Generic Zovirax is a generic antiviral medication whose active ingredient is acyclovir, used to treat infections caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella‑zoster virus (VZV). It comes in 200mg and 400mg tablets, a 5% cream, and oral suspension, and is usually prescribed for cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles.
Acyclovir is the active compound that blocks viral DNA replication, making it effective against HSV‑1, HSV‑2, and VZV. The drug was first approved by the FDA in 1982 and remains a first‑line therapy for herpes infections.
HSV (herpes simplex virus) includes two types-HSV‑1, which usually causes oral lesions, and HSV‑2, the primary cause of genital outbreaks. Both types can reactivate, leading to recurrent sores.
VZV (varicella‑zoster virus) causes chicken‑pox in children and shingles in adults. Acyclovir speeds up healing and reduces pain when started early.
Online pharmacy is a website or digital platform that dispenses prescription medication to customers after verifying a valid prescription. The rise of telehealth has made these services more common, but quality varies widely.
FDA is the U.S. regulatory agency that approves drug safety and labeling, and licenses legitimate online pharmacies. Checking the FDA’s “Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites” list is a quick credibility test.
Prescription is a written authorization from a licensed healthcare provider that permits the dispensing of a medication. Even though generic Zovirax is inexpensive, it still requires a prescription in the United States.
Price per tablet represents the average retail cost for a single 200mg generic Zovirax tablet in the U.S. market. Prices can range from $0.15 to $0.70 depending on the source.
Telemedicine is a remote medical consultation service that can provide the required prescription for generic Zovirax. Many reputable telehealth platforms partner with licensed pharmacies to ship medication directly to your door.
TL;DR - Quick Takeaways
- Verify the pharmacy’s FDA accreditation before checkout.
- Use a telemedicine visit to obtain a legit prescription.
- Compare at least three sites; price differences of $0.20 per tablet are common.
- Watch for hidden fees-shipping, handling, and “convenience” charges can add up.
- Store tablets in a cool, dry place; the cream should stay refrigerated after opening.
Why Generic Zovirax Is So Much Cheaper Than Brand‑Name Zovirax
Brand‑name Zovirax is a trademarked version of acyclovir sold by Pfizer. Once the original patent expired in 2001, multiple manufacturers entered the market, driving the price down dramatically. Generic versions avoid the costly branding and marketing expenses, and they can source raw material in bulk. The result is a medication that costs a fraction of the brand name-often less than one‑quarter of the retail price.
How to Spot a Legitimate Online Pharmacy
- Check the URL: Look for “https://” and a clear domain name (no crazy characters).
- Search the pharmacy on the FDA’s Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites list.
- Confirm that a licensed pharmacist is listed with a physical address.
- Read the privacy policy; it should explain how your health data is protected.
- Beware of “no‑prescription needed” ads-these are red flags for illegal operations.
Following these steps reduces the risk of counterfeit medication, which can contain wrong ingredients or incorrect dosages.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Buying cheap generic Zovirax Safely
- Get a prescription. Schedule a telemedicine appointment with a board‑certified doctor. Most platforms will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and current meds.
- Choose a verified pharmacy. Use the checklist above to narrow down 2-3 candidates.
- Enter the prescription code. The doctor will send an electronic prescription (e‑pres) to the pharmacy. Provide the code on the checkout page.
- Compare total cost. Look at the price per tablet, shipping, and any handling fees. Remember that a lower headline price might hide high shipping costs.
- Place the order. Use a credit card that offers fraud protection. Keep the order confirmation for reference.
- Inspect the package. Verify the label shows “Acyclovir” and the dosage you ordered. Check the expiration date before using.
