Aciclovir

What is Aciclovir?

Aciclovir is an antiviral medicine. 

It treats infections caused by the herpes virus, including;

• Cold sores around the mouth
• Genital herpes

In people with frequent outbreaks, Aciclovir is used to reduce future episodes. 

Aciclovir works by inhibiting a protein in the body that the virus uses to replicate itself and cause further infection.

By limiting the virus's ability to multiply, the immune system can fight the infection more effectively, treating the symptoms faster.

Even if you treat genital herpes with Aciclovir, you may still experience future outbreaks which will require further treatment.

Click here to learn more about Aciclovir.

Where can I buy treatment for herpes?

When you have an outbreak of herpes, you need treatment as soon as possible. With Prescription Doctor, you can get your medicine delivered as quickly as the next day if your order is approved by one of our doctors before 3 pm, Monday to Friday.

Our online doctor will assess your suitability and, if appropriate, issue a prescription for our UK-based pharmacy to fulfil.

We take your privacy seriously at Prescription Doctor, which is why our pharmacy will package your item in discreet packaging, which does not indicate its contents.

What is herpes?

Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection estimated to affect one in ten people in the UK.

There are two variations of the herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2; HSV-2 is mainly associated with genital herpes.

• HSV-1 most often causes infections of the mouth and lips, called cold sores or "blisters." You may get fewer outbreaks. It can spread to the genital area during oral sex and cause genital herpes. If HSV-1 spreads to the genital area, it is still HSV-1.
• HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes. It is spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. HSV-2 can spread to the mouth during oral sex. If HSV-2 spreads to the mouth or lips during oral sex, it is still HSV-2.

Once you are infected with herpes, the virus lies dormant in your body and may cause episodic outbreaks of symptoms from time to time. However, these outbreaks may not be predictable and may happen months or years apart.

During acute infection, unpleasant symptoms may appear. After this initial outbreak, future outbreaks tend to produce less severe symptoms.

For recurrent herpes infections, treatments such as Aciclovir can suppress the virus and beat it into remission, improving symptoms and preventing the virus from spreading.

Based on figures from 2018, it is estimated that more than two-thirds of adults under 50 carry the herpes simplex virus. Some people may not know they have herpes as they may not show symptoms and are unlikely to visit their doctor to get diagnosed.

To know more about genital herpes, please visit NHS Herpes Guide. 

How can I prevent genital herpes?

You can protect yourself from genital herpes by practising safe sex. This means:

• Always wearing a condom.
• Get tested for herpes. 
• Refraining from sex if your partner has blisters or sores or any indication that than outbreak is coming on.
• Avoid sharing sex toys.

While condoms offer adequate protection against most STIs, they may not be as effective at preventing genital herpes unless they cover the affected area.

Once infected with a herpes virus, the virus may lay dormant in your body. You may not notice any symptoms for weeks, months or sometimes even years.

However, you may experience recurrent outbreaks, where your symptoms worsen for a short while.

These outbreaks can be triggered by:

• Friction around the genitals (from tight clothing or sex)
• Having a period
• Having a weakened immune system
• Illness
• Surgery around the genital area
• Ultraviolet light exposure

If you are unsure what steps are most appropriate to take to prevent an outbreak of genital herpes, speak to your doctor for advice.

What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

Symptoms of genital herpes are:

• Blisters around genitals, anus, thighs or buttocks
• Itching or burning sensation around your genitals
• Pain when urinating
• Vaginal discharge in women

If you are experiencing these symptoms for the first time, it's important that you speak to your doctor in person. They will be able to advise the most suitable treatment for you based on your medical history.

If you are experiencing a recurrent infection, you can order Aciclovir for genital herpes online from Prescription Doctor following a short online consultation. One of our online doctors can ensure Aciclovir is safe for you and issue a prescription for our UK-based pharmacy to fulfil.

Visit WebMD for pictures and facts about STDs.

Aciclovir is not suitable for some people

Aciclovir can be taken by most adults. 

To make sure Aciclovir is safe for you, tell our online prescriber if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to Aciclovir or any other medicine in the past
• have kidney problems
• are over 65 years old
• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding

If your immune system is weakened (for example, if you have HIV or AIDS or had a bone marrow transplant), talk to our online clinician about the best type of Aciclovir. 

Aciclovir is also available in a cream. 

Aciclovir side effects and cautions

All medicines carry the risk of side effects. It is important to read the patient information leaflet enclosed in your medication packaging before you begin taking any medication.

If you are concerned about any side effects of the prescribed treatment, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Some side effects of Aciclovir include:

• Abdominal pain
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Hair loss
• Headache
• Nausea
• Rash
• Sore throat
• Vertigo
• Vomiting
• Weakness

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

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant soon or are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before taking Aciclovir for genital herpes.

Frequently asked questions