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You can find Abreva, an over-the-counter medication used to treat cold sores, at various retail locations and online.
Where to Buy Abreva
Abreva is widely available at major drugstores and pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. It can also be found in the health and beauty sections of many supermarkets and mass retailers like Walmart and Target. For online purchases, Abreva is stocked on platforms such as Amazon, the websites of the retailers mentioned above, and directly from the manufacturer's website.
What Is Abreva Used For?
Abreva is an antiviral drug that works by blocking the infection of healthy cells with the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), which causes cold sores. It is applied directly to the cold sore to help shorten the healing time and alleviate symptoms such as itching, tingling, and burning.
How Does Abreva Work?
The active ingredient in Abreva is docosanol 10%. Docosanol is believed to work by interfering with the ability of the herpes simplex virus to enter skin cells. By preventing the virus from spreading to healthy cells, it helps to speed up the healing process of the cold sore.
Can Abreva Prevent Cold Sores?
Abreva is designed to treat existing cold sores, not to prevent them from forming. It works by shortening the duration of a cold sore once it has appeared.
What Are the Side Effects of Abreva?
Common side effects reported with Abreva include application site reactions such as redness, dryness, or peeling of the skin around the application area. Serious side effects are rare. If you experience any unusual or severe reactions, it is advisable to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
How Long Does Abreva Take to Work?
When used as directed, Abreva can help shorten the healing time of a cold sore. The manufacturer states that Abreva can shorten healing time in as little as 4 days when treated at the first sign of a tingle, itch, or burn [1]. However, healing times can vary among individuals.
Is Abreva Prescription or Over-the-Counter?
Abreva is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, meaning it can be purchased without a prescription from a doctor.
Source:
1. Abreva. "Frequently Asked Questions." https://www.abreva.com/faq/