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Kinda OT--cold sores

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/24/2009 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
So I had never had cold sores until a few days after my last endoscopies in August; I'm guessing I caught it at the hospital. I've had some form of cold sores almost continuously since then. My PCP thinks it's because Remicade has weakened my immune system so it's not fighting the cold sore virus. She prescribed 800 mg Acyclovir (sp?) per day, which seems like a lot especially since my cold sores have disappeared in the last week. And I'm so sick of taking so many meds, but I'm so tired of having painful cold sores! 

Has anyone used oral meds for cold sores? And has it affected their UC in any way?

Posted 1/24/2009 5:43 AM (GMT 0)
I do suffer from cold sores (my daughter has UC, not me).  I also take A-cyclovoir when I have a breakout.  If you only take the meds for a few days, you will get another sore.  You have to take the meds for the prescribed amount of time.  I had the same thing happen to me, a new sore every couple of weeks, until I finished the meds.  If you do not take it long enough the virus stays active in your system.  Hope that helps.

Posted 1/25/2009 4:26 AM (GMT 0)

Thanks, Joan. I'm just extra paranoid about taking meds.

I googled "acyclovir + ulcerative colitis" and I got some not-so-great things. One study's abstract showed that acyclovir induced a flare into 3 patients, another said acyclovir helped but the patient had to go off of her UC meds for a while, etc. Both my PCP and GI said it was okay to take it, but I'm scared of messing my UC up (I just got into remission and still having IBS problems).

Has anyone used topical products that have worked?

Posted 1/25/2009 8:49 AM (GMT 0)
Are you talking about cold sores on your mouth or genitals?

It's the herpes simplex virus, and you can only get it through contact of a live virus.

You might have caught the virus many, many years ago and it's only come active because of the Remicade and other stressors.

I took the acyclovir once...it worked, but you might want to consider to take the topical kind with you being on Remi. Acyclovir is hard on the liver..one reason I won't ever take it again.
How long are you supposed to take it? Maybe a short course will be what you need?


As well, start taking L-Lysine...it is supposed to help keep the herpes virus somewhat suppressed. I use it for my cat (who has the upper respiratory virus caught from being at the Humane Society). It's worked remarkably well.

Hope you feel better soon.
q
Posted 1/25/2009 3:26 PM (GMT 0)

Cold sores on my mouth--there are two on each side where my upper and lower lip meet.

My PCP prescirbed 400 mg to take twice a day for 3-4 months. That seems like a lot; I was thinking of maybe taking just 200 mg per day. But I'll definitely call and see if she'll prescribe me a topical.

I'll have to look for the l-lysine. Do you think I could find it at Whole Foods?

Thanks, quincy!

Posted 1/25/2009 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, you definitely have a break-out. Be careful you don't touch your eyes or other areas that it can spread...wash hands often and use q-tips to apply anything to your lips.

You should call the doc and see if you can use a lower dosage,but if it's not enough, then what's the point? Maybe 3 months is the norm....it would be in your best interest to keep the herpes at bay...it can truly weaken your system.

You could purchase Abreva from the store...it works pretty good...at least not greasy and is dry after a while. Stays pretty good.

The L-Lysine can be purchased anywhere...the 500mg is a good one to get. I use it often for colds and general health. It helps for calcium absorption and retention as well as body pain..etc.

I'll find a link for herpes regarding dosage. I was taking 2000 mg daily when I was realllllly sick..now I take 500 - 1000 daily when I think of it.

q
q
Posted 1/25/2009 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
http://www.forces-of-nature.net/topics/herpes/lysine.htm

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lysine-000312.htm

http://www.best-herpes-treatments.com/lysine.html

after reading one of the precautions...considering I have higher cholesterol (psc and maybe normally), I should consider to lower the dosage or just take it as needed.

Do other research....especially with interactions with other meds.

quincy

Posted 1/26/2009 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
I only have to take them for 2 weeks - 3 or 4 months is crazy.
Posted 1/26/2009 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
I second quincy's suggestion of l-lysine. I don't find any topical meds really work for my cold sores, just seem to be a waste of money.
Posted 1/26/2009 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
Denavir 1% cream ask your Dr. for a script.
Posted 1/26/2009 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
I used to get cold sores somewhat frequently, maybe 2-3 times a year, and I found that of any prescription drugs, Valtrex seemed to work OK. Acyclovir, from what I know, won't really help once the cold sore has appeared. Topical agents may provide comfort, but don't really treat the virus. As with any virus, really it just takes time to let it run its course. I do apply ice several times a day directly to the cold sore. That seems to work the best, not only to provide comfort, but they don't last as long IMO.

Knock on wood, I haven't had a cold sore since starting on Imuran over a year ago. Nor have I had hayfever allergies, which I predictably suffered from twice a year. Seems maybe the Imuran brought my immune system down to 'normal' (whatever that is.) I haven't been sick once since starting it.
Posted 1/26/2009 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
I use Zovirax ointment on my fever blisters on my lips. It works best when you start applying it as soon as you feel the blister coming on (you know that little itchy feeling). Zovirax is prescribed by your doc. My brother also gets them and he uses Abreva, which is sold over the counter. It does not work as well for me, but does help! Also, my brother swears that drinking a lot of OJ at the onset helps, but I just never have that handy. I have read that L-Lysine helps too. I usually get them when I get too much sun or am under stress. They are annoying!!
Posted 1/26/2009 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
I have never gotten a cold sore, but I get canker sores inside my mouth pretty frequently. I know it's not really the same thing, but they are extremely painful most of the time and I find that anything with benzocaine/lidocaine/whatever in it really helps so I can at least eat. I also rinse my mouth with warm salt water constantly and it helps heal them up quicker. Not sure if that would work on cold sores but it might be worth trying anyway.
Posted 1/27/2009 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
I think she prescribed the Acyclovir for so long b/c I've been having almost non-stop cold sores since last fall.

I called her today and she prescribed Denavir, and I started just taking 200 mg of the Acyclovir last night (if I don't see any adverse side effects, I might increase the dose). I'll look for the L-lysine when I go to pick up the Denavir. 

Hmm, I've never heard of using ice on cold sores. I'll have to fill up my ice tray! Honestly, the dry skin accompanying the cold sores is even worse than the actual redness from it. I'm using Neosporin lip treatment for it, which helps a little but I have to use it every few hours.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Posted 1/27/2009 4:30 AM (GMT 0)
I know I was told if I keep getting them, then I did not take the meds long enough to put it in remision. I guess that's whats going on with you. I also use Airborne supplements when I have a coldsore, it does contain L-lysine.
Posted 1/27/2009 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
try preparation H. hey this stuff is good for alot of stuff might work for cold sores heck why not!!!!!!
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