Abreva is a white cream that is designed to treat cold sores that are caused by Herpes simplex virus Type 1. The cream is meant to be spread over the cold sore, where it dries clear. It is sold at major pharmacies and retailers at around $14 for a 7 oz tube.

Manufacturer

Abreva is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, or GSK, a pharmaceutical company that also manufactures Advair, Aquafresh, and Binaca. GlaxoSmithKline has commercial headquarters in both the United States and the United Kingdom. As a worldwide company, GSK specializes not just in manufacturing prescription medication, but also in producing vaccines, providing consumer healthcare products, and even specialty skin health through its sub-brand Stiefel.

Active Ingredient

Abreva itself is not an anti-viral cream, as many other cold sore treatments are. Its active ingredient is Docosanol, a fatty-acid alcohol which is also used in industry as a thickening agent in cosmetics, and even as a supplement. Docosanol prevents the Herpes simplex virus Type 1 from attaching to the membranes of the cells of your skin. This attachment to cell membranes, and a subsequent attack of the virus on the skin cells, is what causes cold sores.

By preventing the attachment, Abreva can assist in slowing the growth of the cold sore, as well as in relieving itchiness and pain. Moreover, by preventing viruses from attaching, Abreva can indirectly kill the virus by keeping viruses from accessing a source that will keep them alive.

Abreva Reviews

According to reviews, this promise by Abreva seems to be well kept. Many reviewers find it expensive, but worth its price. In general, Abreva receives positive reviews on major review sites such as Amazon. Reviewers say that it shortens the life of cold sores, and it can help cold sores disappear quicker. However, some reviewers have also found that the cream is not as effective on sores that are on the inside of the lips, since the cream also seems to readily dissolve in saliva.

Side Effects

The Abreva cold sore cream might cause mild headaches if it is ingested. Some users have reported mild skin irritation, itching, soreness, or a rash from the cream. These cases are rare, although users are cautioned about them because there might be an allergic reaction to the main active ingredient. Some users who are especially sensitive to skin creams have also reported acne.

Abreva is also not recommended for use during pregnancy. There are still no clinical studies that have tested its effects on pregnant or nursing mothers, so doctors will usually caution pregnant women to avoid using it. Moreover, Abreva users are cautioned against using the product with other cosmetics, since there might be cross-reactions with the cosmetics and Docosanol. Using the same cosmetic brush or applicator, moreover, can encourage the spread of the virus.

Abreva Online

Abreva is also visible online. Its main website is at www.abreva.com. On Facebook, there are over 8000 likes for the official page at www.facebook.com/Abreva. On twitter, the user account, @Abreva, has over 1,100 followers. Abreva can be bought over the counter at all major pharmacies. It can also be purchased online at both pharmacy websites and major online retailers.