(Adults and Children ≥12 yr): Apply small amount 5 times daily to sores on lips or face until healed.
Availability⬆⬇
(Generic available)
Cream: 10%OTC
Assessment⬆⬇
Assess skin lesions prior to and periodically during therapy.
Implementation⬆⬇
Topical Apply cream to lesions 5 times daily starting at first sign of a sore or blister, including non visual symptoms.
Patient/Family Teaching⬆⬇
Explain purpose and side effects of medication. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting therapy.
Instruct patient on correct technique for application. Cream should only be applied to lips and face. Avoid application in or near eyes. Emphasize handwashing following application, or touching lesions to prevent spread to others or to other areas of the body.
Inform patient that docosanol ↓ symptom duration but does not cure herpes. Advise patient to avoid triggers (ultraviolet light, stress, illness, fatigue, windburn).
Advise patient to notify health care professional if lesions do not heal in 14 days or if fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes occur.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes⬆⬇
Reduction in duration of symptoms (pain, burning, itching, tingling) of herpes simplex virus episodes.
