Buy Cheap Generic Zovirax Online - Safe Tips & Best Prices

Key Takeaways
- Generic Zovirax is aciclovir, a proven antiviral for herpes simplex.
- Price gaps exist between UK, EU and US online pharmacies, but safety varies.
- Only buy from MHRA‑registered sites or EU pharmacies that show a valid licence.
- Prescriptions are required in the UK; some overseas sites claim “no prescription needed” - verify legality.
- Use bulk orders, discount codes, or NHS repeat prescriptions to cut costs.
What is Generic Zovirax?
Generic Zovirax is the non‑brand version of aciclovir, an antiviral that fights the herpes simplex virus. The brand name Zovirax was launched in the early 1990s and quickly became the go‑to treatment for cold sores, genital herpes and shingles. Once the patent expired, manufacturers started producing the same chemical compound under cheaper labels - that’s what you see on most pharmacy shelves today.
Aciclovir works by blocking viral DNA replication, which means the virus can’t multiply as fast. The result is a shorter outbreak, less pain and a lower chance of spreading the infection.
Why Do Prices Differ So Much?
In the UK, the National Health Service subsidises many prescriptions, but if you buy over the counter or from an online source you’ll pay the full market price. EU pharmacies benefit from a single‑market price ceiling, while US sellers often list lower wholesale rates but add shipping and customs fees. The cheapest list price you’ll see online can be as low as £4 for 30 tablets, versus £12-£15 from a high‑street pharmacy.
If you’re looking to cheap generic Zovirax online, the price alone shouldn’t be the only factor. A lower price can sometimes hide counterfeit pills, sub‑standard packaging, or a lack of proper licensing.

How to Spot a Safe Online Pharmacy
Safety starts with regulation. In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) inspects and licences any pharmacy that wishes to sell medicine to British consumers. Look for the MHRA registration number on the site’s footer - it usually starts with ‘MHRA‑’ followed by digits. If the site is based in the EU, check for a EU pharmacy licence and a valid VAT number.
Key red flags:
- No clear contact address or phone number.
- Prices that are dramatically lower than the average market price.
- Claims of “no prescription needed” for a medication that requires one in the UK.
- Absence of HTTPS encryption (look for the padlock icon).
- Spelling mistakes or generic domain names like “online‑pharmacy‑discount.com”.
Comparing the Most Popular Sources
Region | Typical Price (GBP) | Regulatory Body | Delivery Time | Prescription Needed? |
---|---|---|---|---|
UK (MHRA‑registered) | £12.99 | MHRA | 2-3 business days | Yes |
EU (EU‑licensed) | £8.50 | European Medicines Agency (EMA) | 4-7 business days | Often not required (depends on country) |
US (FDA‑approved) | £5.20 | Food and Drug Administration (FDA) | 5-10 business days + customs | Yes, but many sites claim otherwise |
Even though the US price looks tempting, add customs duties (usually 20% of the value) and you’re back near the UK price. EU sites often strike a sweet spot: lower price, reputable licensing, and straightforward shipping to the UK.
Step‑by‑Step Ordering Guide
- Check the pharmacy’s licence. Verify the MHRA number or EU licence via the official regulator’s website.
- Confirm the product name. The label should read “Aciclovir 200mg tablets”. Avoid vague names like “Herpes cure tablets”.
- Upload or request a prescription. In the UK you need a GPs‑issued script; many online services let you upload a scanned copy securely.
- Review the shipping policy. Look for tracked delivery and clear customs handling.
- Place the order and keep the confirmation email. It serves as proof of purchase should any issue arise.
If you’re buying from an EU pharmacy, you can often use a “European prescription” - a document issued by a UK GP that the EU site accepts. Some sites even partner with tele‑health providers who issue a digital prescription after a short video consult.

Risks of Too‑Cheap or Counterfeit Products
Counterfeit antivirals can contain less active ingredient, different chemicals, or no medication at all. Taking a sub‑therapeutic dose may prolong an outbreak and increase the risk of resistance. Look for these warning signs:
- Packaging that looks blurry or misspelled.
- Pills that are a different colour or shape than the genuine brand.
- Absence of a batch number or expiry date.
- Seller refusing to provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
The safest approach is to stick with pharmacies that display a clear batch number, expiry date, and a pharmacy‑grade storage guarantee (e.g., “stored below 25°C”).
How to Save Money Legally
Besides hunting for the lowest price, here are proven ways to cut costs without risking quality:
- Ask your GP for a repeat prescription - the NHS often caps the cost at £9.35 per item.
- Use discount codes from reputable health forums; many UK pharmacies offer a 10% first‑order discount.
- Buy in bulk (e.g., 3‑month supply). Some sites drop the per‑tablet price by 15%.
- Check if your private health insurance covers antivirals; a claim can reimburse up to 80% of the expense.
- Join a patient assistance programme - pharmaceutical manufacturers sometimes provide free aciclovir for low‑income patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally buy generic Zovirax without a prescription in the UK?
No. Aciclovir is classified as prescription‑only medicine (POM) in the UK. You must have a valid prescription from a GP or a licensed tele‑health provider before a pharmacy can dispense it.
Is the EU price really cheaper after customs duties?
Usually, yes. The UK applies a 0% import duty on medicines, and VAT is charged at the standard rate (20%) on the total price including shipping. This still leaves EU offers around 30% cheaper than UK‑registered sites.
How can I verify that a pharmacy is MHRA‑licensed?
Visit the MHRA’s online pharmacy register, enter the registration number shown on the site’s footer, and confirm the details match the URL you are using.
What should I do if I receive pills that look different from the packaging?
Stop using them immediately and contact the pharmacy’s customer service. Request a replacement or a refund, and report the incident to the MHRA’s counterfeit medicine hotline.
Are there any side‑effects of aciclovir I should know about?
Common side‑effects include mild headache, nausea and occasional skin rash. Serious reactions are rare but can include kidney problems or allergic responses. If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical help right away.
Ian McKay
October 5, 2025 AT 17:25I've noticed a few typographical errors in the guide – for example, "acivlovir" should be "aciclovir". It's important that such details are correct when discussing medication. Otherwise the whole piece loses credibility.