According to statistics, approximately 85% of the world's population are carriers of the herpes virus. Herpes is often manifested by blistering, itchy rashes on the lip. This is an unpleasant phenomenon, which I always want to get rid of quickly. Traditionally, the treatment of herpes on the lips is carried out with local drugs, namely various antiviral gels and ointments. Many people choose Viru Merz for this purpose. Consider the drug, its contraindications and side effects, analogues and reviews. And also consider the instructions for the “Viru Merz”.
Description and composition of the drug
It is an antiviral drug for topical use. It is produced in the form of a gel of a transparent color, which is important in the treatment of herpes on the lips, since the drug leaves no residue after application.
The gel is made in Germany and dispensed without a prescription from a doctor. The drug is packaged in aluminum tubes of 5 grams. The antiviral effect of Viru Merz is provided by its active substance thromantadine. Auxiliary components in the gel are lactose monohydrate, a 70% solution of sorbitol and methyl parahydroxybenzoate. The basis of the gel is purified water.
Thromantadine is active against the first and second type of herpes, that is, herpes simplex viruses, which are the most infectious and tenacious forms of the disease. HSV of the first type is usually localized on the skin and mucous membranes of the upper body, most often affecting the lips, mouth and nose. HSV of the second type manifests itself in the genital area, provoking the appearance of so-called genital herpes. Pathology is accompanied by itching and burning, as well as rashes in the form of vesicles in the anus and genitals. The price of Viru Merz will be presented below.
Properties of the drug
Due to the properties of the gel in the treatment of the first and second type of herpes, itching and burning are eliminated, pain is relieved, and the time of the course of the disease is significantly reduced and local immunity is increased. When applying the gel at the initial stage of the disease, that is, during the first few hours, when only itching and redness occurs, a complete relief of the development of herpes pathology is possible.
We should not forget about the third form of herpes - the so-called Varicella-Zoster virus, which provokes the appearance of chicken pox and complications in the form of herpes zoster. As a rule, this disease, characteristic of children, sometimes proceeds in a latent form without external manifestations. The instruction for use with Viru Merz confirms this.
It is possible, however, and the severe course of Varicella-Zoster disease, when the eyes, mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, ears, skin on the neck and face are affected. The disease is manifested by clusters of small red vesicles with serous fluid inside. Without specific antiviral therapy, the course of the disease can be up to one month. Independent recovery is possible only in case of very strong immunity.
In the treatment of herpes zoster gel shows the following qualities:
1. Reducing the volume of damage to the skin with a decrease in the number of rashes.
2. Reducing the risk of complications.
3. Shortening the recovery period.
4. Relief of the patient.
Is Viru Merz always effective and safe?
Drug effectiveness
The effectiveness of the treatment of herpes of any type will be much higher if you start treatment in a timely manner, avoiding the development of complications. It should be borne in mind that it is not possible to completely eliminate herpes from the body to date, such drugs have not yet been developed. Therefore, the treatment of the virus consists in the effective and quick elimination of the symptoms of herpes and an increase in the intensity of the recovery process. The use of the Viru-Merz gel at the first signs of the disease helps to suspend its development and avoid the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms.
The active component of the gel after application reduces the rate of attachment of the virus to the surface of the cell membrane, which helps to prevent the penetration of the pathogen inside. In addition, the gel affects the production of glycoproteins, and also prevents the adhesion of cells, which makes it possible to prevent the spread of the virus on the surface of the skin.
Drug safety
According to the instructions for use of the Viru-Merz gel, the drug has only a local effect, without penetrating the systemic circulation and without affecting the human body as a whole. After using the gel, the active component is not found in the composition of urine and blood, which indicates its complete safety. In addition, such properties significantly reduce the risk of developing adverse reactions to the drug, as well as intoxication. Despite the relative safety of the drug, it is not recommended to use it in childhood. Also prohibited is its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the lack of clinical data on this issue.
In addition, contraindications for the use of Viru Merz are an individual reaction to the components of the gel, as well as an allergy. Very rarely, against the background of the use of the drug, such a side effect as contact dermatitis can appear. The price of Viru Merz is quite reasonable.
Gel Instructions
The gel is applied to the affected areas of the skin with a thin layer. The number of applications in one day can reach five times. In advanced cases, more frequent application may be required, which is also permissible. The gel must be lightly rubbed during application.
Analogues of a drug
If the drug does not give a visible effect two days after the start of treatment, you should abandon its use and choose an analogue. A specialist should change the drug, since another drug may have a number of contraindications. The most popular analogues of Viru-Merts are Acyclovir, Zovirax, Panavir, Gerpevir, Pencivir, etc. These drugs have the same properties, but they contain other active components.
Strengthening the therapeutic effect of the use of the gel can be achieved by using it along with taking acyclovir-based tablets. There is no other data on the interaction of the gel with other drugs.
If we are talking about the treatment of genital herpes, it should be remembered that therapy should be carried out by both sexual partners. Otherwise, the risk of reinfection is very high.
Another important rule - the gel is not applied to the mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth.
Reviews about this tool
People who suffer from the manifestations of the herpes virus describe Viru-Merz gel as an effective and fast-acting remedy that eliminates manifestations of pathology, especially rashes on the lips. The advantages of the drug are as follows:
1. The effectiveness of the therapy.
2. Quick relief of soreness and itching.
3. The invisibility of the gel due to its transparency.
4. Lack of a specific smell.
5. The relatively low cost of the drug.
6. Availability in almost all pharmacies.
Negative drug reviews
There are also negative reviews of Viru Merz. In about every fifth case, the gel does not have the desired effect. It does not prevent the development of the disease and does not relieve the symptoms. Also, a number of complaints receive a short shelf life of the drug - only six months after opening the tube.
In addition, a significant drawback is the presence of a preservative in the gel - methyl parahydroxybenzoate, which, in addition to having an antiseptic effect, is included in the category of parabens, which often cause allergic reactions.
Many who are faced with herpes are faced with the choice of an effective and efficient drug for relieving symptoms of its manifestation. The selection of the drug can be long, but sooner or later a suitable remedy will be found. And it is possible that it will be precisely Viru Merz.