Comparison of Popular Online Pharmacies (2025 Data)
Pharmacy | Price per 200mg tablet | Shipping | FDA‑Verified? | Typical Delivery Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
HealthDirectRx | $0.22 | Free (U.S. orders > $25) | Yes | 3‑5 business days |
RxNowOnline | $0.18 | $4.99 flat | No (but uses licensed partner) | 2‑4 business days |
PharmaExpress | $0.25 | Free (express optional) | Yes | 5‑7 business days |
All three sites sell the same 200mg tablet, but the overall cost differs once shipping is factored in. HealthDirectRx wins on total value for larger orders, while RxNowOnline looks cheap on the unit price but adds a flat shipping fee.

Understanding Dosage & Managing Side Effects
Typical adult dosage for a cold‑sore outbreak is 200mg five times a day for five days. For genital herpes, doctors often prescribe 400mg three times daily for ten days during an initial outbreak, then a suppressive dose of 400mg once daily. Common side effects include mild nausea, headache, and occasional kidney irritation. If you experience worsening kidney function, contact your provider immediately.
Take the tablets with a full glass of water to reduce stomach upset. The cream should be applied five times a day to the affected area for up to 10 days. Store the cream at 2-8°C (refrigerated) after opening; it remains effective for 30 days.
How to Maximize Savings Without Compromising Safety
- Bulk orders. Purchasing a 90‑day supply often drops the per‑tablet price by 10‑15%.
- Subscribe & save. Some pharmacies offer automatic refills at a reduced rate.
- Use pharmacy discount cards. Free cards like GoodRx can shave $0.05‑$0.10 off each tablet.
- Watch for promos. Seasonal sales (e.g., “Spring Health Sale”) may include free shipping.
- Check insurance. Many plans cover generic acyclovir at a low copay; you’ll just need the prescription code.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
1. **Buying from unverified sites.** Counterfeit pills may contain sub‑therapeutic doses or harmful fillers.
2. **Ignoring prescription expiration. An e‑pres is usually valid for 12 months; ordering after that may lead to a denied shipment.
3. **Skipping the pharmacist consult. A legitimate pharmacy will offer a free call with a pharmacist to review drug interactions.
4. **Overlooking hidden fees. Some sites charge “handling” or “service” fees that aren’t listed until checkout.
Next Steps After Your Purchase
Once your medication arrives, set a reminder to start the dose at the first sign of an outbreak. Keep a symptom diary for the first week; this helps your provider tweak the regimen if needed. If you’re on a suppressive schedule, maintain a consistent daily time to improve adherence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a prescription for generic Zovirax?
Yes. In the United States, acyclovir is classified as a prescription‑only drug. Even though it’s inexpensive, a licensed prescriber must evaluate your condition and write an e‑pres before any pharmacy-online or brick‑and‑mortar-can dispense it.
Is it safe to buy generic Zovirax from overseas sites?
Generally, no. International sites may not follow FDA manufacturing standards, increasing the risk of counterfeit or improperly stored medication. Stick to pharmacies that are FDA‑verified or partner with U.S. licensed pharmacies.
How much should a 200mg tablet cost?
In 2025 the market average is about $0.22 per tablet when you factor in shipping. Prices lower than $0.15 often signal a non‑FDA‑approved source.
Can I use the same prescription for both tablets and cream?
Usually yes. A standard acyclovir prescription covers all FDA‑approved dosage forms. Your pharmacist will confirm whether the prescribed strength matches the cream (5% acyclovir) and the tablets (200mg or 400mg).
What are the most common side effects?
Mild nausea, headache, and occasional dizziness are the most frequent. Rarely, patients report kidney irritation or allergic skin reactions. If you notice rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.
How long does shipping usually take?
Standard U.S. shipping for verified online pharmacies ranges from 2 to 5 business days. Expedited options are available for an extra fee, typically delivering within 1‑2 days.
Can I get a discount if I pay with a health savings account (HSA)?
Yes, many online pharmacies accept HSA or FSA cards as a payment method, which can lower your out‑of‑pocket cost. Just verify that the pharmacy lists HSA acceptance before checkout.
Got the tip, will double‑check the FDA site before I order 😊