Abreva: Package Insert / Prescribing Information - Drugs.com (2025)

Active ingredient

Docosanol 10%

Purpose

Cold sore/fever blister treatment

Indications and Usage for Abreva

  • treats cold sores/fever blisters on the face or lips
  • shortens healing time and duration of symptoms:
    • tingling, pain, burning, and/or itching

Warnings

Allergy alert

This product may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms
may include:

  • hives
  • facial swelling
  • wheezing/difficulty breathing
  • shock
  • rash

If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away.

For external use only

Do not use

  • if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product

When using this product

  • apply only to affected areas
  • do not use in or near the eyes
  • avoid applying directly inside your mouth
  • do not share this product with anyone. This may spread infection.

Stop use and ask a doctor if

  • your cold sore gets worse or the cold sore is not healed within 10 days

Keep out of reach of children.

If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Abreva Dosage and Administration

  • adults and children 12 years or over:
    • wash hands before and after applying cream
    • apply to affected area on face or lips at the first sign of cold sore/fever blister (tingle)
    • early treatment ensures the best results
    • rub in gently but completely
    • use 5 times a day until healed
  • children under 12 years: ask a doctor

Storage and Handling

  • store at 20 o-25 oC (68 o-77 oF)
  • do not freeze

Inactive ingredients

benzyl alcohol, light mineral oil, propylene glycol, purified water, sucrose distearate, sucrose stearate

Questions or comments?

Call toll-free 1-877-709-3539

Additional information

*ABREVA contains the only OTC medicine approved by the FDA to shorten healing time and duration of symptoms.

Retain this insert for full product uses, directions and warnings.

If you are not completely satisfied, save receipt and remaining product, and call us at 1-877-709-3539.

Thank you for puchasing ABREVA.We hope that since ABREVA shortens the healing time of cold sores, it helps you look and feel better faster. Please follow insert directions for proper use and refer to the information below.

You are not alone

An estimated one-in-five Americans is affected by cold sores each year. Most people who experience them get two to three cold sore outbreaks each year. Just before and during an outbreak, the cold sore infection can be easily passed on to others. It is especially important to be aware of early warning signs that a cold sore is coming, and to be sure to avoid close physical contact when you have one.

Getting to the Root of the Problem

A blister, or cluster of blisters around your mouth, is caused by the cold sore virus. After the cold sore has healed, the virus stays dormant in your body but can be reactivated by everyday triggers like stress, sunlight, extreme hot or cold weather, colds and flu, lack of sleep, or menstruation.

The Sooner, the Better

A typical cold sore outbreak can last as long as seven to ten days. The sooner you begin using ABREVA, the more effective the medicine will be. So for best results, use ABREVA at the very start of the cold sore - when you feel the first sign of the tingle, redness, bump or itch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How is ABREVA different from the Over-The-Counter cold sore remedies I have already been using?

Abreva contains 10% docosanol, the only FDA approved non-prescription ingredient that can actually shorten healing time and the duration of symptoms including tingling, pain, itching, and burning. The sooner you start using ABREVA, the sooner you can begin healing your cold sore. No other Over-The-Counter cold sore product heals your cold sore faster.

Who can use ABREVA?

Adults and children 12 years and over can use ABREVA.

How often can I apply ABREVA?

ABREVA should be used five times a day until the cold sore is healed. Apply it directly to the cold sore at the first sign of a tingle, redness, bump or itch for best results.

Can I apply cosmetics on top of ABREVA?

Yes, cosmetics such as lipstick may be applied over ABREVA. However, use a separate applicator, like a cotton swab, to apply cosmetics over an unhealed cold sore to avoid spreading the infection. For best results, remove any cosmetics prior to applying ABREVA.

For More Information:

Call us at 1-877-709-3539

Abreva
DOCOSANOL 10% CREAM
COLD SORE/FEVER BLISTER TREATMENT

Principal Display Panel

abreva

DOCOSANOL 10% CREAM

Cold Sore/Fever Blister Treatment

Cold Sore Treatment

Beauty Unaltered

NET WT

2g (0.07 oz)

1000771

Abreva: Package Insert / Prescribing Information - Drugs.com (1)

Abreva: Package Insert / Prescribing Information - Drugs.com (2025)

FAQs

Do you rub Abreva in or let it sit? ›

Apply Abreva® Cream five times throughout the day with a cotton swab or your finger. Use an ample amount to completely cover the sore itself and the surrounding area. Rub it in gently and completely. If you miss a dose, just apply it as soon as you remember and continue on schedule.

