Aciclovir

Aciclovir antiviral tablet is known for its fast-acting relief in especially treating genital herpes, but also cold sores and shingles which are caused by the herpes simplex type 2 (HSVII), herpes simplex type 1(HSVI) and herpes zoster respectively. It is also available in a topical cream format (known as Zovirax) which is usually used for cold sores, applied directly for immediate effect. At the moment we only offer the Aciclovir in an oral tablet form.

Due to its potent nature, this herpes treatment is often prescribed to assist the initial outbreak, however it can be used as a preventative to keep herpes outbreaks at bay if you are prone to frequent bouts. If you start taking the pills as soon as you notice symptoms, you can significantly reduce the time it takes for the infection to go away, often to within 1-2 days. In fact, some of those using Aciclovir to treat genital herpes have found that taking their dosage as soon as the first symptoms start resulted in the sores or blisters not appearing at all, or the outcome being barely noticeable.

Aciclovir is the active ingredient in this medication, and works similarly to other antiviral herpes medicine such as valaciclovir by preventing the action of an enzyme necessary in the growth and multiplication of the virus. By inhibiting its spreading, the body's natural defences can then contain and attack the virus far more quickly.

Aciclovir tablets are one of the most popular treatments for the genital herpes in the UK as it reacts quickly to the virus, is easily available and is suitable for both one-off and long-term treatment options. It prevents symptoms from worsening, and provides additional benefits, such as:

• Reduces itching, tingling and burning quickly
• Significantly reduces pain and discomfort
• Healing time for sores and lesions is at least halved
• Limits the amount of cold sores
• Can be used as a preventative treatment
• Helps manage and decrease the number of occurrences

Aciclovir (Zovirax) is most successful the quicker it is taken. If taken as soon as you notice tingling or burning, it can eliminate symptoms within 24 hours (1 day) especially for genital herpes. Cold sores and symptoms of shingles can be slightly longer at 48-72 hours (2 days).

Aciclovir tablet can be taken without a meal, but it is advised to take the treatment with plenty of water. This is necessary due to the risk of dehydration, as Aciclovir tablets can cause reduced kidney functions.

The dosage you're recommended will depend on the viral infection and the symptoms' harshness. Please follow the instructions below and thoroughly read the patient leaflet before taking Aciclovir:

• For an outbreak of genital herpes and cold sores- It is advised to take one 200mg pill five times a day for 7 days
• For a preventative treatment for genital herpes - It is advised to take one 200mg pill four times a day for 6-12 months
• For shingles - It is advised to take one 800mg tablet five times a day for 7 days
• For acute outbreaks - You are advised to take three 400mg Aciclovir tablets daily for five days. Bare in mind, we only offer 200mg and 800mg of Aciclovir at this point.

Aciclovir tablets are available in three dosages; 200mg, 400mg and 800mg. At HealthExpress we provide the 200 and 800mg dosages, depending on the advice by your GP or doctor it is better to start on a lower dose (200mg) which is more suitable for treating and preventing genital herpes and cold sores. Aciclovir 800mg tablets are often used for chicken pox and shingles.

If you miss a dosage you should take the missing pill as soon as you remember, or if it is very near your next dosage, then miss it out completely. It's imperative not to take two tablets at once.

Each Aciclovir dose should be taken at the same time for the medication to be most successful and your pill pack is clearly labelled to help you remember.

Whenever you use prescription medications, they have a small risk of side effects, these are often temporary and most cease as the body becomes accustomed to the treatment. The common side effects that may accompany Aciclovir include:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Diarrhoea
• Itchy skin rashes
• Stomach pain

More uncommon or even rare side effects include:

• Fever
• Hair loss
• Kidney problems
• Skin peeling

Rare side effects occur 1 in 1000 patients that use this treatment and include jaundice, hepatitis, convulsions etc. If you do experience any of these side effects they should pass in a short space of time. Emergency medical help may be required though if you display any severe allergic reactions to this antiviral treatment. This includes difficulty breathing, swelling anywhere around the head and throat and hives.

Most people over the age of 18 with genital herpes or other related viral infections can use Aciclovir tablet. There are however certain limitations and conditions that may prevent the use of this medicine. These include those who are:

• allergic to any of its ingredients
• have kidney problems or reduced function as they are at a higher risk when dehydrated
• diabetic or have a nervous disorder
• consuming a high level of alcohol
• pregnant or breastfeeding, as research as shown that Aciclovir can pass into the breast milk so caution is advised

If your are ordering for a repeat prescription or you happen to be taking new medication you should also mention these in the online consultation so that the doctor can ensure your safety in using Aciclovir. In particular, mentioning medication such as cimetidine, zidovudine, probenecid, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, theophylline and ciclosporin is particularly essential due to their negative reaction with antiviral medicine.

As genital herpes is incurable and can be easily transferred to your partner at any time, refraining from sexual contact, as well as communicating with your partner is key.

Ordering recurrent medication like Aciclovir can be done all online, saving you the time and effort spent arranging an appointment for tablets you know you need. We stock Aciclovir 200mg or 800mg dosages at HealthExpress.

Can I buy Aciclovir without a prescription?

Aciclovir is a prescription-only medication that requires a prescription slip from a doctor to ensure your safety. This can be obtained online through HealthExpress by completing an online consultation that is reviewed by our doctor.

Is it safe to buy Aciclovir online?

Using online healthcare websites is often a quick and convenient way to buy medications like Aciclovir. It is completely safe to buy Aciclovir online from a reputable source. For all prescription medications, it is mandatory to have it approved for you by a doctor. At HealthExpress, this is in the form of an online consultation that is reviewed by our doctor.

Delivery is quick and treatment are packaged in tamper-proof plastic with only your name and address on the outside for protection and confidentiality. the pharmacy will double check your order before dispatch, and our Customer Service team are on hand to solve any queries.

Our service at HealthExpress has all the relevant and mandatory safety certificates including the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), General Medical Council (GMC) and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC).

Getting Aciclovir delivered in the UK

You can get Aciclovir delivered straight to your door or workplace discreetly. Our free next-day delivery includes all treatments ordered and approved by a doctor before 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

We offer a nominated day delivery service so you can get Aciclovir delivered in the near future, or you can choose the UPS pick-up points across the UK.

Do you have any other queries or observations?

If you have any further questions regarding Aciclovir that we haven't answered here, you can always contact our Customer Service Team via email, phone or Live Chat available Monday to Friday 8am-5.30pm.