Acyclovir by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc. / GlaxoSmithKline Inc. / Bausch Health Companies Inc. ACYCLOVIR cream

Acyclovir by

Drug Labeling and Warnings

Acyclovir by is a Prescription medication manufactured, distributed, or labeled by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline Inc., Bausch Health Companies Inc.. Drug facts, warnings, and ingredients follow.

Drug Details [pdf]

  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

    Acyclovir Cream is a herpes simplex virus (HSV) nucleoside analogue DNA polymerase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunocompetent adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older.

  • 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

    Acyclovir Cream should be applied 5 times per day for 4 days. Therapy should be initiated as early as possible following the onset of signs or symptoms of herpes labialis, i.e. during the prodrome or when lesions appear.

    For adolescents 12 years of age and older, the dosage is the same as in adults.

  • 3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

    Each gram of Acyclovir Cream 5% contains 50 mg of acyclovir.

  • 4CONTRAINDICATIONS

    Acyclovir Cream is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any component of the formulation.

  • 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

    5.1 General

    Acyclovir Cream should only be applied on the affected external aspects of the lips and face in patients with herpes labialis. Because no data are available, application to human mucous membranes is not recommended. Acyclovir Cream is intended for cutaneous use only and should not be used in the eye or inside the mouth or nose.

    5.2 Contact Sensitization

    Acyclovir Cream has a potential for irritation and contact sensitization [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

    The effect of Acyclovir Cream has not been established in immunocompromised patients.

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

    6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

    Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug, and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

    In five double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, 1124 patients were treated with Acyclovir Cream and 1161 with placebo (vehicle) cream. Local application site reactions were reported by 5% of patients receiving Acyclovir Cream and 4% of patients receiving placebo. The most common adverse reactions at the site of topical application were dry lips, desquamation, dryness of skin, cracked lips, burning skin, pruritus, flakiness of skin, and stinging on skin; each adverse reaction occurred in less than 1% of patients receiving Acyclovir Cream and placebo. Three patients on Acyclovir Cream and one patient on placebo discontinued treatment due to an adverse event.

    An additional study, enrolling 22 healthy adults, was conducted to evaluate the dermal tolerance of Acyclovir Cream compared with vehicle using single occluded and semi-occluded patch testing methodology. Both Acyclovir Cream and placebo showed a high and cumulative irritation potential. Another study, enrolling 251 healthy adults, was conducted to evaluate the contact sensitization potential of Acyclovir Cream using repeat insult patch testing methodology. Of 202 evaluable subjects, possible cutaneous sensitization reactions were observed in the same 4 (2%) subjects with both Acyclovir Cream and placebo, and these reactions to both Acyclovir Cream and placebo were confirmed in 3 subjects upon rechallenge. The sensitizing ingredient(s) has not been identified.

    The safety profile in patients 12 to 17 years of age was similar to that observed in adults.

    6.2 Postmarketing Experience

    In addition to adverse events reported from clinical trials, the following events have been identified during postapproval use of acyclovir cream. Because they are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to a combination of their seriousness, frequency of reporting, or potential causal connection to acyclovir cream.

    General: Angioedema, anaphylaxis.

    Skin: Contact dermatitis, eczema.

  • 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS

    Clinical experience has identified no interactions resulting from topical or systemic administration of other drugs concomitantly with Acyclovir Cream. Due to minimal systemic absorption of Acyclovir Cream, systemic drug interactions are unlikely.

  • 8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

    8.1 Pregnancy

    Pregnancy Category B.

    There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of acyclovir cream in pregnant women. Acyclovir cream should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

    Animal Data

    Acyclovir was not teratogenic in the mouse, rabbit, or rat at exposures greatly in excess of human exposure.

    8.3 Nursing Mothers

    It is not known whether topically applied acyclovir is excreted in breast milk. Systemic exposure following topical administration is minimal.

    However, after oral administration of Acyclovir, acyclovir concentrations have been documented in breast milk in two women and ranged from 0.6 to 4.1 times the corresponding plasma levels. These concentrations would potentially expose the nursing infant to a dose of acyclovir up to 0.3 mg/kg/day. Nursing mothers who have active herpetic lesions near or on the breast should avoid nursing.

