Efficacy and tolerability of topical foscarnet sodium in treatment of herpes labialis. Results of post-marketing surveillance

Background and Objective. Aim of this post-marketing surveillance study was to generate further data on efficacy and tolerability of foscarnet sodium cream 2% in patients with recurrent herpes labialis in daily routine practice. Design and Methods. 90 outpatients with recurrent herpes labialis were instructed to apply the antiviral cream to the lesions according to package insert for up to 10 days. Symptoms were recorded before beginning of treatment, after three days, and at the end of treatment. Results. Paresthesia and swelling as well as the number of vesicles were reduced after three days of observation, and were improved by about 90% at the end of treatment. Erosions and crust formation also improved markedly. Efficacy as well as tolerability were evaluated as positive by the majority of physicians and patients. No adverse reactions were reported. Conclusions. Foscarnet sodium 2% cream is an effective and safe medication for the treatment of recurrent labial herpes in daily routine practice of dermatologists.