Bell's Healthcare Lipsore 5% w/w Cream 2g is an antiviral cold sore cream containing aciclovir 5% w/w (50mg per gram). It is used for the treatment of cold sores and can help speed up healing when a cold sore has already appeared.

Aciclovir is an antiviral agent that works against the virus responsible for cold sores. The cream should be applied at the earliest signs of a cold sore, such as tingling or itching, but can also be used once a blister has developed.

Suitable for adults and children of all ages, Lipsore Cream is applied directly to the affected skin five times daily. Treatment should continue for four days and may be extended to a maximum of ten days if the cold sore has not fully healed.

The 2g tube contains enough cream for one cold sore episode and provides a topical formulation for application to cold sores on the lips and face.

For external use only. Do not apply inside the mouth or nose, in the eyes or to the genital area. Consult a pharmacist or doctor if you need advice about using this medicine.

Read the patient information leaflet before use.

Main ingredient: Aciclovir 5% w/w (50mg per gram of cream).

Bell's Healthcare Lipsore 5% w/w Cream is used for the treatment of cold sores on the lips and face.

Adults and children of all ages:

• Apply the cream to the affected area 5 times daily.
• Start applying the cream as soon as the first signs of a cold sore appear, such as tingling or itching.
• The cream may also be applied once a blister has developed.
• Continue treatment for 4 full days.
• If the cold sore has not healed after 4 days, treatment may continue for up to 10 days in total.
• Do not exceed the recommended frequency of application.

How to apply:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before application.
2. Apply the cream directly to the affected skin around the cold sore.
3. Avoid unnecessary rubbing of the cold sore or touching it with a towel.
4. Wash your hands after applying the cream to help prevent spreading the infection.
5. Avoid touching your eyes until your hands have been washed.

Missed dose: If you forget to apply the cream, apply it when you remember and continue with your usual application schedule. Do not apply more than the recommended amount.

Important advice:

• Use the cream externally on cold sores only.
• Do not apply inside the mouth, nose, eyes or genital area.
• Do not share your cream with other people, even if they have similar symptoms.
• Consult your doctor if the cold sore has not fully healed after 10 days or becomes worse at any time.
• If you are unsure whether the affected area is a cold sore, seek medical advice before use.
• Use within 6 weeks of opening.
• Store below 25°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Always follow the instructions provided in the Patient Information Leaflet.

Do not use Bell's Healthcare Lipsore 5% w/w Cream if:

• You are allergic to aciclovir, valaciclovir, propylene glycol or any of the other ingredients.
• You intend to use it inside the mouth or nose.
• You intend to use it in the eyes or genital area.
• You intend to use it for a skin infection other than a cold sore.

Precautions:

• This medicine is for external use on cold sores affecting the lips and face only.
• Always wash your hands before and after application.
• Avoid touching or rubbing cold sores unnecessarily to prevent worsening or spreading the infection.
• Avoid contact with the eyes.
• If the cream accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with warm water. Consult your doctor if you are concerned.
• Do not swallow the cream.
• Do not exceed the recommended frequency of application.
• Do not share this medicine with others.

Weakened immune system: If your doctor has told you that you have a weakened immune system, consult your doctor before using this cream to treat any infection.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Lipsore Cream.

Other medicines: Tell your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are taking any regular medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Important information about ingredients:

• Cetyl alcohol may cause local skin reactions, including irritation and redness.
• Propylene glycol may cause skin irritation and local skin reactions.

Allergic reactions: Stop using the cream and contact your doctor if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, including swelling of the lips, face or eyelids. Seek urgent medical attention for a severe allergic reaction.

Accidental swallowing: If you accidentally swallow some cream, harmful effects are unlikely, but consult your doctor if you are concerned.

When to seek medical advice:

• If the cold sore becomes very severe.
• If symptoms worsen at any time.
• If the cold sore has not fully healed after 10 days.
• If you are unsure whether the affected area is a cold sore.

Storage and safety:

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store below 25°C in the original container.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Discard any remaining cream 6 weeks after opening.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet before use.

Like all medicines, Bell's Healthcare Lipsore 5% w/w Cream can cause side effects, although not everybody will experience them.

Reporting side effects:

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed in the Patient Information Leaflet, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Stop using the medicine and seek medical advice if you develop an allergic reaction or significant skin irritation.