    8.4 Pediatric Use

    An open-label, uncontrolled trial with Acyclovir Cream was conducted in 113 patients aged 12 to 17 years with recurrent herpes labialis. In this trial, therapy was applied using the same dosing regimen as in adults and subjects were followed for adverse events. The safety profile was similar to that observed in adults. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age have not been established.

    8.5 Geriatric Use

    Clinical studies of acyclovir cream did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. Systemic absorption of acyclovir after topical administration is minimal [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

  • 10 OVERDOSAGE

    Overdosage by topical application of Acyclovir Cream is unlikely because of minimal systemic exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. There is no information available for overdose.

  • 11 DESCRIPTION

    Acyclovir is a synthetic nucleoside analogue active against herpes viruses. Acyclovir Cream 5% is a formulation for topical administration.

    The chemical name of acyclovir is 2-amino-1,9-dihydro-9-[(2-hydroxyethoxy) methyl]-6H-purin-6-one; it has the following structural formula:

    Acyclovir Chemical Structure

    Acyclovir is a white, crystalline powder with the molecular formula C8H11N5O3 and a molecular weight of 225.20. The maximum solubility in water at 37°C is 2.5 mg/mL. The pKa’s of acyclovir are 2.27 and 9.25.

    Each gram of Acyclovir Cream 5% contains 50 mg of acyclovir and the following inactive ingredients: cetostearyl alcohol, mineral oil, poloxamer 407, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium lauryl sulfate, and white petrolatum.

  • 12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    12.1 Mechanism of Action

    Acyclovir is an antiviral drug active against herpes simplex virus [see Microbiology (12.4)].

    12.3 Pharmacokinetics

    A clinical pharmacology study was performed with Acyclovir Cream in adult volunteers to evaluate the percutaneous absorption of acyclovir. In this study, which included 6 male volunteers, the cream was applied to an area of 710 cm2 on the backs of the volunteers 5 times daily at intervals of 2 hours for a total of 4 days. The weight of cream applied and urinary excretion of acyclovir were measured daily. Plasma concentration of acyclovir was assayed 1 hour after the final application. The average daily urinary excretion of acyclovir was approximately 0.04% of the daily applied dose. Plasma acyclovir concentrations were below the limit of detection (0.01 μM) in 5 subjects and barely detectable (0.014 μM) in 1 subject. Systemic absorption of acyclovir from Acyclovir Cream is minimal in adults.

    The systemic absorption of acyclovir following topical application of cream has not been evaluated in patients <18 years of age.

    12.4 Microbiology

    Mechanism of Action: Acyclovir is a synthetic purine nucleoside analogue with cell culture and in vivo inhibitory activity against HSV types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2).

    The inhibitory activity of acyclovir is highly selective due to its affinity for the enzyme thymidine kinase (TK) encoded by HSV. This viral enzyme converts acyclovir into acyclovir monophosphate, a nucleotide analogue. The monophosphate is further converted into diphosphate by cellular guanylate kinase and into triphosphate by a number of cellular enzymes. In cell culture, acyclovir triphosphate stops replication of herpes viral DNA. This inhibition is accomplished in 3 ways: 1) competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerase, 2) incorporation into and termination of the growing viral DNA chain, and 3) inactivation of the viral DNA polymerase.

    Antiviral Activity: The quantitative relationship between the cell culture susceptibility of herpes viruses to antivirals and the clinical response to therapy has not been established in humans, and virus sensitivity testing has not been standardized. Sensitivity testing results, expressed as the concentration of drug required to inhibit by 50% the growth of virus in cell culture (EC50), vary greatly depending upon a number of factors. Using plaque-reduction assays, the EC50 values against herpes simplex virus isolates range from 0.09 to 59.9 μM (0.02 to 13.5 μg/mL) for HSV-1 and from 0.04 to 44.0 μM (0.01 to 9.9 μg/mL) for HSV-2.

    Drug Resistance: Resistance of HSV to acyclovir can result from qualitative and quantitative changes in the viral TK and/or DNA polymerase. Clinical isolates of HSV with reduced susceptibility to acyclovir have been recovered from immunocompromised patients, especially with advanced HIV infection. While most of the acyclovir-resistant mutants isolated thus far from immunocompromised patients have been found to be TK-deficient mutants, other mutants involving the viral TK gene (TK partial and TK altered) and DNA polymerase have been isolated. TK-negative mutants may cause severe disease in infants and immunocompromised adults. The possibility of viral resistance to acyclovir should be considered in patients who show poor clinical response during therapy.

