Acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical and Pneumovax 23

• Generic Name: acyclovir / hydrocortisone topical
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Xerese

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection.

Hydrocortisone is a topical (for the skin) steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

The combination of acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical (for the skin) is used to treat cold sores in people who are at least 12 years old.

This medication will not cure or prevent cold sores caused by herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Acyclovir and hydrocortisone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: pneumococcal 23-polyvalent vaccine
• Dosage Forms: injection, solution
• Other Brand Names: Pneumovax 23

Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection caused by a bacteria. Pneumococcal bacteria can infect the sinuses and inner ear. It can also infect the lungs, blood, and brain and these conditions can be fatal.

Pneumococcal polysaccharides vaccine (PPSV) is used to prevent infection caused by pneumococcal bacteria. PPSV contains 23 of the most common types of pneumococcal bacteria.

PPSV works by exposing you to a small dose of the bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes your body to develop immunity to the disease. PPSV will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

PPSV is for use only in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. For children younger than 2 years old, another vaccine called Prevnar (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine [PCV] 7-valent) is used, usually given between the ages of 2 months and 15 months.

Like any vaccine, PPSV may not provide protection from disease in every person.