Aciclovir cream

What is Aciclovir Cream?

Aciclovir cream is a topical cream, used to treat cold sores, which contains an antiviral called aciclovir.

It is the generic alternative to Zovirax cream, which is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

With Prescription Doctor, you can safely buy aciclovir cream online following an online consultation. To begin your order, simply fill out our online medical questionnaire for one of our doctors to review.

If your order is approved before 3pm on a weekday, our UK regulated pharmacy will dispense your medicine and dispatch aciclovir cream to your door via a discreet, next-day delivery.

---

What are cold sores? 

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) which can also be passed on to and from the genital areas, through oral sex. Cold sores appear as small fluid filled blisters on the lips or surrounding areas of the face.

When the herpes virus infects the body, it targets the nerve cells and tissues around the face which causes the outbreak of cold sores. Although the immune system attacks the virus initially, the body doesn't completely get rid of the virus.

Herpes virus can lay dormant in nerve cells and tissue for months or years and resurface, occasionally causing recurrent outbreaks when the body is exposed to triggers. Some common triggers for recurrent outbreaks are stress, menstruation or sunlight exposure.

The herpes virus, which causes cold sores, can easily be passed on to other people. There is currently no cure to permanently remove the herpes virus from the body and prevent cold sore outbreaks, but there are antiviral medicines that can treat symptoms and speed up healing during an outbreak.

Treatment should be started immediately to improve symptoms like itching, painful and unsightly cold sores.

---

How does Aciclovir Cream work?

The antiviral agent aciclovir, prevents the herpes virus from multiplying in the tissues and nerve cells of the body. 

Infected cells convert aciclovir to aciclovir triphosphate which inhibits an enzyme the virus uses to make copies of itself. This allows the immune system to fight the virus into remission. While aciclovir cream helps to improve the recovery time of a flare up, it doesn't prevent the spread of herpes.

---

How do I use Aciclovir Cream?

It is advisable to start using aciclovir cream as soon as the infection begins.

Hands should be washed before and after applying the medicine.

Aciclovir cream should be applied on the affected skin and surrounding areas only.

Do not apply aciclovir cream in the mouth, nose or eyes.

If you or someone else accidentally swallows aciclovir cream, seek immediate medical attention by going straight to your nearest accident and emergency department.

The affected area should be clean and dry before applying the medicine.

Apply aciclovir cream 5 times a day, leaving 4 hours between doses, for 5 days.

If there are no improvements after 5 days, the medicine can be used for a further 5 days. If there is no improvement in your symptoms after 10 days of using aciclovir cream, stop using the cream and speak to your doctor.

What should I do if I accidentally use more aciclovir than I should?

If you accidentally use more aciclovir cream than you should, or accidentally swallow the cream, seek immediate medical attention by going straight to the nearest accident and emergency department. Remember to take the packaging and any remaining medicine with you so the doctors know exactly what you took.

What should I do if I forget to use aciclovir cream when I should?

If you miss your dose of aciclovir cream, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Continue to apply the remaining doses for the day, giving at least 4-hour intervals between doses. Do not apply more aciclovir cream to make up for the missed dose.

---

Side effects and cautions

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody experiences them. For a full list of aciclovir cream side effects, cautions and drug interactions, read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Side effects

Uncommon side effects include:

• Irritation of the skin (burning, itching, stinging)
• Mild drying or flaking of the skin

These side effects usually go away on their own.

If you experience any side effects when using aciclovir cream, regardless of whether they are listed above or in the patient information leaflet, speak to your doctor.

Allergies

Do not use aciclovir cream if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, which you can find in the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

If you experience the signs of an allergic reaction, stop using Aciclovir cream and seek medical attention immediately.

Signs of an allergic reaction may include a rash, itching, weal, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat and eyes, difficulty breathing and swallowing.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Tell your doctor or pharmacist before using aciclovir if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Cautions

Further information regarding the safety of this medicine can be found in the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Always store medicines out of the sight and reach of children.

Please inform our prescriber of the medicines you are currently taking, including prescribed, over the counter and herbal treatments.

---

Table of contents

What is Aciclovir cream?

What are cold sores?

How does Aciclovir cream work?

How do I use Aciclovir cream?

Side effects and cautions