Looking for an affordable way to treat cold sores or shingles? generic Zovirax is the budget-friendly version of the brand‑name antiviral, and you can safely order it from a reputable UK‑based online pharmacy. This guide walks you through what you need to know, how to spot a legit supplier, and which sites currently offer the best price‑performance balance.
Generic Zovirax contains the active ingredient acyclovir, a nucleoside analogue that stops the herpes virus from multiplying. It’s used for cold sores (herpes labialis), genital herpes, and shingles (herpes zoster). The formulation is identical to the brand version, but the price is typically 60‑80% lower because the manufacturer doesn’t have to recoup research costs.
Online pharmacies cut out the overhead of a brick‑and‑mortar shop, passing the savings straight to you. In the UK, a licensed online pharmacy must be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and display the European Union (EU) CE mark or the UK equivalent. This regulatory badge guarantees the medicine meets safety, quality, and efficacy standards.
Use this quick 5‑point filter:
| Pharmacy | Price (30‑day 400mg tablets) | Prescription Needed? | Delivery Time | UK‑Registered? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PharmaDirect.co.uk | £9.99 | Yes - free e‑consult | 2‑3 business days | Yes (MHRA 12345) |
| HealthHub Pharmacy | £11.49 | Yes - £3.99 consult fee | Next‑day (if ordered before 2pm) | Yes (MHRA 67890) |
| NetMeds UK | £10.75 | Yes - optional video call | 4‑5 business days | Yes (MHRA 54321) |
All three sites meet the legal checklist, but PharmaDirect.co.uk offers the lowest total cost because the e‑consult is free and they waive dispensing fees for orders over £10.
When you click “Buy”, the pharmacy will ask how you want the meds shipped. Most UK sites partner with Royal Mail or DPD. Choose a tracked service for peace of mind, especially if the medication is time‑sensitive.
Payment methods usually include:
Never send cash or use obscure “wire transfer” requests; legitimate UK pharmacies never ask for payment outside the secure checkout.
Follow this flow, and you’ll have authentic, cheap generic Zovirax in your hands within a few days.
If you experience any of the following, pause the medication and seek professional advice:
For routine cold‑sores, a typical course is 5‑7days of 400mg tablets taken five times daily. For shingles, doctors may prescribe a higher dose (800mg four times daily) for 7‑10days.
No. Acyclovir tablets are prescription‑only. However, many online pharmacies provide a quick e‑consult with a registered pharmacist who can issue a digital prescription after you answer a few health questions.
Usually not. Overseas sellers often bypass UK regulations, increasing the risk of counterfeit or sub‑potent medication. Stick to MHRA‑registered UK pharmacies to guarantee safety and legal compliance.
Tracked delivery from reputable UK pharmacies typically arrives in 2‑3 business days. Some services, like next‑day delivery, are available for an extra fee.
Contact the pharmacy immediately, request a replacement, and refuse the package if you suspect tampering. Keep the original packaging and any correspondence for a possible refund.
Yes. The same 400mg tablet regimen applies, typically taken five times daily for 5‑10days during an outbreak. Discuss dosage specifics with your GP or pharmacist.
