Zoviduo (aciclovir + hydrocortisone)

Conclusion

Zoviduo is indicated for the treatment of early signs and symptoms of recurrent herpes simplex labialis (HPS) in immunocompetent adults and adolescents (12 years or older) to reduce progression of episodes with cold sores to ulcerous lesions.

The purpose of combining hydrocortisone with aciclovir is to attenuate inflammation and reduce symptoms.
In one study the combination caused that marginally, but significantly, fewer people developed ulcerous lesions than those who used aciclovir alone, but there was no difference in duration or extent of the lesions.
There was no difference between the side effects of Zoviduo and aciclovir.
2 g costs 57.95 DKr and is therefore considerably more expensive than aciclovir.

It is IRF’s assessment that Zoviduo is an expensive treatment alternative, and that good evidence for Zoviduo being more effective than aciclovir does not exist.

Zoviduo was marketed January 23rd 2012. It is available OTC. Zoviduo is not subject to reimbursement.

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