title: Recent approval of Xerese in Canada: 5% acyclovir and 1% hydrocortisone topical cream in the treatment of herpes labialis.
abstract: Herpes labialis is a frequently occurring viral infection of the lips and oral mucosa. Recurring lesions are induced by viral reactivation and replication, but the symptoms leading to morbidity, such as pain and inflammation, are immune-mediated. The introduction of 5% acyclovir/1% hydrocortisone in a topical cream (Xerese™) represents a therapeutic strategy directed at both of these pathogenic processes. Applied at the onset of prodromal symptoms, this combination treatment has a good safety profile and is more effective in reducing healing time than antiviral or anti-inflammatory agents alone. Although it was US FDA-approved for herpes labialis in 2009, Xerese™ has only recently been approved for use in Canada in October 2013. Herein, we review the basic science and clinical studies that support the efficacy of this topical combination acyclovir-hydrocortisone product in treating herpes labialis and examine its safety profile, as well as touch upon other therapies that have been shown to be effective in treating this common viral condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Clinical Studies, Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Stiegel
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Downing
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Stiegel
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002170:Canada; D017277:Drug Approval; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006560:Herpes Labialis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008046:Lip / Q000821:virology; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000821:virology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D000212:Acyclovir