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Acyclovir Coupon - Acyclovir 5g of 5% tube of cream

acyclovir

Generic Zovirax
Used for Shingles, Chickenpox, Herpes, Cold Sores
Used for Shingles, Chickenpox, Herpes, Cold Sores

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is an antiviral topical medication used to treat certain infections caused by the herpes virus, including cold sores on the lips and face, as well as genital herpes. It's FDA approved as a cream for people 12 years and older and as an ointment for adults. You typically apply it 5 to 6 times daily to the affected area. Common side effects include mild skin irritation, burning, or itching at the application site.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 10, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
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What is Acyclovir (Zovirax)?

What is Acyclovir (Zovirax) used for?

How Acyclovir (Zovirax) works

Acyclovir (Zovirax) is an antiviral medication, specifically a herpes virus nucleoside analogue. It works by blocking the herpes virus from making new DNA, which stops the virus from multiplying in your body.

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When does Acyclovir (Zovirax) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
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Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsZovirax
Drug ClassAntiviral
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$590.99(save 97.13%)
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$16.96
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What are the side effects of Acyclovir (Zovirax)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Ointment:
  • Burning and stinging at application site (30%)
Cream:
  • Application site reaction (5%)

Other Side Effects

Ointment:
  • Itching at application site
  • Swelling or pain at the application site
  • Rash
Cream:
  • Allergic reaction
  • Eczema

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Mild pain, burning, or stinging

Less common

Itching

Rare

Itching, stinging, or redness of the genital area

skin rash

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Acyclovir (Zovirax)

thumbs-up

Pros

Not many interactions with other medications

Applied directly to the affected area

Typically only used for 4 to 7 days

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be applied multiple times daily

Can cause burning and stinging at the application site

Ointment not FDA approved for children

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Acyclovir (Zovirax)

pharmacist

  • Acyclovir (Zovirax) works best when you start it as soon as you notice the first signs of an outbreak.

    • Acyclovir (Zovirax) must be taken several times a day, which can be tough to remember. Setting a phone alarm can help you stay on track.

      • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying acyclovir (Zovirax) to help prevent spreading the infection. You can use a finger cot or rubber glove to lower the risk of spreading the infection to other areas of your body or to other people.

        • Apply acyclovir (Zovirax) cream only to cold sores on your face and lips. Don’t put it in your eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals.

          • Avoid using other creams, ointments, or lotions on the same area while using acyclovir (Zovirax). Doing so could make the medication less effective.

            • Try not to rub or touch the affected area while using acyclovir (Zovirax). This can make the infection worse or spread it to other areas.

              • Use acyclovir (Zovirax) for exactly as long as your prescriber tells you. Stopping too soon can make your symptoms return.

                • Acyclovir (Zovirax) won’t cure cold sores or genital herpes, but it can help control outbreaks and shorten healing time.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Acyclovir (Zovirax)

                  How much acyclovir (Zovirax) do you use for a cold sore?
                  Make sure to apply enough acyclovir (Zovirax) cream to cover the affected area. Follow your prescriber's instructions carefully. This medication is typically prescribed to use 5 times a day for 4 days, but they might have you take it differently.
                  How long does acyclovir (Zovirax) take to work?
                  Acyclovir (Zovirax) usually begins working within a few days of starting treatment. You should notice the sores starting to heal. If you still have symptoms after using the cream or ointment for the full length of time your prescriber recommended, be sure to let them know.
                  Where can I buy acyclovir (Zovirax) cream?
                  Acyclovir (Zovirax) cream isn't available over the counter. Instead, you'll need a prescription from a healthcare professional. Once you have a prescription, you can pick it up at your local pharmacy.
                  Is acyclovir (Zovirax) an antibiotic?
                  No, acyclovir (Zovirax) isn't an antibiotic. It's an antiviral, so it only works against certain viruses. If you have a bacterial infection, you'll need a different type of medication to treat it.
                  Can acyclovir (Zovirax) cause yeast infections?
                  No, acyclovir (Zovirax) doesn’t usually cause yeast infections. If you notice any symptoms of a yeast infection while using this medication, check in with your prescriber to rule out other possible causes.
                  Can you take acyclovir (Zovirax) while pregnant?
                  Acyclovir (Zovirax) doesn't get absorbed much into your body when you apply it on your skin, so it's not expected to harm an unborn baby during pregnancy. Still, it's best to check with your prescriber before using any medication while pregnant. They can help you understand the risks and benefits and choose the safest treatment for you.
                  What should you not mix with acyclovir (Zovirax)?
                  Drug interactions with acyclovir (Zovirax) are unlikely because very little of it is absorbed into your body. Even so, check with your prescriber before starting any new medications while using it. Don’t use other creams, lotions, or ointments on the same area unless your prescriber tells you it’s okay.
                  Can you use acyclovir (Zovirax) cream and tablets together?
                  Yes, your prescriber might recommend taking acyclovir (Zovirax) tablets and cream together for genital herpes. Follow their instructions carefully and contact them if you have any questions.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Acyclovir (Zovirax)?

                  Acyclovir (Zovirax) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  For use on the skin only

                  Acyclovir (Zovirax) should only be applied to your skin. The cream, specifically, is meant just for cold sores on your face and lips. Don't put acyclovir (Zovirax) in your eyes, mouth, or nose because this can cause more side effects.

                  risk-warning

                  Skin irritation

                  Acyclovir (Zovirax) can cause skin irritation. If this becomes severe or doesn't go away, contact your prescriber.

                  dosage

                  Acyclovir (Zovirax) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 tube of 5g of 5% of Acyclovir (Zovirax) is $48.22 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 91.84% off the average retail price of $590.99.
                  tube of cream
                  Tube of cream
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  5g of 5%1 tube$48.22$48.22

                  Typical dosing for Acyclovir (Zovirax)

                  Ointment

                  • Genital herpes and herpes infections in people with a weakened immune system: Apply to the affected area every 3 hours (6 times a day) for 7 days.

                  Cream

                  • Cold sores: Apply to the affected area 5 times a day for 4 days.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Acyclovir (Zovirax) and other drugs

                  Acyclovir (Zovirax) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Acyclovir (Zovirax). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                  How much does Acyclovir (Zovirax) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
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                  contraindications-icon

                  Acyclovir (Zovirax) contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Acyclovir (Zovirax) will not be safe for you to take.
                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Acyclovir (Zovirax)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Acyclovir (Zovirax). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Acyclovir (Zovirax)
                  Used for:
                  $16.96 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Famciclovir
                  Used for:

                  • Cold sores (herpes labialis)

                  • Genital herpes

                  • Shingles (herpes zoster)

                  $18.48 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
                  Used for:
                  $18.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  latest news

                  What is the latest news about Acyclovir (Zovirax)?

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                  Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection. But even though more than 1 in 6 people have it, many are hesitant to talk to their providers and partners about it. And this can make it hard to know what to do when you have it. So we will discuss how to treat outbreaks, tips for talking to your sexual partners about genital herpes, and how to prevent transmission.

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