Activir Duo Cold Sore Cream

What is Activir Duo and what is it used for?

Activir Duo combines two active ingredients: Aciclovir and Hydrocortisone.

Aciclovir is an antiviral agent that fights the virus causing cold sores. Hydrocortisone acts as a weakly potent steroid that relieves inflammation associated with cold sores.

Activir Duo cream is used in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over to relieve the early symptoms and signs of cold sores on and around the lips, such as tingling, itching or redness. The aim is to reduce the likelihood of blister formation.

Even if blisters are already present, Activir Duo can shorten the healing process by about half a day to a day compared to a cream without active ingredients.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus primarily causes blisters and sores on the lips, and occasionally on other areas of the face. Triggers can include colds, other infections, stress, strong sun exposure, cold, or menstruation.

If you do not feel better or worse after 5 days after stopping the treatment, please consult your doctor.

Dosage and administration

Always use this medicine exactly as described in the package leaflet or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

For external use only. Do not use more than the recommended amount.

Adults and adolescents from 12 years of age

The cream should be applied five times a day, approximately every 3–4 hours during waking hours, for a period of 5 days.

Treatment should be started as early as possible, ideally at the first signs such as tingling, redness or itching.

The application should not last longer than 5 days. If symptoms do not improve or worsen after treatment, a doctor should be consulted.

Method of administration

Hands should be thoroughly washed before and after applying the cream to avoid worsening the cold sores or spreading the infection.

If an ulcer forms, it should be touched as little as possible to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body or to the eyes.

If too much was applied

In the event of accidental overdose or swallowing of the cream, no negative effects are usually to be expected. However, if a larger amount has been swallowed, a doctor should be contacted.

If an application was missed

The cream should be applied as soon as it is remembered, and then continued as usual. A double dose should not be applied.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Activir Duo can cause side effects. Local skin reactions or hypersensitivity reactions are possible in sensitive individuals.

Active ingredients & ingredients

Active ingredients:
50 mg Aciclovir per 1 g cream
10 mg Hydrocortisone per 1 g cream

Other ingredients:
Liquid paraffin, propylene glycol, isopropyl myristate, sodium dodecyl sulfate
Cetostearyl alcohol, white vaseline, poloxamer 188, citric acid monohydrate
Sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, purified water