  • 13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

    13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

    Systemic exposure following topical administration of acyclovir is minimal. Dermal carcinogenicity studies were not conducted. Results from the studies of carcinogenesis, mutagenesis and fertility are not included in the full prescribing information for Acyclovir Cream due to the minimal exposures of acyclovir that result from dermal application. Information on these studies is available in the full prescribing information for Acyclovir Capsules, Tablets, and Suspension and Acyclovir for Injection.

  • 14 CLINICAL STUDIES

    14.1 Adult Subjects

    Acyclovir Cream was evaluated in two double-blind, randomized, placebo (vehicle)-controlled trials for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis. The average patient had five episodes of herpes labialis in the previous 12 months. In the first trial, the median age of subjects was 37 years (range 18 to 81 years), 74% were female, and 94% were Caucasian. In the second trial, median age of subjects was 38 years (range 18 to 87 years), 73% were female, and 94% were Caucasian. Subjects were instructed to initiate treatment within 1 hour of noticing signs or symptoms and continue treatment for 4 days, with application of study medication 5 times per day. In both studies, the mean duration of the recurrent herpes labialis episode was approximately one-half day shorter in the subjects treated with Acyclovir Cream (n = 682) compared with subjects treated with placebo (n = 703) for approximately 4.5 days versus 5 days, respectively. No significant difference was observed between subjects receiving Acyclovir Cream or placebo in the prevention of progression of cold sore lesions.

    14.2 Pediatric Subjects

    An open-label, uncontrolled trial with Acyclovir Cream was conducted in 113 patients aged 12 to 17 years with recurrent herpes labialis. In this trial, therapy was applied using the same dosing regimen as in adults and subjects were followed for adverse events. The safety profile was similar to that observed in adults.

  • 16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

    Each gram of Acyclovir Cream 5% contains 50 mg acyclovir in an aqueous cream base. Acyclovir Cream is supplied as follows:

    Store at or below 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

  • 17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

    Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).

    General

    Patients should be informed that Acyclovir Cream is a prescription topical cream for the treatment of cold sores (recurrent herpes labialis) that occur on the face and lips. Acyclovir Cream is not a cure for cold sores. Patients should be instructed that Acyclovir Cream is intended for cutaneous use only for herpes labialis of the lips and around the mouth. Patients should be advised that Acyclovir Cream should not be used in the eye, inside the mouth or nose, or on the genitals. Patients should be instructed to avoid applying other topical products to the affected area while using Acyclovir Cream.

    Do not use if you are allergic to Acyclovir Cream or any of the ingredients in Acyclovir Cream. Before you use Acyclovir Cream, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

    Instructions for Use

    Treatment should be initiated at the earliest sign or symptom of recurrence. Patients should be instructed to wash hands prior to application and ensure the face and/or lips are clean and dry. Patients should be advised to apply Acyclovir Cream topically 5 times per day for 4 days. Patients should be instructed to topically apply a quantity of Acyclovir Cream sufficient to cover the affected area, including the outer margin. Patients should be advised to avoid unnecessary rubbing of the affected area to avoid aggravating or transferring the infection. Patients should be instructed to wash their hands with soap and water after using Acyclovir Cream. Keep out of reach of children.

    Possible Side Effects

    Common skin-related side effects that occurred when Acyclovir Cream was applied include application site reactions. Acyclovir Cream has the potential for irritation and contact sensitization.

  • SPL UNCLASSIFIED SECTION



    Manufactured in Canada By:
    Bausch Health Companies Inc.
    Laval, Quebec H7L 4A8, Canada

    Manufactured For:
    Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
    North Wales, PA 19454

    Revised March 2019

    9673500

  • PATIENT INFORMATIONAcyclovir Cream 5%

    Important information: Acyclovir Cream is for use on cold sores on the lips and around the mouth only. Acyclovir Cream should not be used in your eyes, mouth, nose, or on your genitals.

    What is Acyclovir Cream?

    • Acyclovir Cream is a prescription medicine used to treat cold sores (herpes labialis) that are recurring in adults and children 12 years of age and older, and who have normal immune systems.
    • Acyclovir Cream is not a cure for cold sores.
    • It is not known if Acyclovir Cream is safe and effective in children less than 12 years of age.

