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Is Famciclovir Advisable For Cold Sores On Lips?
Question: i'm scheduled to have a colonoscopy tomorrow but am getting a cold sore on my lip. Can I start taking Famciclovir?
Brief Answer:
Need more info
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Based on the information you provided , I would like to gather some more information
Have you recently suffered from herpes infection ?
Are you immune competent , meaning do you have any immune compromising condition such as HIV or malignancy or a history of either ?
If appropriate ,Can you upload a good quality image of the cold sore that you described ?
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Need more info
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Based on the information you provided , I would like to gather some more information
Have you recently suffered from herpes infection ?
Are you immune competent , meaning do you have any immune compromising condition such as HIV or malignancy or a history of either ?
If appropriate ,Can you upload a good quality image of the cold sore that you described ?
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
No. It just started this morning. Health is fine. I take no medications, not even Tylenol. Don't care for pills. However I will take famciclovir about 3 -4 times a year because I get cold sores mostly due to stress.
Brief Answer:
Famciclovir only if its a confirmed case of Herpes Labialis
Detailed Answer:
Hello again
If it's a confirmed case of Herpes Labialis then in case of recurrent episodes therapy can be initiated within the 1st hour of symptoms such as itching or burning, in consult with your doctor. Supressive therapy can be started if the episodes occur more frequently i.e 250 mg PO q12hr for a period of 12 months. If its just due to stress then the most likely diagnosis is recurrent Aphthous ulcer. Then again, an image of the lesion would help in clarifying the situation a little more. If appropriate please upload an image of the area having the cold sore.
Let me know if you have any query
Thanks.
Famciclovir only if its a confirmed case of Herpes Labialis
Detailed Answer:
Hello again
If it's a confirmed case of Herpes Labialis then in case of recurrent episodes therapy can be initiated within the 1st hour of symptoms such as itching or burning, in consult with your doctor. Supressive therapy can be started if the episodes occur more frequently i.e 250 mg PO q12hr for a period of 12 months. If its just due to stress then the most likely diagnosis is recurrent Aphthous ulcer. Then again, an image of the lesion would help in clarifying the situation a little more. If appropriate please upload an image of the area having the cold sore.
Let me know if you have any query
Thanks.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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