Finding cheap generic Zovirax without compromising safety can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. The brand version of acyclovir often carries a premium price, while the same antiviral compound is legally available as a generic prescription in the UK. This guide walks you through the whole process - from spotting a trustworthy online pharmacy to getting the medication delivered to your doorstep, all while keeping the bill low.
Generic Zovirax is a non‑brand version of acyclovir, an antiviral drug used to treat herpes simplex, shingles and chickenpox. It contains the same active ingredient, dosage strength and therapeutic effect as the branded product, but it’s sold without the name‑recognition markup that drives up the price.
Because the chemical formula is identical, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) grants the same marketing authorisation once bio‑equivalence is proven. The lower cost comes from reduced research and marketing expenses, and from competition among multiple manufacturers.
Not every website that advertises “cheap acyclovir” is legitimate. Keep an eye on these five red flags:
While the UK relies on the MHRA to regulate medicines, many online pharmacies also reference approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Both agencies enforce strict quality standards, but for UK residents the MHRA licence is the legal requirement. If a site cites FDA approval only, double‑check that it also lists an MHRA registration.
Generic acyclovir tablets (200mg) typically range from £2 to £6 per 30‑tablet pack, depending on the manufacturer and order size. Bulk purchases (e.g., 90 tablets) can drop the unit price below £0.10. Shipping within the UK is often free for orders over £20, while standard postal rates apply to smaller carts.
Below is a quick snapshot of current market prices (as of October2025):
| Quantity | Price (GBP) | Price per Tablet |
|---|---|---|
| 30 tablets | £3.20 | £0.11 |
| 60 tablets | £5.80 | £0.10 |
| 90 tablets | £8.40 | £0.09 |
Based on price, regulatory compliance and customer feedback, three pharmacies consistently rank at the top. The table below compares their core attributes.
| Pharmacy | MHRA Registration | Price (30‑tablet pack) | Shipping | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HealthDirect.co.uk | MHRA‑00123 | £3.10 | Free over £20, £2.50 otherwise | Card, PayPal, Apple Pay |
| MediQuick Pharmacy | MHRA‑00456 | £3.25 | Free standard (2‑3days) | Card, Debit, Klarna |
| PharmaExpress | MHRA‑00987 | £3.18 | Free over £30, £3 otherwise | Card, PayPal, Google Pay |
All three require a valid prescription upload, use encrypted checkout pages, and provide a clear return policy for un‑opened packages.
Keep the receipt and the prescription copy in case you need to claim from a private health insurer or return the product.
Acyclovir is generally well‑tolerated, but mild side effects can occur:
Serious adverse reactions are uncommon, but if you experience severe dizziness, trouble breathing, or a sudden increase in skin itching, contact a GP immediately.
Potential drug interactions include:
Always disclose your full medication list to the prescribing doctor and double‑check the pharmacy’s counselling notes.
If you have severe kidney disease, are pregnant, or have a known allergy to acyclovir, you should discuss alternatives with your doctor before ordering. In such cases, a face‑to‑face pharmacy visit may be safer because the pharmacist can perform a quick medication review.
Yes. Generic acyclovir contains the same active ingredient, strength and dosage form as the branded product. Regulatory agencies require bio‑equivalence, so therapeutic outcomes are identical.
In the UK, acyclovir is a prescription‑only medicine (POM). All reputable online pharmacies will ask for a valid UK GP prescription before dispatching the drug.
Standard shipping within mainland England typically arrives in 2‑4 business days. Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have similar timelines. Express options can deliver next‑day for an extra fee.
Most UK online pharmacies only accept prescriptions issued by a UK‑registered doctor. If you have an EU or US prescription, you’ll need to obtain a local GP copy.
Contact the pharmacy’s customer service immediately. Legitimate sites offer a full refund or replacement if the error is theirs. Keep the packaging and any accompanying leaflets for evidence.
Kelly Diglio
October 8, 2025 AT 20:42When purchasing medication online, verifying the pharmacy’s MHRA registration number should be your first step. A valid registration (for example “MHRA‑00123”) can be cross‑checked on the official MHRA website, which helps to eliminate rogue operators. Additionally, ensure the site uses HTTPS – the padlock icon indicates encrypted data transmission and protects your personal details. Most reputable pharmacies will also require a scanned prescription; without it, they should not dispense acyclovir. By following these checks, you can minimise the risk of receiving substandard or counterfeit products.