abreva
Pharmaranks rates Abreva 3.6/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Abreva (Docosanol) is a medication used to treat Blister.
Docosanol · by Haleon US Holdings
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Docosanol
- Form
- Topical
- Strength
- Docosanol 10%
- Type
- Over-the-counter (OTC)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- blister
- Manufacturer
- Haleon US Holdings
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$6.64 per gm — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA020941
What is Abreva?
From the FDA label:Uses treats cold sores/fever blisters on the face or lips shortens healing time and duration of symptoms: tingling, pain, burning, and/or itching
How to use
Directions adults and children 12 years or over : wash hands before and after applying cream apply to affected area on face or lips at the first sign of cold sore/fever blister (tingle) early treatment ensures the best results rub in gently but completely use 5 times a day until healed children under 12 years : ask a doctor
Warnings
Important safety information
Allergy alert This product may cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms may include: hives facial swelling wheezing/difficulty breathing shock rash If an allergic reaction occurs, stop use and seek medical help right away. For external use only Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product When using this product apply only to affected areas do not use in or near the eyes avoid applying directly inside your mouth do not share this product with anyone. This may spread infection. Stop use and ask a doctor if your cold sore gets worse or the cold sore is not healed within 10 days Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
Dosage forms
Topical
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- What does Abreva treat?
- Abreva (Docosanol) may be used to treat blister, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How is Abreva rated?
- pharmaranks gives Abreva a composite score of 3.6 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- How much does Abreva cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $6.64 per gm, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Abreva?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Abreva. To pay less, look for a store-brand version with the same active ingredient (Docosanol), which is typically cheaper, and compare unit prices. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Abreva?
- Abreva is marketed by Haleon US Holdings. You can see Haleon US Holdings's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Abreva a brand-name or generic drug?
- Abreva is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Docosanol.
- Is Abreva available over the counter?
- Yes. Abreva is an over-the-counter (OTC) product — you can buy it without a prescription. Follow the label directions and ask a pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's right for you.
- What forms does Abreva come in?
- Abreva is currently marketed as topical, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Abreva FDA-registered?
- Abreva is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA020941. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Abreva been recalled by the FDA?
- Abreva has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Abreva safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Abreva a recall-safety score of 72/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
Reviews
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abreva
72/100