Cold Sore Tablets Cost Per Tablet UK | Cured Pharmacy

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Cold Sore Treatment Tablets - Cost Per Tablet UK

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Numark Cold Sore Cream - Aciclovir

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Aciclovir - Cold Sore Treatment

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Cold Sore Treatment Tablets - Cost Per Tablet UK

Published on: June 03, 2026

Understanding cold sore tablets cost per tablet UK helps you make informed decisions about antiviral treatment. At Cured Pharmacy, prescription aciclovir tablets start from £4.49, with transparent pricing shown before your free clinical consultation with a UK prescriber.

How Aciclovir Tablets Work for Cold Sores

Aciclovir is the gold-standard antiviral medication licensed in the UK for treating herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), the primary cause of cold sores [1]. Unlike topical creams that work only on the surface, oral aciclovir tablets work systemically, targeting the virus throughout your body and potentially reducing outbreak duration by up to 2 days when started early [1][2].

The medication works by inhibiting viral DNA polymerase, effectively stopping the herpes virus from replicating [2]. Clinical trials demonstrate that aciclovir 200mg taken five times daily for five days significantly reduces lesion healing time compared to placebo, with best results when treatment begins during the prodromal stage—that tingling sensation before blisters appear [1].

Aciclovir tablets are particularly valuable for patients experiencing frequent outbreaks (more than six per year), as suppressive therapy can reduce recurrence rates by approximately 70-80% [3]. Your UK prescriber will assess whether episodic treatment or long-term suppression is most appropriate for your clinical situation.

Cold Sore Tablets Cost Per Tablet UK: What You're Paying For

When comparing costs across UK pharmacies, it's essential to understand what influences pricing. Prescription aciclovir tablets typically come in treatment courses rather than individual tablets, with standard episodic treatment requiring 25 tablets (200mg five times daily for five days) [2].

At Cured Pharmacy, aciclovir tablets start from £4.49 for a complete treatment course, which includes the medication, prescriber consultation, and discreet delivery. This transparent pricing model means you see the full cost upfront—no hidden consultation fees or surprise charges at checkout.

The per-tablet cost becomes more economical with suppressive therapy regimens, where patients take 400mg twice daily long-term to prevent outbreaks [3]. Your UK prescriber will calculate the most cost-effective approach based on your outbreak frequency and medical history during your free online consultation.

Understanding Treatment Course Pricing

A standard episodic treatment course contains 25 x 200mg tablets, whilst suppressive therapy requires ongoing monthly prescriptions. The MHRA-licensed dosing schedule for episodic treatment is one 200mg tablet five times daily for five days, started at the first sign of tingling or redness [1]. Suppressive regimens typically use 400mg twice daily, which may be adjusted by your prescriber based on response.

Aciclovir Tablets vs Cold Sore Cream: Which Offers Better Value?

Many UK patients start with over-the-counter aciclovir cream before considering prescription tablets. Whilst topical treatments like Numark Cold Sore Cream (from £4.49) don't require a prescription and work well for mild, infrequent outbreaks, they penetrate only the surface layers of skin.

Prescription aciclovir tablets offer systemic treatment that may be more effective for severe or frequent cold sores. Clinical evidence shows oral aciclovir reduces healing time more significantly than topical formulations, particularly when outbreaks affect large areas or occur inside the mouth [2][4].

The choice between cream and tablets depends on outbreak severity, frequency, and location. Patients experiencing more than six outbreaks annually often find better long-term value with suppressive tablet therapy, despite the higher upfront cost, as it can prevent outbreaks altogether rather than just treating them [3].

When to Consider Prescription Tablets

Your UK prescriber may recommend tablets over cream if you experience frequent recurrences, severe symptoms, cold sores in multiple locations, or if topical treatment hasn't provided adequate relief. Immunocompromised patients or those with eczema herpeticum require oral antiviral therapy as first-line treatment [4].

Treatment Type Prescription Required Starting Price
Aciclovir Tablets Oral antiviral Yes From £19.99
Numark Cold Sore Cream Topical aciclovir 5% No From £4.49
Suppressive Therapy Daily oral aciclovir Yes Monthly prescription

How to Get Cold Sore Tablets Online in the UK

Aciclovir tablets are prescription-only medicines in the UK, meaning you'll need clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber before they can be dispensed. At Cured Pharmacy, this process takes under 3 minutes through our online consultation platform.

During your consultation, our UK clinical team (overseen by Superintendent Pharmacist Tarun Kumar, GPhC 2233073) will review your medical history, current medications, and cold sore symptoms. This ensures aciclovir is safe and appropriate for you, checking for potential drug interactions or contraindications such as reduced kidney function.

