Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: juicymilk on 13/09/2016 18:54:55

Title: Is topical docosanol lotion an effective anti-viral?
Post by: juicymilk on 13/09/2016 18:54:55

I've been searching everywhere online for anyone who has any experience with using a topical anti-viral lotion, there's not that much info, that I could find.

I have been using a 7% Docosanol topical lotion for about 4 months now.  It's a little expensive, but nothing when compared to trying to do this with Abreva.

I've also stopped taking oral acyclovir(sp) pills about 2 months ago.

Just wondering if anyone had any feedback or thoughts on using a topical anti-viral for outbreak suppression.

Thanks in advance for any input : )

Title: Re: Is topical docosanol lotion an effective anti-viral?
Post by: juicymilk on 23/09/2016 22:17:22

Update:

I actually found an interesting study done by Pubmed about the effectiveness of 10% docosanol cream. (although, I am using a 7% Docosanol lotion.....)

It's effectiveness seems pretty promising.

It states that:

RESULTS:

The median time to healing in the 370 docosanol-treated patients was 4.1 days, 18 hours shorter than observed in the 367 placebo-treated patients (P =.008; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2, 22). The docosanol group also exhibited reduced times from treatment initiation to (1) cessation of pain and all other symptoms (itching, burning, and/or tingling; P =.002; 95% CI: 3, 16.5); (2) complete healing of classic lesions (P =.023; 95% CI: 1, 24.5); and (3) cessation of the ulcer or soft crust stage of classic lesions (P <.001; 95% CI: 8, 25). Aborted episodes were experienced by 40% of the docosanol recipients versus 34% of placebo recipients (P =.109; 95% CI for odds ratio: 0.95, 1.73). Adverse experiences with docosanol were mild and similar to those with placebo.

CONCLUSION:

Docosanol applied 5 times daily is safe and effective in the treatment of recurrent HSL. Differences in healing time compared favorably with those reported for the only treatment of HSL that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

It seems to be ok that I apply multiple applications, based on the study.

I don't know if I can post a link to the study here, but you can find it easily if you google:

"Clinical efficacy of topical docosanol 10% cream, Pubmed"

There should be a lot more companies manufacturing this OTC stuff......

JM

Title: Re: Is topical docosanol lotion an effective anti-viral?
Post by: juicymilk on 27/10/2016 13:53:24

Update:

Ok, so it seems that I am the only one that is posting info on this product.

So far, I has stopped my outbreaks for quite a while now.

And, as far as I can tell, there have been no adverse reactions to me applying this lotion twice daily.

I'll keep everyone updated.

Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated : )

JM