Abreva and Allergic Reaction: What Users Say

• Lee...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 8, 2019

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "Okay, peeps, here's the thing: cold sores don't always act the same way every time. It's possible that you are used to it looking a certain way every time it appears (like a small circle), but years later, it can make you look like you got punched in the mouth and then go back to a small circle like you are used to. It's not the product that makes your cold sore worse unless you have an allergic reaction to the chemical makeup of the product, but that would result in hives. Abreva is a great topical option to use along with other treatments. There are medications you can use to cut the cold sore short. Do a little research and talk to your doctor to see about getting a script. In my opinion, Abreva isn't strong enough to deal with the cold sore on its own, but it is definitely beneficial when you use it along with medication."

• CWF...
• January 29, 2020

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "58-yr-old male with near 50 years experience with cold sores! When I was young, my mom insisted on kissing me; seeing that “thing” on her lip, I resisted. Ever since? Cold sores. Who knew better in 1970? Started with my own home remedies (using softened underside of a bar of soap to gather that 'cream'; worked somewhat.) Tried other concoctions. Then in 2000, Abreva! Used properly, works like magic elixir. After showering, washing your face, need to reapply. Being allergic? Can't predict that. Don't use it once you learn that. Key: apply upon FIRST notice of tingling. Then, you NEVER GET THE COLD SORE!!! Be sure to apply every few hours, just a little, for a couple of days, even a couple applications AFTER tingling stops. You'll end up using about 1/5 of a tube; careful with the first 'squirts' – it'll come gushing out. Now, generics out there aplenty. Make sure they have 10% docosanol – the active ingredient that does the work. Go with whatever generic is cheapest. No more than $8/tube today."

• D98...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 14, 2020

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "I swear I am experiencing the same thing with the Abreva pump! I’ve used the tube, no problem, so I got a tingle, got the pump... & BOOM, the worst cold sore ever, it swelled, oozing & spread, also little hive-like bumps on top lip, as someone else stated. I went to the Dr. yesterday & was told I had an allergic reaction, I was given 2 shots, one prednisone, the other Benadryl.... sent home with a script for both to take in pill form. The swelling went down some. It’s been about 24 hrs, but the blisters are weeping and so am I. I’m just going to finish my meds, scrap the Abreva & continue with tea tree oil, aloe & original Neosporin..... After reading these comments, I’m glad I know I’m not crazy."

• Bde...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 1, 2022

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "I've been using Abreva for years, it's always worked well for me, but I've noticed over the past few years it no longer works and seems to make my cold sore significantly worse. I'm not sure if I have become resistant to the medication or they have changed the formula to something I'm allergic to, but I'm pretty upset considering it's the only thing that has ever worked for me."

• Buc...
• January 31, 2019

For Herpes Simplex (HSV) "I typically get a cold sore once a year. Well, I felt one starting to form, and I had tried Abreva before, but it was already after the blister had popped, so it didn't really do much. Well, this time I wanted to try since I felt it so early on, and the next day the cold sore was bigger and worse than I have ever had before in my life. So, I continued to use it, not thinking maybe it was the Abreva having negative effects. Well, now I have another cold sore forming at the corner of my mouth. I have never in my life had two at once. I will not be using it anymore, hopefully, they will clear up on their own. Not a good experience. I see a lot of people every day, and this is embarrassing."