What is Zovirax?

Zovirax is an oral tablet made up of an antiviral drug called acyclovir. We carry both the brand name Zovirax and the generic alternative in 200mg, 400mg, and 800mg!

What is Zovirax used for?

Zovirax is a medication used to treat viral infections, the most common being herpes including genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, chickenpox, and cytomegalovirus.

How does Zovirax work?

Zovirax (Acyclovir) is effective at treating viral infections because it is able to slow the growth and spread of the virus in the body to allow the immune system a better chance of fighting the infection off. This medication is not effective at curing the virus, but helps reduce symptoms.

Only take this medication the way that your doctor has directed you too. Taking the incorrect dose can lead to unwanted side effects, ineffectiveness, or adverse interactions; avoid taking more or less of a dose than recommended. This medication may work better if you take it at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day. Do not stop using this medication even if you feel well.

Treatment should begin after the first appearance of symptoms, such as tingling, burning, or blisters. Take Zovirax with or without food, usually 2-5 times per day. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.

Do not use Zovirax (acyclovir)

Do not use Zovirax if you are allergic to acyclovir or valacyclovir (Valtrex).

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

To ensure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a weak immune system.

Risks

This medication is not expected to harm an unborn baby, however, it is still recommended you tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment.

If you have genital herpes; it is crucial to prevent herpes lesions during pregnancy otherwise herpes can be passed to your baby during birth. Take your medications exactly as prescribed to best control your infection.

This medication does pass into breast milk however it is compatible with breastfeeding. You should still tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Use of this medication is not recommended in younger patients due to a potential choking risk.

Common side effects of Zovirax (acyclovir) may include:

nausea, vomiting; diarrhea; general ill feeling; or headache.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Zovirax (acyclovir) may include:

easy bruising or bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin; or

signs of a kidney problem -little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath.

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.

What is Acyclovir?

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug sold as the brand-name medication Zovirax. It can be found on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines and is available as a generic alternative. Acyclovir (Zovirax) comes in the form of a tablet which is administered by mouth and metabolized minimally by the liver. It is then excreted by the kidneys with a short half-life ranging between 2 - 4 hours. Acyclovir (Zovirax) is only available with a valid prescription. We carry both the brand and generic product in three strengths (200, 400, and 800 mg) at My Drug Center.

What is Acyclovir used for?

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is used for the treatment of viral infections, specifically the herpes simplex and varicella zoster viruses. These viruses cause many infections which can be treated with Acyclovir; infections include cold sores, shingles, acute chickenpox, and genital herpes, among others. Additionally, Acyclovir may also be used following a transplant or severe complications of Epstein-Barr virus infection to help treat cytomegalovirus infections. Acyclovir is not effective at treating fungal or bacterial infections.

How does Acyclovir work?

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 long does it take for Acyclovir to work?

The exact amount of time it takes Acyclovir to begin working will vary between each individual. In general, Acyclovir takes about 2 hours to reach peak plasma concentration and up to 3 days before a reduction in symptoms occurs. The medication will work best if taken within 2 days (48 hours) of symptom onset. You may want to notify your doctor if you do not notice an improvement within 2-3 days of treatment.

What are the side effects of Acyclovir?

Side effects of Acyclovir may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, feeling ill, or headache. These side effects are a normal response of the body when taking Acyclovir for the first time and should go away over time as your body adjusts to it. However, if at any point they become unmanageable, or do not go away over time, you should consult with your doctor.

How much is Acyclovir?

The cost of most medications, including Acyclovir, will vary depending on where you purchase your supply from. Medications in the United States are often higher in price compared to medications purchased internationally. For example, at My Drug Center, we offer Acyclovir internationally at $59.00 for a supply of 112 tablets (400mg). In the United States, the same supply of Zovirax is more than 20 times as expensive, on average.

How to take Acyclovir?

Your dosing regimen will be determined by your doctor based off a number of factors, such as your medical condition, the severity of the condition, and your age. Depending on the condition, you may only need to take Acyclovir for 5 days; other conditions may take up to 10-14 days, and up to 12 months for prevention of recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes.  Most patients take Acyclovir between 2-5 times per day. Unless your doctor has directed otherwise, your tablet should be swallowed whole without crushing, chewing, or splitting the tablet in half; you may take your dose with food if no restrictions were set in place by your doctor.

Where can I buy Zovirax?

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.