Does Abreva Really Work?
The only non-prescription cold sore medicine approved by the FDA, Abreva® aims to cut down healing time for individuals suffering from cold sores. It is available in cream form and contains a patented active ingredient called Docosanol, an ingredient that assists in guarding the body’s healthy cells from infections due to cold sores. It is recommended for individuals 12 years old and over. Abreva is directed to be applied to the affected area at the onset of cold sore symptoms (tingling, pain, burning or itching), using it 5 times daily, until symptoms disappear. Immediate treatment of cold sores with Abreva guarantees the best results.
Abreva Reviews
I’ve tried it many times, and I don’t notice any type of relief or quicker recovery
October 30th, 2013
Or
It shortens the recovery time significantly.
September 13th, 2012
MN,
Haven\’t noticed it preventing them or reducing them and it doesn’t help with the soreness either. A lot of money for basically nothing I can see. Tube is better than the pump if you’re going to pay for the stuff. You can meter it out of the tube better and not waste as much.
January 7th, 2012
Atlanta
This product may have helped a little (it is hard to tell-it was still bad. Not frequent (thankfully!) but bad.) but works nowhere near as well as plain old honey. I saw the honey tip in a magazine, had never heard of it, but tried it with my next cold sore. It worked at least three times better that this medicine and is way cheaper.. (And I am not really into home remedies–I was just desperate, as with or without the Abreva I was getting really bad sores.)
August 25th, 2011
Philly Burbs
Expensive for such a tiny tiny amount, but does increase resolution and healing.
June 16th, 2011
Virginia
Yes, it is a bit expensive, but worth every penny. You do need to apply at the first sign (usually tingling feeling) of a sore. I would not be without this product. I carry it with me so I have it to apply right away. If you wait a day or two to apply, it does not work as well.
September 18th, 2009
California