Abreva for Cold Sores

Abreva Cold Sore Treatment Review
Abreva for Cold Sores

Guest article by Dr. Michael Chu

For people who suffer from unsightly and painful cold sores, Abreva can seem like the answer to a prayer as it is the most recognized product for cold sore treatment. Abreva, also known as docosanol, is marketed through television commercials and other advertising as a safe and easy way of treating cold sores. However, as with all marketing claims, the claims made by the drug company may not be entirely correct.

How Does Abreva Work?
When it was introduced, Abreva indeed seemed like a miracle drug. It is a topical cream, applied up to five times a day for up to ten days. This is a welcome change for people who are tired of taking pills to treat their cold sores. Many people are interested in how the drug works. While it is believed to stop the replication of the herpes virus, this has not been proven or even suggested by the numerous studies conducted on Abreva. In fact, not even GlaxoSmithKline, the company that makes the drug, is certain about its exact mechanism.

Abreva Safety
As with many medications, taking Abreva can result in a long list of negative side effects. Headaches are the most common side effect and can range from mild to debilitating. Some Abreva users have found that these headaches are severe enough to interfere with work or school. Skin irritation, including acne, dryness, irritation, and itching, is another common side effect, which is unfortunate because it can actually call more attention to the cold sore being treated.

More severe side effects are rare but still a very real concern for Abreva users. Studies have found that some people taking the drug develop fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing and other serious side effects.

Some people may be willing to deal with even the most debilitating side effects to treat an unsightly cold sore. However, Abreva’s claims have not been proven. The studies performed by the drug company found that regular application of Abreva shortens the time that a cold sore lasts by just 17.5 hours. Three independent studies showed no improvement whatsoever. Few people would consider these small and questionable improvements worth the sizeable risk of potentially life-threatening side effects.

Conclusion
Is Avanir Pharmaceuticals, the drug company that markets Abreva, being honest about the efficacy and safety of Abreva? In 2007, a class action law suit was successfully brought against the company for claiming that the drug cuts healing time in half—a blatant lie. Other lawsuits are currently being planned and filed on behalf of consumers who suffered as a result of this company’s misinformation and mistruths. Whether to take Abreva is a very personal decision, one that should not be made without informing yourself about the risks and the low likelihood of getting results from this drug.

#1. Zapster
Gliding to the best of the best, Zapster has proven to be one of the most effective cold sores treatment on the market. Attaining the perfect balance between natural ingredients and effective enhancements, the medical grade and preservative-free product treat and heal sores rapidly. Additionally, we’ve tried it on genital herpes and was surprised by its effectiveness towards HSV-2 conditions as well. We suspect the tea tree oil and aloe vera combination works wonders for the product.

Conclusively, the feeling of the ointment is wonderful on the skin, and is refreshing like a cool breeze sweeping over. Even applying directly to the genitalia, we found the feeling to be fabulous and not at all painful to the sensitivity of the area. Quite a plus in our book!

Zapster Highlights

1. 30 day money back guarantee
2. Suggested Retail Price: $34.99
3. Lowest Price We’ve Found: $19.99

Zapster Key Facts

1. Contains 9 proven herpes killers
2. All natural
3. Refreshing and smooth moisturizer