Can I stop Cold sore treatment once my symptoms improve?

Use Cold sore treatment for exactly the length of time your prescribing physician orders. For the typical one-day course, that means taking the first dose and the second dose at the prescribed interval. Do not skip the second dose simply because the tingling or discomfort has eased. Your pharmacy label takes priority over general directions.

Once you have completed the prescribed course, do not keep taking tablets because a blister or scab remains. Ask your physician before starting another course for the same outbreak. If you are unsure whether your prescription is for a single outbreak or a different schedule, confirm this with the pharmacy.

If you want to stop because of nausea, headache, or another bothersome effect, contact your prescriber or pharmacist for advice. Stop taking the medicine and seek urgent care for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or facial swelling. New confusion, seizures, or a blistering rash also need urgent care. Do not save or share leftover tablets as a treatment for someone else.