Zovirax® Cream for Cold Sores

Zovirax cream is a topical antiviral used for cold sores on the lips and face. This page explains how the treatment works, who it suits, and how to use it safely and effectively. It also shows how to order with US shipping from Canada without insurance.

What Zovirax Is and How It Works

Zovirax® contains acyclovir, an antiviral that targets herpes simplex virus. It becomes active inside infected cells and helps block viral DNA replication. Starting early may help limit sore development and ease symptoms. The cream is for use on the skin, not inside the mouth, nose, or eyes. For detailed guidance, follow your prescriber’s directions and the patient leaflet.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

Cold sores tend to recur. This medicine does not cure herpes, but it can help shorten or lessen episodes when used at the first sign of tingling or burning. Learn more about the condition in our Cold Sores category.

Who It’s For

This therapy is used for recurrent cold sores in adults and adolescents, as directed by a healthcare professional. Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to acyclovir or valacyclovir. Avoid use on broken, severely irritated, or infected skin unless your prescriber advises it. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, immunocompromised, or have significant skin conditions, ask your clinician if topical antiviral therapy is appropriate for you.

Always keep it out of reach of children and avoid sharing your tube with others.

Dosage and Usage

At the first sign of a cold sore, such as tingling or itching, cleanse and dry the area gently. Apply a thin film to the affected skin, covering only the lesion and a small rim of nearby skin. Typical label directions involve frequent daily applications for several days. Wash hands before and after each use to avoid spreading the virus. Do not apply inside the mouth or near the eyes. Avoid occlusive dressings or heavy cosmetics over the area while it heals.

If you have questions about technique or frequency, consult the official patient information or your prescriber. Some people keep a tube in their travel kit to start promptly when symptoms appear away from home.

People sometimes refer to this product as Zovirax cold sore cream 5% in everyday use, reflecting its labeled strength.

Strengths and Forms

Common presentations include cream in a single labeled strength and tube size. Availability may vary by country and supplier. If you need a different format, ask your prescriber whether an ointment base is suitable for your skin and lesion location.

We also offer a related option for certain cases: Zovirax® Oint 5 (prescription required). Your clinician can advise when a cream versus ointment base is preferred.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you forget an application, use it when you remember and then continue your usual schedule. If it is almost time for the next application, skip the missed one. Do not apply extra amounts to make up for a missed dose. Start at the earliest symptoms for best effect, and complete the full course unless your prescriber advises otherwise.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the tube at room temperature away from heat and direct light. Keep the cap tightly closed and avoid contamination of the tip. Do not freeze. When traveling, carry the tube in your hand luggage with your prescription label or a copy of your prescription. Keep it away from children and pets. If you are packing other skin treatments, separate them to prevent leaks, and check security rules for liquids and gels before flying.

Benefits

This antiviral therapy acts where the virus is active on the skin. Local use helps focus treatment while limiting systemic exposure. Starting at the prodrome may help reduce lesion formation and discomfort. The compact tube is easy to store and carry. For recurrent episodes, having it on hand can support faster self-care at the earliest sign of symptoms.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: mild burning or stinging at the site
• Other effects: dryness, flaking, redness, or itching
• Less common: cracked skin or temporary irritation around the lesion

Serious reactions are uncommon. Stop use and seek medical help for signs of allergy such as swelling, hives, or trouble breathing. Avoid contact with eyes; rinse well with water if accidental exposure occurs. If sores look unusually severe, spread widely, or you develop fever or pus, contact your healthcare professional for evaluation, as bacterial infection or another diagnosis may be present.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Topical acyclovir has minimal systemic absorption. Interactions are unlikely, but using multiple facial products can increase irritation. Avoid applying harsh exfoliants, strong acids, or alcohol-heavy astringents to the same area. Tell your clinician about all medicines you use, including oral antivirals, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants. Do not start, stop, or switch therapies without medical advice.

What to Expect Over Time

Cold sore episodes can vary. When used promptly and as directed, the treatment may help lessen pain and shorten the active period. It does not prevent future outbreaks. Triggers such as sun, stress, or illness may still lead to lesions. Consider a lip balm with sunscreen, keep a tube available, and maintain your usual routines for rest and hydration. For broader antiviral options, browse our Antivirals category. You may also find seasonal skin-health context in articles like World Psoriasis Day.

Compare With Alternatives

Some people use oral antivirals for cold sores, guided by a prescriber. Valacyclovir is an oral option often taken at the first sign of a lesion. Another branded tablet is Valtrex®, which contains valacyclovir. Oral medicines may suit those with frequent or severe episodes. Topical therapy remains a focused choice for localized lesions when started early.

Pricing and Access

See today’s options, compare quantities, and review current cash-pay offers on this page. Many customers explore Zovirax Cream 5% Canadian pricing when budgeting for acute treatment. We provide transparent checkout, prescription verification, and US-based support. Orders Ships from Canada to US after pharmacist review. If you are looking for current promotions, visit our Promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If this item is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an alternative, such as an oral antiviral or a different topical base. We cannot provide restock dates, but our team can help you review comparable options your clinician approves.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy may suit adults and older adolescents with episodic cold sores who prefer a targeted skin treatment. It may not be right for people with significant skin barrier disease around the lips, known allergies to ingredients, or complex immune conditions without clinician guidance.

• Multi-month planning: keep a spare tube for travel or workplace kits
• Refill reminders: set calendar alerts for episodic use
• Budgeting: compare tube sizes and per-application value
• Care basics: a mild cleanser and sunscreen lip balm may help prevention

For information on other prescription creams for facial skin symptoms, see our article on Doxepin Hydrochloride Cream.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is topical antiviral therapy appropriate for my cold sore pattern?
• When should I start the first application during a prodrome?
• How many days should I continue if the lesion looks improved?
• Are there triggers I should try to manage to reduce outbreaks?
• Could an oral antiviral suit me better for frequent episodes?
• What should I do if irritation around the site becomes worse?

Authoritative Sources

DailyMed provides official US labeling and patient information for acyclovir topical products.

Health Canada DPD lists authorized products and monographs for acyclovir.

GSK offers corporate information and links to product resources where available.

Ready to get started? Order from YouDrugstore with prompt, express shipping and temperature-controlled handling when required. Prescription required; information here is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.