Zovirax is arguably one of the most commonly prescribed herpes treatments. Developed and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceutical company, this medicine is highly adept at tackling both types of herpes virus, namely HSV-1 and HSV-2 or in other words, it is used both for the treatment of both genital herpes and cold sores marked by characteristic blisters and lesions in and around the mouth.

This branded herpes medicine is available in three distinct forms – as a cream, oral suspension fluid and a tablet. While cream is usually prescribed for milder cases, other two forms are used in more severe cases.

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Herpes: A brief overview

Herpes is a term commonly used to denote different viruses from the same family that all typically affect the skin. These include:

  • Herpes zoster – commonly known as shingles
  • Herpes simplex virus type 1 – condition causing oral cold sores
  • Herpes simplex virus type 2 – also known as genital herpes

Cold-sores is a layman’s term denoting pus-filled blisters which leave small lesions on the lips and around mouth after bursting. The formation of these blisters characteristic for HSV-1 (but also sometimes present in cases of HSV-2) is preceded by a tingling and numb sensation in the area where they will develop. In most cases, cold sores will disappear by themselves without any additional treatment, but when they are present, they can be rather uncomfortable and on top of that, they can cause discomfort due to cosmetic reasons, as they are easily noticeable.

Cold sores are fairly common conditions, and on top of that many people who are affected might not develop any symptoms at all. However, those who do experience outbreaks will usually notice a cyclic pattern of remission and reactivation, with the intensity of the outbreaks gradually diminishing over through the years.

Cold sores flare-ups

While there is still much debate about the factors leading to herpes reactivations, most medical experts agree that weakened immune system is compromised or weakened in any way. This means that one is more likely to experience a flare up if tired, stressed, exhausted or affected with some other medical condition at the same time.

People experiencing the first initial flare-up might be more interested in how cold spores are transferred from one person to another. When it comes to herpes virus, any physical contact is considered risky, and this includes both oral sex and kissing. But at the same time, it is possible to contract cold spores indirectly, for example, through a shared towel, glass, food or eating utensils.

The virus is at its most contagious state shortly before the outbreak and for some time following the appearance of the sores. The sores and lesions, on the other hand, will remain infectious for as long as they are present, and they need to fully heal before the area surrounding the mouth will become virus-clear. This is why it is important to avoid kissing or having any kind of oral contact with others until one week after the area has fully healed.

How is herpes treated?

Herpes simplex virus is very common with more than 35.000 new cases being diagnosed in the UK annually. As a viral infection, herpes cannot be completely treated as of now – however, the viral infection can be successfully managed and sent into remission with proper treatment.

Zovirax in herpes treatment

The exceptional success rates of Zovirax are thanks to its active ingredient, acyclovir (also known as aciclovir). This antiviral treatment is very well known to the medical community and has even been featured on the World Health Organization’s Model List of Essential Medicines. What makes acyclovir stand out is its ability to work together with the immune system in order to send the virus back into remission.

More specifically, it works by inhibiting a specific enzyme that plays a vital role in the replication of the virus, essentially halting the growth and spread of the infection. Once the virus has been effectively contained, it will be vulnerable to antibodies which will manage to force it into remission and make it latent again.

Can I buy Zovirax online?

Yes, it is possible to buy Zovirax online, but you will still have to obtain a prescription. If this is your first time ordering anti-herpes medicine, then you can use the online clinic of your choice to consult with a doctor through a customized online questionnaire or via live chat app. The doctor will be interested in numerous facts regarding your medical profile and history. By disclosing all the relevant info, you will help the doctor correctly assess your suitability for Zovirax.

If everything is alright, the prescription will be issued and used that very moment to send the required medicine right to your doorstep.

Are there any Zovirax side effects?

As with every medicine, Zovirax isn’t completely safe for everyone who might be useing it. It does come with an array of possible side effects, although these are experienced by only a fraction of those using this medicine. The reported side effects can be classified in different groups based on their frequency of occurrence as follows:

Frequency of occurrence

Side effects

Common (1 in 10 patients)

Dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, vomiting, rash, tiredness, sensitivity to sunlight, fever

Uncommon (1 in 100 patients)

Severe skin rash, hair loss

Rare (1 in 1000 patients)

Drowsiness, shortness of breath, confusion, insomnia, agitation, involuntary shaking, loss of coordination

Zovirax contraindications

There are also some situations when the doctor might advise you against using this medicine. This can occur if you are using some other medicine that might interact with Zovirax.

On the other hand, certain medical conditions can also contraindicate the use of Zovirax. These include:

  • Allergy to acyclovir
  • AIDS
  • Recent bone marrow transplant
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Any condition that might affect the function of the immune system

In addition to this, use of Zovirax isn’t always recommended for women who are pregnant or are currently breastfeeding. If this is the case, consult with your doctor prior to beginning the treatment.

Finally, Zovirax standard tablets contain lactose, so they should not be used by lactose-intolerant people.