I woke up this morning w irritation as a cold sore was approaching. I took 5 acyclovir pills through

Cold sores are very uncomfortable and embarassing because they are so unsightly, I know! Acyclovir is meant to help supress the virus. The herpes simplex virus lies dormant along a nerve until something activates it. This can happen after stress, or an illness-sometimes fevers will bring them on hence the name "fever blisters" that many call them. Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that doesnt cure the virus, it just helps to supress the symptoms. Sometimes it may take a day or two for the Acyclovir to supress the symptoms and sometimes in spite of taking Acyclovir you still get a pretty bad flare. Acyclovir usually will keep it from being as bad as it would have been without. It is best to take Acyclovir as soon as you feel the first little tingle of one coming on. Usually the earlier you can start the Acyclovir the better. Sometimes the virus can be supressed right away and sometimes it takes longer.

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I find that using the Acyclovir ointment along with the pills works better than either one alone. You might see if your Dr will prescribe the ointment for you to have as well. You apply the ointment to the area as soon as you feel the first tingling and keep applying to the area several times a day-the Dr will tell you how often you can apply. Mine allows me to apply it every 3 hours up to six times a day for 7 days. Unfortunately there is no cure for herpes simplex. The best we have is drugs to supress the outbreaks when they occur.