    Who should not use Acyclovir Cream?

    Do not use Acyclovir Cream if you are:

    • allergic to Acyclovir Cream or any of the ingredients in Acyclovir Cream. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in Acyclovir Cream.

    What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Acyclovir Cream?

    Before using Acyclovir Cream, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

    • become sick very easily (have a weak immune system).
    • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Acyclovir Cream will harm your unborn baby.
    • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Acyclovir Cream passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed if you have a cold sore near or on your breast.

    Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

    How should I use Acyclovir Cream?

    • Use Acyclovir Cream exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.
    • Use Acyclovir Cream as soon as you have the first symptoms of a cold sore such as itching, redness, burning or tingling, or when the cold sore appears.
    • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying Acyclovir Cream.
    • The affected area should be clean and dry before applying Acyclovir Cream.
    • Apply Acyclovir Cream to the affected area 5 times each day for 4 days, including the outer edge.
    • You should not apply other skin products to the affected area during treatment with Acyclovir Cream.
    • Do not rub the cold sore because this may cause the cold sore to spread to other areas around your mouth or make your cold sore worse.

    What are the possible side effects of Acyclovir Cream?

    The most common side effects of Acyclovir Cream are skin reactions at the treatment site and may include: dry or cracked lips, peeling, flaking or dryness of the skin, a burning or stinging feeling, and itching.

    These are not all the possible side effects of Acyclovir Cream. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    How should I store Acyclovir Cream?

    • Store Acyclovir Cream at room temperature between 68° to 77°F (20° to 25°C).
    •   Keep Acyclovir Cream and all medicines out of reach of children.

    General information about the safe and effective use of Acyclovir Cream

    Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use Acyclovir Cream for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Acyclovir Cream to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Acyclovir Cream that is written for health professionals.

    What are the ingredients in Acyclovir Cream?

    Active ingredient: acyclovir

    Inactive ingredients: cetostearyl alcohol, mineral oil, poloxamer 407, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium lauryl sulfate, and white petrolatum

    Manufactured in Canada By:
    Bausch Health Companies Inc.
    Laval, Quebec H7L 4A8, Canada

    Manufactured For:
    Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
    North Wales, PA 19454

    For more information, call 1-800-321-4576.

    This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
    Revised: 03/2019
    9673500

  • PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 5g Tube Carton

    ACYCLOVIR CREAM 5%

    NDC 0093-3630-45
    Net Wt. 5 g

    Each gram contains:
    50 mg acyclovir, cetostearyl alcohol, mineral oil, poloxamer 407, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium lauryl sulfate, and white petrolatum.

    USE ONLY FOR COLD SORES.
    FOR CUTANEOUS USE ONLY.

    Rx only

    carton.jpg
  • INGREDIENTS AND APPEARANCE
    ACYCLOVIR 
    acyclovir cream
    Product Information
    Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC: 0093-3630
    Route of AdministrationTOPICAL
    Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
    Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
    acyclovir (UNII: X4HES1O11F) (acyclovir - UNII:X4HES1O11F) acyclovir50 mg  in 1 g
    Inactive Ingredients
    Ingredient NameStrength
    Cetostearyl alcohol (UNII: 2DMT128M1S)  
    Mineral oil (UNII: T5L8T28FGP)  
    Poloxamer 407 (UNII: TUF2IVW3M2)  
    Sodium lauryl sulfate (UNII: 368GB5141J)  
    Water (UNII: 059QF0KO0R)  
    Petrolatum (UNII: 4T6H12BN9U)  
    PROPYLENE GLYCOL (UNII: 6DC9Q167V3)  
    Packaging
    #Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    1NDC: 0093-3630-201 in 1 CARTON08/29/2019
    15 g in 1 TUBE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
    Marketing Information
    Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
    NDA authorized genericNDA02147808/29/2019
    Labeler - Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (001627975)
    Establishment
    NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
    GlaxoSmithKline Inc.205556368MANUFACTURE(0093-3630) , PACK(0093-3630)
    Establishment
    NameAddressID/FEIBusiness Operations
    Bausch Health Companies Inc.245141858MANUFACTURE(0093-3630) , PACK(0093-3630)
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