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Numark Cold Sore Cream - Aciclovir - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Numark Cold Sore Cream - Aciclovir

From £4.49

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Treatment

Aciclovir - Cold Sore Treatment

From £19.99

Future orders save 5%
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Buy Aciclovir Tablets Online UK

When you buy aciclovir tablets online UK through Cured Pharmacy, you're accessing proven antiviral treatment with transparent pricing from £4.49, a free clinical consultation completed in under 3 minutes, and discreet next-day delivery across the UK. Our UK-registered prescribers assess every consultation to ensure aciclovir is safe and appropriate for your cold sore treatment.

How Aciclovir Tablets Work for Cold Sores

Aciclovir is an antiviral medication that works by inhibiting the replication of herpes simplex virus (HSV), the pathogen responsible for cold sores [1]. When taken at the first sign of tingling or redness, aciclovir can significantly reduce the duration and severity of outbreaks.

Clinical studies demonstrate that oral aciclovir 400mg taken five times daily can reduce healing time by approximately 1-2 days compared to placebo, and may decrease the intensity of pain and discomfort during an outbreak [1][2]. The medication is most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset, though it can still provide benefit if taken later.

Unlike topical creams that work only on the skin surface, oral aciclovir tablets are absorbed systemically, allowing the active ingredient to reach infected cells throughout the body. This makes tablets particularly useful for patients who experience frequent or severe cold sore outbreaks.

Aciclovir Tablets vs Aciclovir Cream: Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Both aciclovir tablets and aciclovir cream contain the same active antiviral ingredient, but they differ significantly in how they're used and their clinical applications. Understanding these differences helps you choose the most appropriate treatment for your cold sore pattern.

Aciclovir cream, available over the counter without prescription, is applied directly to the cold sore five times daily. It works locally at the site of infection and is suitable for mild, infrequent outbreaks. At Cured Pharmacy, Numark Cold Sore Cream containing aciclovir is available for immediate purchase without consultation.

Aciclovir tablets, by contrast, require a prescription and are typically recommended for patients who experience frequent outbreaks (six or more per year), severe symptoms, or cold sores in difficult-to-treat locations. Oral tablets may also be prescribed for suppressive therapy, where daily low-dose aciclovir reduces the frequency of recurrent episodes [2][3].

When to Choose Tablets Over Cream

Your UK prescriber will recommend aciclovir tablets if you have a history of frequent cold sore episodes, immunosuppression, or if topical treatments have proven insufficient. Tablets are also preferred for episodic treatment when early intervention is critical, as systemic absorption begins within 30 minutes of ingestion [3]. During your free online consultation at Cured Pharmacy, our clinical team will assess your outbreak frequency, severity, and medical history to determine the most appropriate formulation.

Aciclovir Dosage and Treatment Regimens

For episodic treatment of cold sores, the standard aciclovir dosage is 200mg taken five times daily for five days, or alternatively 400mg taken three times daily for five days [4]. Both regimens have demonstrated equivalent efficacy in clinical trials, with the three-times-daily schedule often preferred for convenience and improved adherence.

Treatment should ideally commence at the first sign of a cold sore outbreak—typically during the prodromal phase when you experience tingling, itching, or burning sensations. Starting aciclovir within the first 24-48 hours of symptoms maximises its effectiveness in reducing lesion duration and viral shedding [4].

For patients with frequent recurrences (six or more episodes annually), suppressive therapy may be appropriate. This involves taking aciclovir 400mg twice daily continuously, which clinical evidence shows can reduce outbreak frequency by up to 80% in some patients [2][5]. Your prescriber will discuss whether episodic or suppressive therapy best suits your clinical situation during your online consultation.

Adjusting Dosage for Renal Function

Patients with impaired kidney function may require dose adjustments, as aciclovir is primarily eliminated through renal excretion. Your UK prescriber will review your medical history and may request information about existing kidney conditions before prescribing. Never adjust your aciclovir dose without consulting a healthcare professional, as inadequate dosing may reduce treatment effectiveness whilst excessive doses increase the risk of side effects.

Treatment Type Prescription Required Starting Price
Aciclovir Tablets Oral antiviral Yes From £19.99
Numark Cold Sore Cream (Aciclovir) Topical cream No From £4.49

Common Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Aciclovir tablets are generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing no side effects during short-term episodic treatment. When adverse effects do occur, they're typically mild and transient. The most commonly reported side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort, affecting approximately 1-10% of patients [6].

Rare but serious side effects can include allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling), neurological symptoms (confusion, hallucinations, seizures—particularly in patients with renal impairment), and changes in kidney function. If you experience severe headache, unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

Before prescribing aciclovir, your UK clinician will assess potential drug interactions and contraindications. Aciclovir is considered safe during pregnancy when clinically necessary, classified as Pregnancy Category B, though it should only be used when the benefits outweigh potential risks [6]. Always inform your prescriber if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive.

Why Buy Aciclovir Tablets Online UK from Cured Pharmacy

Cured Pharmacy is a fully registered UK online pharmacy (GPhC Registration Number 9012511) under the supervision of Superintendent Pharmacist Tarun Kumar (GPhC 2233073). When you buy aciclovir tablets online UK through our service, you receive genuine UK-licensed medication dispensed by qualified pharmacy professionals.

Our streamlined online consultation takes under 3 minutes to complete and is reviewed by UK-registered prescribers who assess your suitability for aciclovir treatment. We offer transparent upfront pricing with no hidden consultation fees—you see the exact cost before completing your assessment. All medications are dispatched in 100% discreet packaging with fast UK delivery options.

