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Zovirax® Cr 5% (Acyclovir) Cream for Cold Sores
Price range: $116.99 through $172.99
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What Zovirax® Is and How It Works
Zovirax® Cr 5% is a prescription antiviral cream that contains acyclovir 5%. It is used to treat cold sores (herpes labialis) on the lips and face in adults and adolescents as directed by a prescriber. Many patients ask about Zovirax Cr 5% without insurance, and YouDrugstore offers Canadian pricing to help manage out-of-pocket costs. Zovirax® works by blocking viral DNA replication in herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), which helps limit lesion growth and supports faster healing when started early.
YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba that meets Canadian pharmacy standards. Prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing, and you can order online with friendly customer-service chat available during posted office hours. We also work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to source authentic brand medications and keep choices broad and pricing competitive.
Dosage and Usage
Follow your prescriber’s directions and the product leaflet. For cold sores treated with acyclovir cream, typical use starts at the first sign of tingling, itching, or redness, and continues through the blister stage.
- Apply a thin layer to the affected area five times daily (about every 4 hours while awake) for 4 days.
- Use a small amount and cover the sore and a small margin of nearby skin.
- Start at the prodrome stage for best results, but treatment can begin after blisters appear.
- Wash hands before and after application. Consider disposable cotton applicators to avoid touching lesions.
- Do not use inside the eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals; the cream is for external skin only.
- Do not share the tube to reduce the risk of spreading HSV.
Missed application:
- Apply as soon as remembered, then continue the regular schedule.
- Do not double the amount to make up for a missed application.
Storage and travel tips:
- Store at 15–25°C (59–77°F). Keep the cap tightly closed. Do not freeze.
- Keep out of reach of children and away from direct heat or sunlight.
- When you travel, keep the tube in your carry-on and a small zip bag to prevent leaks.
- Check the expiry date before use. Do not use expired product.
Benefits and Savings
Zovirax® Cr 5% helps shorten healing time for cold sores when started early. Many people also report reduced pain and tingling within the first day of use. The cream is applied only where needed and has minimal systemic absorption, which limits drug interactions.
Ordering from YouDrugstore is straightforward, with US shipping and clear pricing. Compared with typical US retail costs, many customers save 60–80% on prescription antivirals. We are a trusted choice if purchasing without insurance, and our team can help you compare brand and generic options when available. Customer-service chat can assist during posted office hours.
Side Effects and Safety
Most people tolerate acyclovir cream well. Because application is local, side effects are usually limited to the skin where the cream is applied.
- Common: mild burning or stinging, dryness, flaking, itching, redness.
- Less common: cracked lips, skin irritation, tingling.
- Allergic reactions are rare but can include swelling, rash, hives, or worsening irritation.
Stop use and seek medical attention for severe rash, facial swelling, or trouble breathing. Avoid eye contact; if it happens, rinse thoroughly with water. People with very frequent or severe outbreaks, or those who are immunocompromised, should ask their prescriber whether systemic therapy is needed in addition to topical treatment. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, discuss risks and benefits with a healthcare professional. Acyclovir has minimal absorption from the skin, but medical guidance is still recommended.
For broader cautions about medicine use in kidney or liver disease when oral antivirals are considered, see our article Drug Caveats With Liver And Kidney Disease.
Onset Time
When started at the first sign of a cold sore, Zovirax® Cr 5% can reduce symptoms within about a day. The average reduction in healing time is modest, often around half a day to a day, and varies by how early treatment starts and the severity of the outbreak. Continue the full 4-day course, even if symptoms improve sooner.
Compare With Alternatives
Other options for herpes labialis include non-prescription docosanol 10% cream, penciclovir 1% prescription cream (availability varies by region), and oral antivirals. Topical options are applied directly to lesions; oral options treat the whole body and may be preferred for severe or frequent episodes.
Oral valacyclovir can shorten cold sore duration when started early. Talk with a prescriber about whether an oral antiviral like Valtrex® is appropriate, especially if outbreaks are frequent. For patients who need a thicker formulation or different dosing, Zovirax® Oint 5 may be discussed with a prescriber.
Each approach has pros and cons. Cream is convenient and focused on the lesion. Ointment is more occlusive. Oral therapy is systemic and may be better for recurrent or severe cases.
Combination Therapy
Some patients use supportive care alongside acyclovir cream. Simple measures may improve comfort and reduce triggers. Examples include lip balms with sunscreen, avoiding excessive sun or wind exposure, and using analgesics for pain as advised by a clinician. In frequent recurrences, a prescriber may recommend episodic or suppressive oral antivirals with or without topical therapy.
Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips
Zovirax® Cr 5% is commonly used for adults and adolescents with cold sores who can use a topical antiviral. It is not for the eyes or inside the mouth or nose, and should not be used by anyone allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir. People with very frequent outbreaks, or those with weakened immune systems, should speak with a clinician about oral options and prevention strategies.
If budgeting for treatment, Canadian pharmacy pricing often helps compared with US retail. Multi-month supplies may lower the per-month cost, and occasional bulk promotions can improve value further. You can turn on reorder reminders in your account so you never run short. If cost is a barrier, check our current offers; see the Zovirax Cr 5% coupon page for promotions and bulk options.
Explore condition resources to learn more about triggers and management in Cold Sores and broader herpes topics in Herpes. These pages can support discussions with your healthcare professional. If paying out of pocket, many customers choose Canadian pharmacies for Zovirax Cr 5% no insurance purchases to control expenses.
Authoritative Sources
For detailed prescribing information, see trusted resources:
- Health Canada Drug Product Database: Zovirax Cream 5%
- DailyMed: Acyclovir Cream 5% (Zovirax) Prescribing Information
Order from YouDrugstore with confidence. As a licensed Canadian pharmacy, we review prescriptions carefully and ship to the US with prompt, express, cold-chain shipping options where needed. Our team is here to help with questions about ordering, storage, and travel.
This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the product leaflet. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, seek medical care.
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Do I need a prescription for Zovirax Cr 5% cream?
Yes. Zovirax Cr 5% is a prescription antiviral cream. YouDrugstore requires a valid prescription, and our licensed pharmacists review it before dispensing. You can upload your script during checkout, email it, or have your clinic fax it. Customer-service chat is available during posted office hours.
How do I use Zovirax Cr 5% for a cold sore?
Start at the first sign of a tingle or redness if advised by your prescriber. Apply a thin layer to the lesion five times daily for 4 days, washing hands before and after. Do not use in the eyes or inside the mouth or nose. Do not share the tube.
How fast does Zovirax cream work?
Many people notice reduced tingling or pain within about a day, especially if treatment starts early. On average, healing time may be shortened by roughly half a day to a day. Complete the full 4-day course unless directed otherwise by your healthcare professional.
Can I get Zovirax Cr 5% without insurance?
Yes. You can buy at Canadian prices through YouDrugstore. Many customers save 60–80% versus typical US pharmacy pricing. Pay by major credit card. We ship to the US and provide receipts if you track medical expenses. Our team can discuss brand and generic choices when available.
What side effects should I watch for with acyclovir cream?
Most effects are mild and local, like burning, stinging, dryness, or redness. Stop and seek care if you get severe rash, facial swelling, or breathing trouble. Avoid eye contact. If irritation worsens or lesions do not improve, contact a healthcare professional for guidance.
What is the difference between Zovirax cream and ointment?
Both contain acyclovir 5%. The cream is commonly used for cold sores on the lips and face. The ointment is thicker and sometimes chosen for certain skin sites based on prescriber advice. Dosing schedules differ, so follow your clinician and the product leaflet for each form.