Docosanol is an antiviral medication that is applied topically to the face for the treatment of cold sores, also called oral herpes. Drugs.com explains that docosanol is an antiviral medication that shortens the healing time of oral lesions caused by the herpes simplex virus. While the medication, known by the brand name Abreva, does not cure the virus, it does treat the symptoms and reduce the pain and discomfort associated with oral herpes. As with any medication, docosanol has the potential for side effects.
Application Site
The most commonly occurring side effects, as indicated by Drugs.com, include burning or stinging after application of the medication.
Headache
The website, eMedTV.com, reports that up to 12 percent of people will experience a headache with the use of docosanol. They suggest reporting headaches that are persistent or overly bothersome to a medical professional, and discontinuing the medication.
Rare Side Effects
Up to 3 percent of women who use docosanol may experience painful menstrual periods, according to eMedTV.com. In up to 2 percent of users, a stuffy nose, runny nose or secondary infection might be experienced following use of this medication.
Member Comments