Denavir (Penciclovir cream) is a prescription medication used to treat cold sores on the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV is a common infection, primarily spread by skin-to-skin contact, and causes painful blisters or ulcers. Denavir can speed up the healing of the sores or decrease symptoms such as tingling, pain, burning, or itching. Denavir is a topical medication to be applied on the skin only. The active ingredient in Denavir is Penciclovir. Penciclovir belongs to a class of drugs called topical antivirals. It works by stopping the growth of the virus. This drug does not cure cold sores and does not prevent you from passing the infection to someone else. It does not prevent future occurrences.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Denavir from Turkey and New Zealand also called Vectavir manufactured by Novartis in the strength of 1%/2gm cream. The generic Penciclovir cream is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Denavir. The most common side effects of Denavir may include the following:
• Change in the sense of taste;
• Headache;
• Numbness at the application site
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Breaking down of the lip;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
These are not all of the side effects of Denavir. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Denavir if you are allergic to Penciclovir or any ingredient in Denavir. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have oral ulcer or angioedema
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Denavir and other medicines. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Since the body does not absorb Denavir topical, it is not expected to harm a fetus. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Penciclovir does not pass into breast milk and is not likely to harm a nursing infant. Use Denavir precisely as prescribed by your doctor. This drug is a topical medicine for use on the lips and face. Do not take it by mouth. If this medicine gets in your nose or mouth, rinse with water. Wash and dry the area to be treated. Apply a thin layer of the drug to the cold sore area. Use enough medicine to cover only the cold sore or the skin where you feel early symptoms of a developing cold sore. Rub the medicine in gently until it disappears. Wash your hands before and after applying Denavir cream. Apply the cream every 2 hours throughout the day for 4 days in a row. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.