The best buys at your local pharmacy

AILMENT: COLD SORE
DRUG ZOVIRAX
LOWDOWN Got the telltale tingle that a cold sore the size of Karl Stefanovic’s ego is about to sprout? Zovirax can bring it to a halt. “Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus,” says John Bell, pharmacist and principal advisor for the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Self Care Program. “Zovirax is an antiviral product that prevents herpes from infecting healthy cells, stopping the virus spreading.”
ALTERNATIVE Look for products that contain Aciclovir or Penciclovir.
FINE PRINT You need to use this ASAP. If you see the sore, you’re too late.
SEE A DOCTOR If the sore hasn’t healed after 10 days or if you frequently get severe sores.

Photo by Women's Health Aug 2, 2011