What Vectavir is and what it is used for
Vectavir cream is used in the treatment of cold sores ( herpes labialis) caused by Herpes simplex. A cream should be applied as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms when the lip starts to “tingle” and/or when pimples/blisters form, not late in the course when the scab has had time to form.
Vectavir inhibits the Herpes simplex virus’ ability to reproduce. The time for healing, pain, and the detectable virus is shortened by up to one day.
What you need to know before you use Vectavir
Do not use Vectavir
- if you are allergic to penciclovir or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
- if you have previously shown hypersensitivity to famciclovir.
Warnings and precautions
- if you are unsure about the cause of your mouth ulcer or if the mouth ulcer is getting worse or not getting better, see your doctor.
- if you have a weakened immune system, you should contact your doctor.
- the cream should not be used on mucous membranes (e.g. in the eyes, mouth, nose, or on genitals). Do not use the cream in or near the eyes or on the genitals.
Vectavir should only be used for cold sores on the lips or around the mouth.
Other medicines and Vectavir
It is not likely that the effect of the treatment can be affected if Vectavir cream and other medicines are used at the same time.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
Pregnancy
Limited experience of use during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether the active ingredient passes into breast milk.
Driving ability and use of machinery
Vectavir does not affect your ability to drive.
Vectavir contains cetostearyl alcohol and propylene glycol
This medicine contains cetostearyl alcohol which can cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis) and 417 mg of propylene glycol per gram of cream. Propylene glycol can cause skin irritation.
How to use Vectavir
Adults and children over 12 years of age
Treatment should be started as soon as possible after the first signs of infection, such as itching and tingling. Some people do not notice these symptoms, but Vectavir cream has an effect even if it is applied only when warts/blisters have started to form.
- Wash your hands before and after applying the cream.
- Squeeze a little cream onto a fingertip. For those packages that have disposable applicators, the applicator can be used instead of the fingertip.
- Cream one smears every two hours during the day for 4 days.
If the treatment time coincides with a meal, you should apply the cream after eating.
It may take a while for the cream to work. Continue to use the cream even if the wound does not feel better immediately. Use cream one for 4 days unless the doctor has told you otherwise.
Use for children
Vectavir cream should not be used in children under 12 years of age.
If you have used too much Vectavir
If you have ingested too much medicine or if, for example, a child has ingested the medicine by mistake, contact a doctor or hospital for an assessment of the risk and advice.
It is unlikely that any serious problems will occur if you have used a large amount of cream at once on the skin. However, some skin irritation may occur.
The cream is not dangerous to swallow, although some irritation in the mouth may occur. No special treatment is necessary.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The most common side effects (occurring in more than 1 in 100 users) are reactions to the treated skin area, eg burning sensation, pain, or numbness.
Side effects that have been reported and occur in an unknown number of users are hypersensitivity, hives, and allergic skin inflammation (eg rash, itching, blisters, and swelling).
How to store Vectavir
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store at a maximum of 30 ºC. Do not freeze.
Use before the expiry date stated on the packaging. The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.
Medicines must not be thrown into the drain or among the household waste. Ask the pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer used. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Contents of the packaging and other information
Contents declaration
- The active substance is penciclovir 10 mg/g (1%)
- Other ingredients are white soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, cetostearyl alcohol, propylene glycol, macrogol cetostearyl ether 1000, and purified water.
Appearance and package sizes of the medicine
Vectavir is a soft, white cream.
Pack sizes: 2g and 5g tubes and in a 2g plastic pump dispenser. There is also a pack with a 2 g tube and 20 disposable applicators.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Omega Pharma International NV
Venecoweg 26
B-9810 Nazareth, Belgium
Medgenix Benelux NV
Vliegveld 21
B-8560 Wevelgem, Belgium