Zovirax cream (Acyclovir)
Dosages
Zovirax cream 5 g
| Quantity | Price per tube | Total price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | C$31.83 | C$63.67 | |
| 3 | C$26.76 | C$80.28 | |
| 4 | C$23.88 | C$95.50 | |
| 5 | C$22.42 | C$112.11 | |
| 6 | C$21.22 | C$127.34 | |
| 7 | C$20.56 | C$143.95 | |
| 8 | C$19.90 | C$159.17 | |
| 9 | C$19.53 | C$175.78 | |
| 10 | C$19.10 | C$191.01 |
Payment & Shipping
Your order is carefully packed and ships within 24 hours. Here is what a typical package looks like.
Sized like a regular personal letter (approximately 24x11x0.7 cm), with no indication of what is inside.
| Shipping Method | Estimated delivery |
|---|---|
| Express Free for orders over C$415.23 | Estimated delivery to Canada: 4-7 days |
| Standard Free for orders over C$276.82 | Estimated delivery to Canada: 14-21 days |
Discount Coupons
- Canada Day - July 1, 2026 10% CANADADAY10
- Boxing Day - December 26, 2026 12% BOXING12
Brand Names
| Country | Brand Names |
|---|---|
 Poland | Hascovir Zovirax Intensive |
 United Kingdom | Virasorb |
Description
Zovirax (Acyclovir) Cream: Key Facts
- Used for recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) on the lips and face caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV).
- For adults and adolescents 12 years and older with a normal immune system.
- Apply only to the outside of the lips and face. Do not use in the eyes or inside the mouth or nose.
What It Treats
Zovirax cream contains acyclovir and is used to treat recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) when it is applied early in an outbreak.
Zovirax for Cold Sores vs. Genital Herpes
| Condition | Can Zovirax (acyclovir) cream be used? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cold sores on the lips and face (recurrent herpes labialis) | Yes (on-label) | Start early, at the first sign of tingling or itching, or when lesions appear. |
| Genital herpes | No | Zovirax cream is not meant for use on the genitals. In Canada, genital herpes is usually treated with prescription oral antivirals based on a clinician's advice. |
What Zovirax Cream Does Not Do
- It does not cure herpes (HSV stays in the body).
- It does not prevent future outbreaks.
- It does not stop transmission to other people.
Before You Use
- Do not use if you are allergic to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any ingredient in the formulation.
- Children under 12 years: safety and effectiveness have not been established. Use only if your Canadian healthcare provider tells you to.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider before using this medication.
This product contains propylene glycol and cetostearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions such as stinging or burning. If you know you are sensitive to these ingredients, ask a healthcare professional before use.
How to Use
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much should I apply? | Apply a thin layer, using enough to fully cover the affected area. |
| When should I start? | Start as early as possible at the first sign of an outbreak, such as tingling or itching, or when lesions appear. |
| How often? | 5 times a day. |
| How long? | 4 days. If it has not healed, you may continue for up to 10 days. See a healthcare provider if symptoms last longer than that. |
| How quickly does it work? | It may shorten the outbreak if started early, but it is not a cure and results vary from person to person. |
Missed dose: apply it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next application, skip the missed dose and continue with your usual schedule.
If you apply too much: using too much on the skin is unlikely to cause problems. If irritation happens, gently wash the area and speak with a healthcare provider.
Zovirax Cream vs. Acyclovir Ointment (5%)
| Feature | Zovirax (acyclovir) Cream 5% | Acyclovir Ointment 5% |
|---|---|---|
| Main on-label use | Recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) on the lips and face (≥12 years) | Initial genital herpes; limited mucocutaneous HSV in immunocompromised patients (prescription use) |
| Where to apply | Outside of the lips and face only; not in the eyes, mouth, or nose | For skin use only; not in the eye (genital use may be prescribed for initial genital herpes as indicated on the label) |
| Typical dosing | 5 times a day for 4 days (up to 10 days if needed) | Every 3 hours, 6 times a day for 7 days |
Possible Side Effects
- Mild pain, burning, or stinging where the cream is applied.
- Dry or flaky skin, or cracked lips.
- Itching or redness in the treated area.
Rarely, severe allergic reactions can happen, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, trouble breathing, or allergic skin reactions like contact dermatitis or eczema. Stop using the cream and get medical advice if this happens.
Storing and Expiration Date
- Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store at or below 25°C (77°F); excursions are permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
- Store in the original package.
- Do not use after the expiry date shown on the carton or tube. If it is expired, stop using it and dispose of it properly (ask your pharmacist for advice).
Further Information
The active ingredient is acyclovir 5% w/w (50 mg per gram of cream).
The other ingredients are cetostearyl alcohol, mineral oil, poloxamer 407, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, water, and white petrolatum.
Zovirax cream is a smooth white to off-white cream. Packaging may vary by market; in Canada, ZOVIRAX Cream may come in 5 g tubes.
Health and Hygiene
Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that usually appear on or around the lips and are caused by HSV. To help reduce spread during an outbreak:
- Avoid close contact with others.
- Do not share items that may have come into contact with the sore, such as utensils, towels, or lip balm.
- Wash your hands often, especially after touching the affected area.
- Avoid picking at blisters to help prevent a secondary infection.
