What is Xerese: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 13, 2021  •  Published Dec. 31, 2020

Xerese overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Xerese

Generic Names:

  • Xerese

Uses:

  • Treats cold sores.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anti-Inflammatory, Antiviral

Forms:

  • Cream

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What form(s) does Xerese come in

  • Cream

What are common Xerese doses?

  • Tube 5GM of 5-1%

Common Xerese prescriptions

  • Xerese
    5gm of 5-1% tube

How to take Xerese

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Clean and dry the affected area before you apply this medicine.

  • Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Do not rub the cream into the cold sore. Rubbing may spread the virus to other areas around your mouth or make your cold sore worse.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • Do not bathe, shower, or swim until 30 minutes after you apply the medicine.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Do not rub the cream into the cold sore. Rubbing may spread the virus to other areas around your mouth or make your cold sore worse.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Do not bathe, shower, or swim until 30 minutes after you apply the medicine.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Clean and dry the affected area before you apply this medicine.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Xerese contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to acyclovir or hydrocortisone.

Xerese warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a weak immune system.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Xerese interactions

  • Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Xerese side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Dryness, itching, redness, swelling, burning, or stinging where the cream is applied

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Changes in skin color where the cream is applied