ACICLOVIR ALTER*CREAM 3G 5%

ACICLOVIR ALTER 5% cream

What it is and what it is used for
ACICLOVIR ALTER is a cream for skin application containing the active ingredient acyclovir, belonging to a group of medicines used against viral infections (antivirals).
ACICLOVIR ALTER is used for the treatment of skin infections caused by the Herpes simplex virus, both on the lips (cold sores) and genitals (primary or recurrent genital herpes). Consult your doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after 4-5 days.

What you need to know before taking the medicine
Do not use ACICLOVIR ALTER
- if you are allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).

Warnings and precautions
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using ACICLOVIR ALTER.

ACICLOVIR ALTER should not be applied to the eyes, or to the internal mucous membranes of the mouth or vagina, as it could cause irritation.

Consult your doctor and use this medicine with caution if you have a weakened immune system, as you are more susceptible to infections (for example, if you have AIDS or have had a bone marrow transplant). In this case, oral acyclovir may be necessary.

Avoid prolonged treatment, as it can cause an allergic reaction (sensitization). If this happens, stop treatment immediately and consult your doctor.

Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

The following side effects may occur:

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
- transient burning or pain.

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
- dry and flaking skin;
- itching;
- skin redness (erythema);
- inflammatory skin reaction (contact dermatitis) mainly due to the components of the cream base.

Very Rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):
- angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing and breathing);
- hives.

Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, including any not listed in this leaflet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system at: https://www.aifa.gov.it/content/segnalazionireazioni-avverse.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.