Prescription Required
Description
Zovirax Cream is a topical antiviral medication made up of a drug called acyclovir. We carry both the brand choice Zovirax Cream and its generic alternative acyclovir cream in 5%!
Zovirax cream is used to treat cold sores on the lips and face. Cold sores are a type of herpes and appear as tiny, fluid filled blisters on and around your lips, usually in patches. Once these blisters break open, it will begin to crust over and usually heals within 2-4 weeks, typically leaving no scars. There is no cure for this virus; it will continue to live inside you and be transmittable even when no noticeable symptoms are present. This medication will not help with preventing the transmission of this virus, but may help decrease the amount of pain and help heal it quicker.
Zovirax Cream (acyclovir) is effective at treating cold sores because as an antiviral, it is able to stop the growth and spread of the herpes virus. This allows the immune system to work more easily and much quicker.
Directions
Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Instructions can usually also be found on the prescription or prescription bottle/container.
Do not take this medication by mouth. Topical medications are meant for external skin use only. You should begin applying this medication as soon as symptoms appear. Always wash your hands before and after applying medical cream. Only use a small amount of cream-just enough to cover the cold sore and any tingly areas.
Most patients use this cream about 5 times per day for roughly 4 days.
Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
Cautions
Do not use Zovirax Cream (acyclovir)
Do not use this medical cream if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex), or if you are under the age of 12 years old.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
Tell your doctor if you have ever had a weak immune system due to disease or medication.
Risks
It is not known if this medication will harm an unborn baby; speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication when pregnant.
Do not breastfeed if you have a herpes lesion on or near your breast.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Zovirax Cream (acyclovir) may include:
- dry, cracked, or peeling lips; dryness or flaking of treated skin; burning, stinging, or itching when the medicine is applied.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Zovirax Cream (acyclovir) may include:
- allergic reaction: sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose (allergic rhinitis), itchy, red, or watering eyes (conjunctivitis), wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, a raised itchy, red rash (hives) or swollen lips, tongue, eyes or face.
If you have any of the above side effects or signs of complications, contact your doctor right away.
Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.
FAQs
What is Zovirax cream?
Zovirax cream is a medical cream containing 5% of the antiviral drug called Acyclovir. It is available as generic alternative, sold as Acyclovir cream. We carry both the brand-name product and generic alternative at My Drug Center, available to those with a valid prescription.
What is Zovirax cream used for?
Zovirax cream is used for the treatment of herpes simplex of the face and lips. Herpes simplex is a type of virus that once infected, remains in the body for life and can periodically flare up. When it occurs on your face, specifically around the mouth and on the lips, it is known as cold sores. Cold sores are fairly common, affecting more than half the American population, and are usually harmless, asides from being uncomfortable and painful. Using this medication will not cure you of the virus, but it will help alleviate and reduce the cold sores that it can cause; cold sores usually go away on their own within 2 weeks, but using this medication can allow them to heal within a few days to one week of treatment.
How does Acyclovir work in the body?
Acyclovir works by slowing the growth and spread of the virus which is done after multiple conversions of the drug during metabolism. Once it enters your body, the action of viral thymidine kinase (a virus enzyme) converts Acyclovir into its Monophosphate form, and shortly after, the guanylate kinase enzyme converts Acyclovir from its Monophosphate form into its Diphosphate form. Finally, it is then converted from its Diphosphate form into Acyclovir Triphosphate; this form of Acyclovir competitively inhibits viral DNA polymerase (which is needed for the virus to replicate their genomes), incorporates into the growing viral DNA chain which results in its termination, and inactivates the polymerase.
How fast does Acyclovir work?
This medication begins to work fairly fast but the exact amount of time will vary between each individual. You may notice an improvement within the first few days of treatment, with more severe cold sores taking an extra day or two. If your condition does not improve after a week of treatment, you should consult with your doctor.
How much is Zovirax cream?
The cost of most medications, including Zovirax cream, will vary depending on where you purchase your supply from and whether it is the brand-name product or a generic alternative. Medications in the United States are often higher in price compared to medications purchased internationally. For example, at My Drug Center, we offer generic Zovirax cream internationally at $33.00 for a 5 gram bottle containing 5% Acyclovir. In the United States, the same brand-name supply is more than 30 times as expensive, on average, with the same generic supply more than 25 times as expensive.
Who makes Zovirax cream?
In 2002, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) was approved to manufacture and market Zovirax cream. Established in 2000, GSK has become the world’s sixth largest pharmaceutical company (as of 2019) and has developed several legacy products which can be found on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines (such as Amoxicillin and Pyrimethamine). GlaxoSmithKline not only manufacturers Zovirax cream, but many other brand-name medications you may have heard of or maybe even used before, such as Advair, Ventolin, and Zyban.
Where can I buy Zovirax cream?
You can purchase the brand-name product (as well as the generic alternative) from the comfort of your own home through My Drug Center. Online Canadian Pharmacy services like My Drug Center make it possible for you to order medication internationally without having to leave your home. Additionally, international prices are commonly much cheaper than what you would generally find at local United States pharmacies. So not only is filling your prescription through My Drug Center easy, but also easier on the wallet. You can place an order by calling our toll free number of 1-877-385-8998; keep in mind, you will require a valid prescription for this medication.
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