Product Name & Strength: Virest 5% Cream, Aciclovir 5% w/w (50 mg/g), 5 g.
Indications (Approved Uses): Indicated for the treatment of herpes simplex viral infections of the skin, including initial and recurrent genital herpes and herpes labialis.
Contraindications (Safety Warnings): Contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to aciclovir or ganciclovir. It must not be applied to mucous membranes (such as in the mouth, eyes, or vagina), as it may cause irritation. Avoid contact with the eyes. Caution is advised when used alongside probenecid, which is reported to block the renal clearance of aciclovir. Women with herpes genitalis may have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer and may require annual Pap tests. The use of this cream has not been shown to prevent the transmission of the herpes simplex virus to sexual partners. Safety during human pregnancy has not been definitively established.
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions): Known adverse reactions include mild pain, burning, stinging, pruritus (itching), and skin rashes. Erythema or mild drying and flaking of the skin have also been reported in a small proportion of patients.
Nutritional Information (per 1 g): Aciclovir 50 mg, oleic acid, sorbitan monooleate, propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, propyl hydroxybenzoate, methyl hydroxybenzoate, sodium lauryl sulphate, purified water.
Instructions for Use / Dosage: For topical administration. Apply to the affected skin every three hours, six times a day, for seven days. Apply a sufficient quantity to cover all lesions adequately. Therapy should begin as early as possible after the start of an infection; for recurrent episodes, this should preferably be during the prodromal period or when the lesions first appear. Continue using the medicine for the full duration of treatment, even if symptoms begin to clear up after a few days.
Regulatory Information: NAFDAC Registration Number: 04-4464. Manufactured by: Hovid Bhd.
