The only thing that truly works. You HAVE to use it ASAP!!!!!!

Several days ago I noticed the telltale tingling/bump that signaled a cold sore coming on. I couldn't find the Abreva I had bought long ago and never used; by the time I found the tube about fourteen hours had passed since I first noticed the tingle and slight bump. It hadn't become an unsightly blister yet, though. I was pretty diligent about application and even slathered it on at night and covered it with a band aid so that the cream would not rub off overnight. The sore never really worsened or blistered out. It remained barely noticeable and now is definitely on the way out after four days. The tube is tiny and the price is high, but worth it to me to not look horrible for a week or two. I think the tube will last through two to three breakouts. If I truly apply it at the first sign, I imagine it'll work even better. I do wish it contained some sort of pain/itch relieving ingredient; however, as it does nothing to make the sore more comfortable other than prevent its growth.

I had been suffering with fever blisters since age 18 (I'm 33 now). Probably had an outbreak on average once every 2 months. I would get large cluster of blisters on the upper lip spread up to my nose. Very noticeable and embarassing, and the blisters would last minimum 2 weeks. Since using Abreva, outbreaks have STOPPED cold. The key is to use the product the second you feel the first tingle. Works EVERY time. Highly recommended!

Does not work and isn't worth the money! I used it as directed and now I have 2 cold sores instead of the usual one! It has also made my lip very swollen. I suggest you try something else and save your money.

Cold sores are painful and embarrassing. I get them on my nose. I bought "Abreva" for the first time when I discovered that I had run out of the prescription medication. Anyone who's ever had a cold sore knows that a quick response is key to arresting the virus. To my surprise, "Abreva" did just that; it stopped the cold sore in its tracks! I haven't gone back to the prescription because this over-the-counter works. JUST REMEMBER: Catch the cold sore before the blisters appear. At first tingle, apply this product and you're likely to stop the cold sore before it develops.

One thing to understand about this product is that it is the best product you can get over the counter! As long as you come to terms with this, you'll be fine. It's most effective when used immediately and can have the opposite effects on some people. It basically tries to freeze your cold sores so it can leave your lips bleeding and painful if treated too late or are prone to really dry lips. If you have dry lips you may even have a safer chance with lysine ointment. But I love this product when I use it at the first sign. I also put it on before eating seafood as a preventive measure. I think it's worth trying for mild cases but for severe ones, you're better off shelling more cash out for prescription strength. Still recommend it though.

While I think this product is overpriced, I have to admit that it works. The key to dramatic improvement in healing is getting the stuff on there as soon as you feel a sore coming. The times I was able to apply it immediately, are the times a sore barely even formed and then only lasted a few days. If I were not able to apply it so quickly--say a few hours later--the sore would develop, as normal, but the duration and severity of the sore would definitely be reduced. It's worth a try. Nothing else has worked for me. I have never used a prescription for cold sores, so that may actually be better.

I think that this is the kind of product that either works for you or it doesn't. I'm sure it depends on the person. For me the product worked just as well as the prescription of "Denavir" that I got from my doctor--it shorted the healing time about 2 days. Like most of the people who have left reviews, I have also had cold sores most of my adult life. Try the product; it just might help.

This product is such a waste of money. I tried it EXACTLY as instructed and it did nothing. Then I got some real help - my doctor gave me a prescription for Zovirax cream. This is the only product that helped with that itching and burning sensation. This last time I used the Zovirax cream my cold sore disappeared in 3 days, much faster than the Abreva- which did nothing for the itching and burning. Don't waste your money, ask your doctor for a prescription. You'll be money ahead.

I've been using Abreva for about 2 1/2 years now. I've had cold sores fairly regularly since childhood (I'm 24) and tried many products, supplements, etc. Abreva is my product of choice from now on, and I heartily recommend it to friends. I admit, the first few times (sores) I used Abreva, I didn't notice any change. Then after three or four uses, it started to noticeably shorten the healing time. Cold sores that would last 2 weeks and spread down my chin are now limited to the corner of my mouth and last only 5 - 6 days. My advice to those who state they had no luck and regret spending the money: hang in there! Give Abreva a chance or even two or three. Abreva also stops the itchiness and tingling. My only gripe is that it dries the cold sores out so much that they sometimes crack and bleed.