Zovirax (Aciclovir)

What is Zovirax (Aciclovir)?

Zovirax is a topical antiviral medicine used to treat cold sores in adults. It contains the antiviral ingredient aciclovir.

GlaxoSmithKline owns the brand name Zovirax, though generic aciclovir cream is also available.

With Prescription Doctor's online prescription service, you can order Zovirax online from a UK-regulated pharmacy.

To start your order, fill out the online questionnaire for one of our doctors to review.

If your order is approved before 3pm on a weekday, our pharmacy can dispatch your item the same day via next-day, discreet delivery.

What are Cold Sores? 

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). The virus can easily be transmitted from person to person. Cold sore symptoms appear as small, fluid-filled blisters on the lips or any other area around the face.

When the herpes virus infects the body, it targets nerve cells and tissues around the face, causing the outbreak of cold sores. Although the immune system initially attacks the virus, it does not completely eliminate the virus from the body.

Herpes can reside in nerve cells and body tissue for months or years. However, the virus can resurface and cause recurrent outbreaks when the body is subject to certain triggers like stress, menstruation or excessive exposure to sunlight.

Cold sores, caused by the herpes virus, can be highly contagious. Currently, there is no treatment available to permanently eliminate the herpes virus from the body and prevent cold sore outbreaks. However, antiviral medications can help alleviate symptoms more quickly during an outbreak. 

Treatment should be started immediately to alleviate symptoms such as itching and cold sore blisters, as the condition can be very painful and unsightly.

How Does Zovirax (Aciclovir) Work for Cold Sores?

Zovirax cream contains the active ingredient aciclovir, a potent antiviral agent. After entering HSV-infected cells, aciclovir is converted to aciclovir triphosphate, which inhibits viral DNA replication and slows the virus from multiplying.

Zovirax cream helps improve cold sore symptoms and speed recovery, but it does not prevent the virus from being passed on to another person.

How Long Does it Take for Zovirax (Aciclovir) to Work?

Apply Zovirax cream five times a day for 4 days. If the cold sore has not fully healed, you can use Zovirax for 5 more days. If the cold sore still hasn't healed, stop using Zovirax and consult your doctor. 

How Do I Use Zovirax?

Always wash your hands before and after applying Zovirax.

Apply Zovirax cream at the first signs of a cold sore (such as tingling and itching). Apply a thin layer to the affected area five times a day. Space applications of Zovirax 4 hours apart.

Continue treatment for 4 days. If your cold sore hasn’t healed after this time, you can use the cream for 5 more days. If your cold sore hasn't healed by then, or if your symptoms worsen, seek advice from your doctor.

Zovirax cream is not for use in your mouth, eyes, or vagina. Do not mix Zovirax with anything before use, not even water. 

What Should I Do If I Accidentally Use More Zovirax Cream Than I Should?

If you accidentally use more Zovirax cream than recommended, consult your doctor for advice.

What Should I Do If I or Someone Else Swallows Zovirax Cream?

Zovirax Cream is for use on the skin only. If you swallow any, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Keep the packaging and any remaining medicine so your doctor knows exactly what you have taken.

What Should I Do If I Forget to Use Zovirax Cream When I Should?

If you miss a dose of Zovirax cream, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue using Zovirax cream as usual. Do not apply more Zovirax cream to compensate for a missed dose.

Side Effects and Cautions

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody experiences them. For the full list of Zovirax cream side effects, cautions and drug interactions, read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine or view it online. 

Uncommon side effects include:

• Irritation, such as burning, itching, or stinging, at the application site.
• Mild drying or flaking of the skin

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Zovirax cream can be found within the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Allergies

Do not use Zovirax if you are allergic to aciclovir, valaciclovir, propylene glycol or any other ingredient in this medicine. You can find the full list of Zovirax ingredients in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

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

Other safety information

Before using Zovirax cream, familiarise yourself with the warnings in the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine. Talk to your doctor before using Zovirax cream if you have a condition where your immune system works less well, and your body is less able to fight infections (e.g. if you have HIV or AIDS or if you have had a bone marrow transplant).

Please inform our prescriber of all the medicines you are currently taking, including those prescribed by a doctor, those purchased over the counter, and any herbal treatments.

Store below 25°C, do not refrigerate, and do not use the cream more than one month after first opening the tube.

Do not use Zovirax (aciclovir) cream past the expiry date printed on the label. The date refers to the last day of the specified month.

Never dispose of medicines via household or water waste, as this can harm the environment. Instead, take all unwanted or expired medicines to your local pharmacy and ask them to dispose of them safely for you.

Always store Zovirax cream out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Never share medicines prescribed to you with anybody else - even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.