Unlike high-street pharmacies where you may need to book GP appointments and wait for prescription processing, our online service provides convenient access to cold sore treatment from the privacy of your home. We guarantee the lowest prices in the UK, and every order is handled with complete confidentiality by our experienced clinical team.

Our Clinical Assessment Process

During your online consultation, you'll answer medical questions about your cold sore history, current medications, allergies, and general health. Our UK prescribers review each submission individually—there are no automated approvals. If aciclovir is deemed appropriate, your prescription is sent electronically to our registered pharmacy for dispensing. If treatment isn't suitable, our clinical team will recommend alternative options or advise you to consult your GP for further assessment.

Preventing Cold Sore Outbreaks: Beyond Medication

While aciclovir effectively treats active cold sore outbreaks and can suppress recurrences when taken daily, understanding your personal triggers helps reduce outbreak frequency. Common triggers include stress, fatigue, illness, hormonal changes, sun exposure, and immune system suppression [7].

Many patients find that keeping a cold sore diary helps identify patterns. Recording when outbreaks occur alongside potential triggers (exams, menstrual cycle, holidays, illness) can reveal personalised risk factors. Once identified, you can take preventive measures such as using high-SPF lip balm before sun exposure, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and maintaining consistent sleep patterns.

For patients with predictable triggers—such as cold sores that reliably occur during skiing holidays or beach vacations—your prescriber may recommend starting aciclovir prophylactically before the triggering event. This pre-emptive approach can prevent outbreaks from developing, though it requires planning and clinical approval [7][8]. Discuss this strategy during your consultation if you have identifiable triggers that consistently precipitate cold sores.

Scientific References

  1. Spruance, S. L., et al. (2003). Peroral famciclovir in the treatment of experimental ultraviolet radiation-induced herpes simplex labialis: a double-blind, dose-ranging, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 187(10), 1500-1507. https://doi.org/10.1086/374877
  2. Rooney, J. F., et al. (1993). Oral acyclovir to suppress frequently recurrent herpes labialis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 118(4), 268-272. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-118-4-199302150-00004
  3. Spruance, S. L., et al. (1997). The natural history of recurrent herpes simplex labialis: implications for antiviral therapy. New England Journal of Medicine, 297(2), 69-75. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM197707142970201
  4. British National Formulary. (2024). Aciclovir: Herpes simplex infections. London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/aciclovir/
  5. Baker, D., & Eisen, D. (2003). Valacyclovir for prevention of recurrent herpes labialis: 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Cutis, 71(3), 239-242.
  6. Electronic Medicines Compendium. (2023). Aciclovir 400mg Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics. Datapharm Ltd. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/4092
  7. Arduino, P. G., & Porter, S. R. (2008). Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 infection: overview on relevant clinico-pathological features. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine, 37(2), 107-121. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0714.2007.00586.x
  8. Mills, J., et al. (1988). Topical acyclovir in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 18(2 Pt 1), 283-287. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0190-9622(88)70037-3

Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. All prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication.

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Faq

Can I buy aciclovir tablets online UK without seeing a doctor?
Aciclovir tablets are prescription-only medication in the UK, so you cannot purchase them without clinical assessment. However, at Cured Pharmacy, our free online consultation connects you with UK-registered prescribers who can assess your suitability and issue a prescription if appropriate—all without visiting a GP surgery.
How quickly does aciclovir work for cold sores?
When started at the first sign of symptoms, aciclovir can reduce cold sore healing time by 1-2 days compared to no treatment. Most patients notice reduced pain and slower lesion progression within 24-48 hours of starting treatment, though complete healing typically takes 7-10 days.
What strength aciclovir tablets are available in the UK?
Aciclovir tablets are available in 200mg, 400mg, and 800mg strengths in the UK. For cold sore treatment, 200mg or 400mg tablets are most commonly prescribed, with dosing frequency adjusted accordingly.
Can I take aciclovir tablets every day to prevent cold sores?
Yes, suppressive therapy with aciclovir 400mg twice daily can reduce outbreak frequency by up to 80% in patients with frequent recurrences. This approach requires ongoing prescription and monitoring by a UK prescriber to assess effectiveness and safety.
Is aciclovir safe to use during pregnancy?
Aciclovir is classified as Pregnancy Category B and may be prescribed during pregnancy when the clinical benefits outweigh potential risks. Always inform your prescriber if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding so they can make an informed clinical decision.
What's the difference between aciclovir and valaciclovir?
Valaciclovir is a prodrug of aciclovir with improved oral bioavailability, allowing less frequent dosing (typically twice daily vs five times daily). Both convert to the same active antiviral compound in the body and have equivalent efficacy for cold sore treatment.
Can I drink alcohol while taking aciclovir tablets?
There are no known interactions between aciclovir and alcohol, so moderate alcohol consumption is generally considered safe during treatment. However, alcohol may worsen certain side effects like nausea or headache, and excessive drinking can suppress immune function, potentially prolonging cold sore healing.
How long does aciclovir treatment take to arrive?
Once your online consultation is approved by our UK prescribers and your prescription is dispensed, Cured Pharmacy offers next-day delivery options across the UK. All orders are sent in 100% discreet packaging with no external indication of contents.
Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist

Medically reviewed by

Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)

Last reviewed: 17 July 2026