Zovirax Cr 5%® Topical Cream for Cold Sores and Herpes Lesions

What Zovirax® Cr 5% Is and How It Works

Zovirax Cr 5% is a prescription acyclovir 5% topical cream used on herpes simplex lesions, including cold sores on the lips and around the mouth. Many people look for Zovirax Cr 5% without insurance, and you can buy Zovirax Cr 5% online through our pharmacy service. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We also partner with vetted international pharmacies when needed to supply authentic brand medicines at fair prices across a wide selection.

Acyclovir is a nucleoside analog antiviral. Viral thymidine kinase activates acyclovir inside infected cells. The active triphosphate then inhibits herpes viral DNA polymerase and blocks replication. Topical use limits systemic exposure and targets the outbreak site. The cream is usually applied five times daily during waking hours. Starting at the first sign of tingling, burning, or redness often improves results. Zovirax cream shortens healing time and reduces pain, but it does not eliminate the virus or prevent future outbreaks. For education about the condition, see our Cold Sores page.

Dosage and Usage

• Start treatment at the earliest symptom of a cold sore (tingling, itching, or redness).
• Wash and dry your hands and the affected skin before each application.
• Apply a thin layer to the lesion and surrounding margin. Do not rub hard.
• Typical dosing for cold sores: apply five times daily, about every 3–4 hours while awake, for 4 days.
• Use for the full course even if the lesion improves sooner.
• Do not apply inside the mouth, nose, or eyes. For external use only.
• Do not cover with an occlusive dressing unless your prescriber advises it.
• Wash your hands after application, and do not share the tube.
• If directed by your clinician, a small external genital lesion may be treated, but many genital outbreaks require oral antivirals.
• Missed dose: apply when remembered, then continue the regular schedule. Do not double up or over-apply.

Storage and travel

• Store at room temperature, 15–25 °C (59–77 °F).
• Keep the cap tightly closed. Do not freeze.
• Protect from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
• When you travel, keep the tube in your carry-on bag and in the original carton.
• Do not leave the cream in a parked car or near heaters.
• Check the expiry date and avoid using if the seal is broken.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Using Zovirax cream at the first sign can shorten healing by about half a day to one day for recurrent cold sores, and may reduce pain and viral shedding. Topical treatment focuses on the outbreak site and is convenient to carry. Many patients choose the brand for consistent texture and feel, while others prefer a generic acyclovir 5% cream to lower the Zovirax Cr 5% cost.

Ordering from Canada often delivers 60–80% savings vs typical U.S. prices. This can help if you are paying out of pocket or want Zovirax Cr 5% without insurance. Multi-month supplies and occasional bulk promotions can further lower your per-month spend, and you can set gentle reorder reminders in your account. For deals, see our Zovirax Cr 5% coupon page.

You can purchase Zovirax Cr 5% online, compare the Zovirax Cr 5% price with the acyclovir generic, and watch for a limited-time Zovirax Cr 5% discount, deal, sale, or offer when available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Application-site burning or stinging
• Mild redness or irritation
• Dryness, flaking, or itching
• Chapped lips at the margin of the lesion
• Headache (uncommon)
• Nausea or unusual taste if product contacts the mouth

Serious effects are rare with topical use. Stop the cream and seek medical attention if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling of the face or lips, trouble breathing, or widespread hives. Do not use on the eyes. If a lesion is close to the eye or you have severe or frequent outbreaks, ask your prescriber about oral therapy. If pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare professional.

Onset Time

Some people notice less tingling or burning within 24 hours. Cold sores often crust by day 3–4 and heal within 4–7 days. Starting late (after blisters fully form) may reduce the benefit. For genital lesions treated topically, improvement may take several days, and oral antivirals may be preferred for faster, more reliable outcomes in many cases.

Compare With Alternatives

Oral antivirals treat the whole body and can be useful for severe or frequent recurrences. Valacyclovir converts to acyclovir in the body and is taken by mouth, often as short course dosing at the first sign of a cold sore. You can compare with Valtrex® and generic valacyclovir to see if oral therapy fits your plan.

Topical forms differ, too. Acyclovir ointment is greasier and is sometimes used on certain mucocutaneous lesions when directed by a clinician. If you need a more occlusive option, review Zovirax® Oint 5 and discuss which texture you prefer. Over-the-counter docosanol is another topical choice for early cold sore symptoms, though it is not a prescription antiviral.

Combination Therapy

• Pair topical Zovirax cream with an oral antiviral (acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir) for severe or frequent outbreaks as prescribed.
• Use simple analgesics for pain relief if needed, per your clinician’s guidance.
• Apply a bland moisturizer or lip balm between doses to reduce dryness.
• Use a broad-spectrum lip sunscreen daily to help reduce UV-triggered recurrences.
• Avoid topical steroid creams on cold sores unless specifically prescribed.
• Do not duplicate antivirals (for example, two acyclovir products) without guidance.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This cream suits adults and adolescents who have small, localized herpes simplex lesions, especially recurrent cold sores. Do not use if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir. People with eczema, severely inflamed skin, or suspected bacterial infection at the site should seek advice before using a topical antiviral. Immunocompromised patients often need oral therapy and close medical follow-up.

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should review options with their clinician. Do not apply in or around the eyes. If lesions extend onto mucosal surfaces inside the mouth, seek advice about oral therapy. For frequent outbreaks, your prescriber may discuss preventive oral dosing instead of spot treatment with cream.

To manage the Zovirax Cr 5% price, consider the acyclovir 5% generic for a lower Zovirax Cr 5% cash price. Ordering a multi-month supply when appropriate can reduce shipping costs per tube. Watch for a Zovirax Cr 5% discount, sale, or offer on our site, and bundle other prescriptions to save on delivery. Account settings let you set reorder reminders so you do not run out. These approaches help if you are paying Zovirax Cr 5% no insurance or out of pocket.

Authoritative Sources

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Acyclovir Cream 5%

FDA DailyMed: Acyclovir Cream 5% Label

Order Zovirax® from Youdrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine.