your Next Cold Sore

Denavir comes in a 5-gram tube, which often provides enough medicine for several cold sore outbreaks. Keep your unused Denavir on hand until the tube expiration date (usually 1 year after the prescription was filled). You’ll be ready when you feel the symptoms of your next cold sore.