Denavir User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)
Denavir has an average rating of 8.9 out of 10 from a total of 61 reviews on Drugs.com. 85% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 10% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Denavir
- Anonymous
- January 31, 2012
For Cold Sores "I tend to get really bad cold sores when I get sick, sunburned, or chew my lips too much. After battling the flu, a big sucker popped up, covering almost half of my entire bottom lip. It came on a Thursday and was completely gone by that Sunday. The only drawback is I still got the cluster of blisters - it's almost as if Denavir draws out the virus and kills it fast. Fastest cold sore relief I have ever used!"
- ant...
- October 30, 2019
For Cold Sores "It works okay, I think, but the price increase from three years ago is mind-boggling. I would never have paid it, but the pharmacy service covered by my insurance got my money and won't give it back. I am appalled that a drug company can do this, but not at all surprised."
- Chl...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 8, 2019
For Cold Sores "I have tried every OTC and Rx known to man to treat my cold sores. When I get an eruption, it is SEVERE. I blister up and my whole lip swells, and it takes 3 weeks to heal without Denavir. If I use Denavir within two days of use, my cold sore is barely perceptible and 90% healed. No vesicle formation or crusty exudate. Just really fast healing. Nothing stops cold sores in their tracks as fast as Denavir topical. It is very expensive, but a little goes a long way. I had my PCP do a prior auth for this medication, and I did not blink an eye at the $70 co-pay, and I am on a budget. Worth every penny."
- Anonymous
- July 9, 2008
For Cold Sores "My husband used a Denavir sample, attained from our dermatologist. He did not begin use at onset, but when he began Denavir, the 'cold sore' disappeared in half the normal time - no side effects either. We were astounded. Tried to get another sample - they didn't have any more, but gave my husband an Rx for it. Checked with the pharmacy - the cost for Denavir was exorbitant. It is great stuff."
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Vee...
- March 9, 2016
For Cold Sores "Never have I used a medication for my cold sores that has been so effective. I've tried everything! Denavir is amazing. I have struggled with cold sores since I was about 12 years old, getting about two or three per year. My doctor prescribed Denavir last month when I first felt the 'tingle,' and it stopped the blister before it ever developed. I have found a miracle!!!!"
- Ken...
- January 21, 2018
For Cold Sores "I have suffered from occasional fever blisters since childhood. As a teen and adult, they are embarrassing. Stress can do it, and also, if my body is fighting off an illness, which I suppose is stressful for the body. For many years, as soon as I feel the tingling of a new one beginning, I put Denavir on, and it can stop it cold. It is truly an effective drug. Over-the-counter treatments do not work. Denavir does. I ask my doctor for occasional prescriptions just so I always have it in the house, even though I don't get them nearly as often anymore."
- Bos...
- December 14, 2013
For Cold Sores "May be influenced by sun exposure; a dog kissing you on the lips; a stranger kissing you on the mouth; a woman's menstrual cycle. Apply this cream every few hours and at bedtime. It will hasten the healing. Also, applying an ice cube helps."
- jmo...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 7, 2016
For Cold Sores "I have been getting several cold sores a year, and I am not lucky enough to feel that first tingle. I wake up with a full-blown blister! I've tried Abreva and several over-the-counter remedies with no luck. I finally asked my doctor for something stronger, and they prescribed Valtrex. I had no luck with that either. I woke up on a Monday with a huge cold sore blister and took my Valtrex as prescribed with no luck. I saw my doctor again and asked for Denavir because I saw great reviews online. I applied it on Thursday to a very huge and disgusting blister every 2 hours as directed, and by Sunday the cold sore was gone! Normally, it takes me almost 2 full weeks to get rid of one. This is truly my miracle product! However, it is ridiculously expensive."
- Pay...
- May 29, 2017
For Cold Sores "I've had cold sores for as long as I can remember. I always get them when I'm really stressed out. I've had up to 5 at one time. At that point, I finally went to my doctor, who prescribed me Valtrex, which doesn't do much for me. I went to a dermatologist for an unrelated issue, and he asked what I was taking for cold sores (I had one on my lip). He prescribed me Denavir, and it works wonders. Cuts out the pain and itching and reduces healing time drastically! Luckily, I have Tricare, so I have no co-pays for prescriptions. I didn't know it costs so much until I read other reviews! So thankful for my hubby being in the military!"
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 8, 2015
For Cold Sores "I'm only 16, but I've been getting cold sores since I was about 1 1/2 years old. I used to get them at least once every two months, but now that I'm getting older, I get them at least twice a year. I've had so many troubles treating mine with medication and have tried everything!! When I get them, I get them EVERYWHERE. I even have intense scar tissue on my chin from previous infections. Usually, I let it take its natural course, as medicines only seem to make it more painful. But my doctor prescribed Denavir, and I tried it, and at first I was skeptical. I had intense pain at application, but 10 minutes later the swelling was completely gone and I had NO pain. I use it more as a pain reliever than anything else, honestly."
