Get an acyclovir (generic Zovirax) prescription online

Acyclovir (generic Zovirax) is a prescription antiviral medication used to treat the symptoms of chickenpox, shingles, genital herpes, and more. Talk to a provider today to discuss if acyclovir is right for you.

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Product Overview

Acyclovir (generic Zovirax)

  • What is acyclovir?
    Acyclovir (generic Zovirax) is an antiviral medication primarily used to treat cold sores (herpes simplex). It is also effective in treating shingles (herpes zoster), varicella (chickenpox), and genital herpes. Acyclovir works by targeting herpes simplex, the virus that causes cold sores. Even after a cold sore outbreak has dissipated, the herpes simplex continues to live in your body - leaving you at risk of future outbreaks. As an antiviral drug, acyclovir targets herpes simplex to reduce the cadence and severity of these outbreaks - keeping you healthy and your cold sores to a minimum.

    Looking for a safe, effective way to manage symptoms of herpes? Talk to your doctor about whether acyclovir is right for you.

  • What are common side effects of acyclovir?
    While adverse reactions to acyclovir are uncommon, some patients who take the drug may experience mild side effects, including malaise, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headache.

    Dizziness, kidney problems, mood changes, trouble speaking, and unsteady movement rarely occur, but have been known to be serious side effects of acyclovir. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, call your doctor right away.

    This is not a complete list of side effects. For more information on adverse reactions you may experience while taking acyclovir, contact your doctor directly.

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Medically Reviewed By Dr. Allison Edwards, MD

Frequently asked questions about acyclovir

Acyclovir (generic Zovirax) is an antiviral medication primarily used to treat cold sores (herpes simplex). It is also effective in treating shingles (herpes zoster), varicella (chickenpox), and genital herpes. Acyclovir is prescribed to more than 4 million Americans each year and can be taken orally, topically, or via injection.

Acyclovir works by targeting herpes simplex, the virus that causes cold sores. Even after a cold sore outbreak has dissipated, herpes simplex continues to live in your body - leaving you at risk of future outbreaks. As an antiviral drug, acyclovir targets herpes simplex to reduce the cadence and severity of these outbreaks - keeping you healthy and your cold sores to a minimum.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved acyclovir to treat cold sores (herpes simplex), varicella (chickenpox), shingles (herpes zoster), and genital herpes.

Acyclovir belongs to a group of antiviral drugs. These medications work by targeting viruses within the body and inhibiting their development. They identify and disarm key proteins within the virus, helping limit the infection and ease your symptoms. Antivirals are used to treat a range of conditions, including herpes, HIV, hepatitis, and even COVID-19.

It should be noted that acyclovir does not cure herpes. After infection, the herpes simplex never fully leaves your body. While it can remain dormant for long periods of time, it will be with you for the rest of your life. Acyclovir, though, can significantly reduce the likelihood and frequency of cold sore and herpes outbreaks and help ensure that - when cold sores do strike - they are less severe than would be without treatment.

Common side effects of acyclovir can include malaise, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headache.

Dizziness, kidney problems, mood changes, trouble speaking, and unsteady movement are all rare but serious side effects of acyclovir. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, call your doctor right away.

You can expect to feel symptom relief after about 3 days of taking acyclovir. If you’ve been prescribed acyclovir for chickenpox, symptoms usually begin to dissipate within 48 hours.

If you’ve been prescribed oral doses of acyclovir for genital herpes, it is recommended you take 200 mg 5 times per day for 10 days. To treat recurrent herpes outbreaks, acyclovir may be prescribed 5 times per day for up to a year. For chickenpox, adults and children over 88 pounds should take 800 mg of acyclovir four times per day for five days. Shingles patients are often prescribed 800 mg of acyclovir 5 times per day for 7-10 days.

Acyclovir is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Looking for a prescription? Good news! Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not acyclovir is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Yes! Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your clinician.

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