Zovirax® Cream for Cold Sores

Zovirax cream is a topical antiviral used on cold sores caused by herpes simplex. This page explains what it treats, how to use it safely, and how to access it with US delivery from Canada. You can also quickly compare options if you pay without insurance.

What Zovirax Is and How It Works

Zovirax® is the brand name for acyclovir cream. It helps slow the herpes virus’s ability to multiply on the skin. Using it early at the tingle or burning stage may reduce sore severity and shorten recovery. It is for external skin only, not for the eyes, mouth, or inside the nose.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Acyclovir 5% cream works by inhibiting viral DNA replication. That action helps your body’s defenses limit the outbreak on the lip and face. The treatment does not eliminate the virus and future episodes can still occur.

For guidance tailored to you, follow your prescriber and the official label.

Who It’s For

This medicine is used for recurrent cold sores on the lips and surrounding skin in adults and adolescents when approved by a prescriber. It is not for oral, ocular, or genital use. People with known allergy to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any cream ingredients should avoid it. If your lesions are severe, spread widely, or you have a weakened immune system, seek clinical advice to confirm appropriate care.

Dosage and Usage

Start treatment at the first sign of a cold sore, like tingling, itching, or redness. Apply a thin layer to the affected area and surrounding skin five times a day for four days, or as directed on the label. Wash hands before and after applying. Gently rub in until absorbed. Do not apply inside the mouth or nose, and avoid contact with eyes. Do not share your tube to prevent spreading the virus.

If your lesions worsen or do not improve after a typical course, contact a healthcare professional. Do not increase frequency or duration without guidance.

Strengths and Forms

This product is available as a topical cream in a single commonly published strength:

• Zovirax Cream 5%

Availability may vary by supplier and country of origin.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss an application, use it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled time, skip the missed dose and resume the usual schedule. Do not double up. Consistent use during the early outbreak phase matters most for benefit.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store at room temperature as directed on the package. Keep the cap tightly closed and protect from excessive heat. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, pack the tube in your carry-on with a copy of your prescription if possible. Keep the carton or a photo of the label for reference. Avoid leaving the cream in a hot car. Dispose of unused or expired cream per local guidance.

Benefits

As an antiviral cream, this treatment can reduce symptom severity when started early. It targets the virus at the skin surface, which helps limit sore progression. Short, fixed application schedules are straightforward. Many people find the localized use convenient compared with systemic options when outbreaks are mild and confined to the lip or face.

Side Effects and Safety

• Local irritation
• Dry or flaky skin
• Mild burning or stinging
• Itching at the application site

Serious reactions are uncommon. Stop use and seek care for signs of allergy such as hives, swelling, or trouble breathing. Avoid use on broken skin that is extensively damaged, and do not use near the eyes. If accidental eye contact happens, rinse with water and get medical advice. People with frequent or severe outbreaks should discuss broader management strategies with a clinician.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Systemic absorption from topical use is low, so drug interactions are unlikely. Still, tell your prescriber about all medicines and skin products you use, including other antivirals, corticosteroids, or keratolytics. Do not combine with harsh cleansers or abrasive products on the same area without guidance. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, review potential risks and benefits with your healthcare professional.

What to Expect Over Time

When started promptly, therapy may help shorten the duration of pain and visible lesions. Some tingling and dryness around the sore can occur during use. This medicine does not prevent future outbreaks. If you experience frequent episodes, your prescriber may discuss episodic or preventive oral antivirals. Good self-care, such as lip hydration and sun protection, may also help reduce triggers.

Compare With Alternatives

Some people with more frequent or severe outbreaks may benefit from an oral antiviral. Options include valacyclovir, available as Valtrex. For different clinical needs and surfaces, ointment formulations may be considered; see Zovirax Oint 5. Your prescriber can help you choose based on outbreak pattern, location, and convenience.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing with US shipping from Canada may offer meaningful savings compared with some local options. If you pay cash, you can review current pricing on the product page. People comparing pharmacy options sometimes search for Zovirax cream 5% without insurance to understand typical out-of-pocket ranges. For extra value, check any current site offers on Promotions. Checkout is protected with encrypted checkout.

To explore related topics and conditions, see Cold Sores and browse our Antivirals category.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If the cream is unavailable, a prescriber may suggest an alternative form or an oral antiviral based on your history. For background on symptoms and care, read Herpes Symptoms or the practical overview in Herpes Treatment Guide. People sometimes ask about Acyclovir cream US shipping to understand access; check the product page for current fulfilment details. Country-of-origin details are listed under Canada when available.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This cream may suit adults and adolescents approved by a prescriber who have mild, localized cold sores. It may not suit people needing eye or oral cavity treatment, or those with extensive lesions. To save on ongoing care, consider:

• Multi-month planning: coordinate refills ahead of travel
• Early ordering: start the process before an expected trip
• Refill reminders: set calendar alerts for next outbreaks
• Compare generics: ask if a generic acyclovir cream fits your prescription
• Payment approach: some choose Acyclovir cream pay out of pocket for transparency

Learn more about outbreak patterns in Oral Herpes Symptoms and current research in Cure For Herpes and Genital Herpes Treatment.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this cream suitable for my outbreak pattern and skin type?
• When should I start treatment during the prodrome phase?
• What are signs that mean I should stop and seek care?
• Could an oral antiviral be better for me?
• How can I lower the chance of spreading the virus to others?
• What nonprescription products are safe to use alongside this cream?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed

GSK

Health Canada DPD

Shop Zovirax cream US shipping with prompt, express shipping and temperature-controlled handling when required. Always use as directed. This page is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.