- Jko...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- November 29, 2014
For Cold Sores "In recent years...maybe once every 6 months (during times of extreme stress) I will get a cold sore usually on my chin. It would normally take 2 full weeks to heal, was the size of a quarter. I tried everything, and my Dr. prescribed me this. It's a miracle...plain and simple. It zaps that cold sore in 3 days and immediately starts healing. You will pay through the nose if you don't have insurance, but thank God I do as it's literally $500 for a small tube. My co-pay is still $30, but it's worth every cent!"
- Nic...
- December 16, 2017
For Cold Sores "I developed a very painful cold sore on my lip. Hands down, the most painful cold sore I've had in my life. I couldn't open my mouth or talk without it hurting and stinging. I used Orajel, and it gave me no relief. I went to my doctor two days ago and was prescribed Denavir, and my cold sore is healed. I feel so much better. Would highly recommend this!"
- Jen...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- May 25, 2024
For Cold Sores "I discovered Denavir almost 30 years ago while visiting my dentist. He saw my cold sore & asked if it was recurring in about the same spot. Yes! He prescribed it. NOTHING had ever worked before Denavir. Penciclovir is the ONLY one that works for me THE ONLY ONE. I have no idea why. But it is by far the best for me in how fast it works as soon as I feel the tell-tell signs I am getting one (caused by sickness, stress, overexposure to sun, insomnia, etc.). I have tried ALL other topical creams such as those containing Acyclovir as well as all pills containing Valacyclovir plus every topical cold sore medicine available over-the-counter, and NOTHING has ever worked for me. I rate this medicine a 10 but the prohibitive cost (even with insurance) is ridiculous. I cannot even get a doctor help me get it via a Canadian Rx where it may cost only $50-60 per tube."
- Jac...
- October 13, 2017
For Cold Sores "Mylan now owns Denavir, and they have jacked up the price to US$1,000 a tube. Not worth it. The patent will expire in 2020. I have stopped using it even though my insurance covers this for a $30 co-pay. I have tried taking L-lysine and vitamin C during an outbreak. They worked almost as well. In the US, the over-the-counter Abreva works as well for me. It costs at most $15 a tube. If you are outside of the US, you can easily get generic Acyclovir 5% for less than $10 a tube. Try to reduce stress in your life, exercise, and eat well. You will probably get fewer occurrences."
- Dor...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 23, 2022
For Cold Sores "I don’t know why I get cold sores sometimes, but this is the first time something has truly relieved it. Denavir has helped with the pain and the healing process. I’ve only been using it for 2 days, and now I’ll go back out in public again."
- it ...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- April 1, 2025
For Cold Sores "Love this stuff. Sadly, insurance won’t cover it. $905 at my pharmacy, no way I’m paying that. Was lucky to find it OTC in New Zealand years ago. Bought out the store. 8 tubs for $50 total. Might be worth just flying there and buying more."
- Dan...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- November 15, 2019
For Cold Sores "This drug does work wonders, but as stated here by almost everyone, it is prohibitively expensive. Order it online from Canada, fax them your Rx, it comes from Europe, 3 - 2 oz tubes cost me $113.76."
- Jim...
- February 7, 2017
For Cold Sores "Almost $1,000 for a 5-gram tube! The owners should be ashamed. They'll get rich, and hopefully be able to take all their riches to the grave."
- Hon...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- May 26, 2020
For Cold Sores "I've been using it for years, but can no longer afford it. The cost is over $800.00 and is not covered by my insurance. Why is it so expensive, and why can't we get help from insurance companies?"
- Ter...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- March 29, 2017
For Cold Sores "Denavir is the only medication I've ever found that takes care of a cold sore as soon as you feel the tingle. I just don't understand why a small tube costs almost a thousand dollars!!"
- jga...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- June 18, 2019
For Cold Sores "Excellent if taken early, will completely eliminate getting a cold sore. Abreva is a joke - it does nothing."
- Smi...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 22, 2013
For Cold Sores "Pain is decreased, as well as the time of breakout. Best stuff ever, but very expensive."
- Anonymous
- December 4, 2012
For Cold Sores "I've gotten cold sores since childhood, 40+ years ago. I've tried many remedies, Denavir is by far the best I've ever used, especially when used at the first sign of an outbreak."
- Cor...
- June 16, 2009
For Cold Sores "I have never seen a medicine work so fast and been so efficient with cold sores."
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about Denavir (penciclovir topical)
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For Cold Sores "Best cold sore product available. I've been getting cold sores for years, and each outbreak usually puts me in hiding for at least a week. Denavir usually keeps it from forming into breakouts and cuts breakout times by 2/3. Coupons are available on the company's product site to help defray the substantial costs for the medicine. As someone who has suffered breakouts for years, I'd recommend this product at any price. But it's nice to have a coupon to make it more affordable."