Does Abreva still work after the blister appears? ›

Does Abreva® Work After the Blister Appears? Abreva® Cream should be used at the first sign of a cold sore for the best results. Using it after blisters appear will affect its efficacy.

What happens if I use too much Abreva? ›

Abreva is a topical ointment, so only the amount that touches the lesion will be effective. Applying more than necessary shouldn't cause problems, but it won't help, either. You should carefully follow all product instructions for use, as provided on the package and as directed by your healthcare provider.

Does Abreva really work on cold sores? ›

It can speed up healing of the sores and decrease symptoms (such as tingling, pain, burning, itching). It works by blocking the virus that causes the cold sores (herpes simplex) from entering the healthy skin cells and growing in number.

Is it better to let cold sore dry out or keep moist? ›

Cold sores love warm, moist environments, and this is precisely the environment you present to a cold-sore when you slather it in cream for days on end. You're best to let it dry out to the point where it is no longer painful, and then begin applying cream or lip balm to minimize splitting.

How many days in a row can I use Abreva? ›

No. It is not recommended for use Abreva cream longer than 10 days. Also, it could be the sign of a more serious infection. You should contact your doctor if your cold sore has not healed within 10 days while using Abreva cream.

What stage of Abreva is a scab? ›

Stage 4: SCAB FORMATION

Your burst blister will dry out, forming a yellow-brown scab. Although this is unsightly, it's a sign that your cold sore has begun healing. As the scab shrinks, it may create painful cracks in your lip that bleed. The area may itch, burn, or feel tight.

Does vaseline help cold sores? ›

While Vaseline may provide temporary relief from dryness and discomfort associated with cold sores, it does not possess antiviral properties to effectively treat them.

How to dry up a cold sore in hours? ›

Docosanol (Abreva) is an over-the-counter cream for cold sores. It must be applied frequently and may shorten an outbreak by a few hours or a day. Try other cold sore remedies. Some over-the-counter preparations contain a drying agent, such as alcohol, that may speed healing.

Can I spread cold sores to other parts of my body? ›

Cold sores are contagious from the moment you first feel tingling or other signs of a cold sore coming on to when the cold sore has completely healed. They can easily spread to other people and other parts of your body.

Is toothpaste good for cold sores? ›

According to the Wound Care Society, applying toothpaste to cold sores during their blister phase may make the area numb, dry out the blisters, and keep them from getting larger. Most toothpaste contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), an ingredient believed to hinder cold sore blisters.

What is a good substitute for Abreva? ›

Abreva Alternatives Compared
Abreva (docosanol)AcyclovirValacyclovir
Dosage Forms Available
Topical creamIntravenous powder for injection Intravenous solution Oral capsule Oral suspension Oral tabletOral tablet
Brand Names
N/ASitavig, ZoviraxValtrex
39 more rows

Does Abreva work in stage 2? ›

Will Abreva® Cream help if I start to apply it after the blister has developed? Best results are seen when Abreva® Cream is used early in a cold sore episode. Once your cold sore has reached the stage of forming an ulcer or even a crust, then it may not be as effective in shortening healing time.

How to hide a cold sore? ›

Lightly dab a small amount of cream concealer onto your sore. Apply thin layers of thick, creamy foundation to build up coverage. Tap or pat each layer into your skin, blending out the edges for a seamless finish. Lightly tap a layer of translucent powder or finishing powder over the top.

How do you use Abreva for best results? ›

Don't skimp or skip. Apply Abreva Cream 5 times throughout the day with a cotton swab or your finger. Use required amount to completely cover the sore and surrounding area. Rub it in gently and completely.

Can you use Abreva down there? ›

However, it's only suitable for cold sores caused by HSV-1, so if you have sores on your genitals or elsewhere, see your doctor. Abreva® cannot treat HSV-2 symptoms.

How long does it take for Abreva to work? ›

ABREVA CAN GET RID OF COLD SORES IN 2.5 DAYS* SO YOU CAN GET BACK TO BEING YOU. *When used at the first sign. Median healing time 4.1 days. 25% of users healed by 2.5 days.

Does Abreva burn when applied? ›

Most people don't experience much side effects from docosanol (Abreva), but it might cause some mild stinging.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Last Updated:

Views: 6053

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Birthday: 1992-06-28

Address: Apt. 413 8275 Mueller Overpass, South Magnolia, IA 99527-6023

Phone: +6824704719725

Job: District Real-Estate Facilitator

Hobby: Letterboxing, Vacation, Poi, Homebrewing, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.