Once approved, your prescription is fulfilled using genuine UK-licensed medicines and dispatched in 100% discreet packaging. The entire process—from consultation to delivery—typically completes within 24-48 hours, ensuring you can start treatment at the earliest sign of an outbreak when aciclovir is most effective [1].

Maximising Treatment Effectiveness: Clinical Insights

The single most important factor in aciclovir effectiveness is timing. Clinical trials consistently show that starting treatment during the prodromal phase—when you first feel tingling, itching, or burning—produces significantly better outcomes than waiting until blisters appear [1][2].

Adherence to the five-times-daily dosing schedule is equally critical. Aciclovir has a relatively short half-life, meaning blood levels drop quickly between doses [2]. Missing doses or spacing them too far apart allows the virus to replicate unchecked, reducing treatment efficacy.

For suppressive therapy, consistency is paramount. Studies demonstrate that patients taking 400mg twice daily continuously for 12 months experience approximately 75% fewer outbreaks compared to baseline [3]. Your UK prescriber will schedule regular reviews to assess whether ongoing suppression remains clinically appropriate and cost-effective for your situation.

Common Treatment Mistakes to Avoid

Many patients discontinue treatment once blisters crust over, but completing the full five-day course helps prevent viral rebound and may reduce the risk of post-herpetic complications. Additionally, storing tablets in bathroom cabinets where humidity fluctuates can reduce medication stability—keep them in a cool, dry place instead [4].

Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Aciclovir tablets are generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing no side effects at all. When adverse effects do occur, they're typically mild and may include headache, nausea, or diarrhoea [2][4].

Rare but serious side effects include acute kidney injury, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or those taking other nephrotoxic medications [4]. This is why our UK prescribers carefully review your medical history and current medications during consultation—ensuring aciclovir is safe for you specifically.

Adequate hydration is important when taking aciclovir tablets, especially at higher suppressive doses. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain kidney function and reduces the risk of crystalluria, though this complication is extremely rare at standard oral doses [2]. If you experience unusual fatigue, reduced urine output, or unexplained bruising whilst taking aciclovir, contact your prescriber immediately.

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(12), 1855–1861. https://doi.org/10.1086/375346 [accessed 13 August 2026]
  2. Spruance, S. L., et al. (1990). Treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis with oral acyclovir. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 161(2), 185–190. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/161.2.185 [accessed 13 August 2026]
  3. 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/10.7326/0003-4819-118-4-199302150-00003 [accessed 13 August 2026]
  4. Worrall, G. (2009). Herpes labialis. BMJ Clinical Evidence, 2009, 1704. PMID: 19445775. [accessed 13 August 2026]

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

What is the cost per tablet for aciclovir in the UK?
At Cured Pharmacy, aciclovir tablets start from £4.49 for a complete treatment course. The per-tablet cost varies depending on whether you're prescribed episodic treatment (25 tablets) or suppressive therapy (ongoing monthly supply).
Do I need a prescription for cold sore tablets in the UK?
Yes, aciclovir tablets are prescription-only medicines in the UK and require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber before they can be dispensed, even when ordering online.
How quickly do aciclovir tablets work for cold sores?
When started during the prodromal stage (first tingling), aciclovir tablets may reduce outbreak duration by up to 2 days compared to no treatment. Best results occur when treatment begins within 24 hours of symptom onset.
Are cold sore tablets more effective than cream?
Clinical trials show oral aciclovir provides systemic treatment that may be more effective than topical cream for severe or frequent cold sores, particularly those affecting large areas or inside the mouth.
Can I take aciclovir tablets long-term to prevent cold sores?
Yes, suppressive therapy with aciclovir 400mg twice daily can reduce outbreak frequency by approximately 70-80% in patients experiencing frequent recurrences. Your UK prescriber will assess whether this approach is appropriate for you.
What's the standard aciclovir dosage for cold sores?
The MHRA-licensed episodic treatment dose is 200mg five times daily for five days, started at the first sign of an outbreak. Suppressive therapy typically uses 400mg twice daily, subject to prescriber assessment.
How long does it take to receive cold sore tablets from Cured Pharmacy?
Once your online consultation is approved by our UK prescribers, orders are typically dispatched within 24-48 hours in 100% discreet packaging with UK delivery.
Are there any side effects from aciclovir tablets?
Most patients tolerate aciclovir well. Mild side effects may include headache, nausea, or diarrhoea. Rare but serious effects include kidney problems, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.
Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist

Medically reviewed by

Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)

Reviewed on: June 03, 2026

Last reviewed: 13 August 2026

Last updated on 13 August 2026.

Review History

Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Why this page was updated on 13 August 2026

Content checked and updated as part of our periodic review, to ensure accuracy and currentness.

Current version (13 August 2026)

Edited by: The Editorial Team

Medically reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar, GPhC No. 2233073, Prescribing Pharmacist


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