If you’ve ever had a cold sore; you know the pain, frustration, and discomfort that comes along with it. Figuring out how to cure it can be just as frustrating. It’s easy to head out to find the best solution, just to be left standing in the aisle, scratching your head, and ultimately making a choice based on the package or the price.
Looks can be deceiving, especially with all the choices and sophisticated packaging that can be found in the cold sore category. In a recent survey, which asked 1,000 American adults, ages 18 and older about how closely they pay attention to the ingredients of “look-alike” treatments, it revealed 66 percent of Americans believe that when “look-alike treatments” have the same or similar packaging as the name-brand treatment, that it is likely that they have the same ingredients. Additionally, 93 percent of Americans admit to purchasing the “look-alike treatments” in the past solely because they are less expensive.
As an example, the FDA recently issued a warning letter to a marketer and distributor of a product containing Benzalkonium Chloride whose label claims that it heals
cold sores. In the letter issued in early May, the FDA asserts that the active ingredient, Benzalkonium Chloride, is not indicated for treating or healing cold sores.
The real truth is… that not all medicines are the same. This is often a myth and misconception that many consumers believe – especially when it comes to saving a few bucks.
Tips on How to Spot an Imposter (Abreva vs. Look-Alike)
Pharmacist and pharmacy chain store owner Pam Marquess, Pharm.D, a GSK spokesperson provides these great tips on how to look at ingredients and tell which is the imposter – from the perspective of a pharmacist:
• Look at the Drug Facts of both products:
o What are the active ingredients?
o Which one contains docosonal?
o If the active ingredient is not docosonal, the product does not heal cold sores
• Am I really saving in the long run by buying the look-alike product that does not heal cold sores?
All cold sore products are not the same. If you suffer from cold sores or have a family member or close friend who does, it is important to know whether you are buying a brand product that heals vs. a look-alike product that does not.
GIVEAWAY
3 LUCKY READERS ON THE MOMMY-FILES WILL WIN A TUBE OF ABREVA!!!
WIN IT!!! (MANDATORY ENTRY)
– Answer these two questions in a comment
o When “look-alike treatments” have the same or similar packaging as the name-brand treatment, is it likely that they have the same ingredients?
o Have you ever purchased a “look-alike treatment” in the past solely because it was less expensive?
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RULES
– Contest will close at 11:59 p.m. PST on Sunday, July 8th, 2012! Any entries after this time will be deleted!
– Contest open to U.S. residents only.
This was a compensated post from our friends at Abreva. The giveaway was sponsored by Abreva. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine.
No and no.
I think they do, and I have bought some look alikes in the past that work okay, but it’s not true for everything.
I ONCE DID BUY ANOTHER BRAND, THINKING THE PACKAGING LOOKED SIMILAR AND IT MADE THE SAME PROMISES,BUT I LEARNED QUICKLY TO NOT BE DECEIVED. SIMILAR PACKAGE DOES NOT MEAN SIMILAR RESULTS =( ABREVA IS THE BEST!
THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY AND WISH ME LUCK!
usually they have the same ingredients but i do look at the ingredients list. i have purchased the cvs brand because it was cheaper and someone had recommended it
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Sometimes they have exactly the same ingredients (especially when there’s only one or two like aspirin and such) and yes I’ve chosen the lesser expensive item many times
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They might NOT have the same ingredients, so I always look (and thus haven’t purchased one that has different ingredients).
Yes, they can have the same ingredients but not always. And yes, I have used a lower priced brand only to find out it doesn’t always work as well.
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No to the first question, and yes to the second. And I have regretted buying a less expensive product. What’s the use in saving money if the product is disappointing and less effective.
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yes they prob have same ingrediants and i always buy the cheaper price not name brand.
i always thought they had the same ingredients but i guess not and yes i have bought the cheaper look alike version before
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Sometimes the look alike will say ‘same active ingredients as—“, then I will buy it if it’s much cheaper.
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Yes and yes. That’s why you can buy generic drugs over the counter.
I assume that they do, but I do read first. Ihave bought cheapper look a like in the past
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No, and yes. Sometimes product can be a bit pricey so we will ofen go for a cheaper brand. sweepmorey at gmail dot com
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When “look-alike treatments” have the same or similar packaging as the name-brand treatment, is it likely that they have the same ingredients?
I look for the “has same active ingredient as more expensive product” on package. If it does have that then I assume it has the same ingredients.
Have you ever purchased a “look-alike treatment” in the past solely because it was less expensive?
YES, I have purchase the less expensive products if it does have same active ingredient.
I think they most likely will have the same ingredients. I always buy non name brands if their cheaper.
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I’m not sure look-alike treatments have the ingredients as the name-brand treatment
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Nope. Especially now that I’m a mom, I would always go for the brand that has already been tried and tested. I can’t take the risk. Cold sores can be painful, itchy, and irritating. Every minute counts..