When a cold sore or genital blister shows up, you reach for something that works fast and doesn’t empty your wallet. Generic Zovirax a low‑cost formulation of acyclovir used to treat herpes infections fits that need - it’s the same antiviral ingredient you find in the brand‑name drug, just at a fraction of the price.
Generic Zovirax is the off‑brand version of acyclovir, an antiviral that stops the herpes simplex virus (HSV) from replicating. By inserting itself into the viral DNA chain, acyclovir creates a dead‑end that slows the outbreak and reduces symptom severity. The drug is approved for three main uses: cold sores (HSV‑1), genital herpes (HSV‑2), and shingles (varicella‑zoster).
Key attributes of the generic product include:
Shopping on the internet can shave weeks off delivery times and cut costs dramatically. In South Africa, the average price for a 12‑tablet pack of brand‑name Zovirax hovers around R350, while reputable online sources list generic equivalents for as low as R70.
That price gap is tempting, but it comes with two big questions: Is the seller legit? And will the medication be safe?
Enter the online pharmacy checklist. Your goal is to pick a site that meets three criteria:
Below are five platforms that consistently meet the checklist. Prices are current as of October2025 and reflect a typical 12‑tablet pack.
Website | Regulator | Prescription Required | Price (ZAR) | Delivery Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
PharmEasy SA | SAHPRA | Yes (tele‑consult) | R68 | 2-3days |
Clicks Online | SAHPRA | Yes (uploaded script) | R72 | Next‑day |
HealthDrop International | FDA | Yes (e‑consult) | R65 | 5-7days (customs cleared) |
MedixDirect | SAHPRA | No (OTC in some provinces) | R78 | 3-4days |
ePharma Hub | FDA | Yes (phone consult) | R70 | 4-6days |
That’s it. In most cases you’ll have the pills in hand before the next outbreak peaks.
Even though generic Zovirax is the same molecule as the brand, you still need to follow the recommended dosage to avoid resistance and unnecessary side effects.
Common mild side effects include:
If you notice any of the following, stop the medication and contact a healthcare professional immediately:
In South Africa, acyclovir is classified as a prescription‑only medicine (POM). However, the Medicines Control Council (now part of SAHPRA) allows limited over‑the‑counter sales for low‑dose formulations in certain provinces. This grey area explains why some sites claim “no prescription needed.”
When importing from abroad, customs will inspect the shipment. If the product is clearly labeled as a medicinal product and the accompanying paperwork includes a valid prescription, it usually clears without issue. Problems arise when the package lacks a prescription or bears a suspiciously low price that suggests counterfeit goods.
To stay on the safe side:
Yes. Generic Zovirax contains the same 400mg acyclovir molecule, built to meet the same bio‑equivalence standards set by SAHPRA and the FDA. Clinical studies show no difference in healing time or side‑effect profile when the dosage is identical.
Generally, a prescription is required. Some provinces allow low‑dose OTC sales, but reputable online pharmacies will still ask for a tele‑consult to stay compliant and protect you from misuse.
Expect 5-7business days, assuming customs clears the package without delay. Adding a tracking number and proper documentation reduces the risk of hold‑ups.
Contact the pharmacy’s support line within 24hours, provide the order number and photos of the damage. Reputable sites will issue a replacement or a full refund promptly.
Acyclovir can interact with medications that affect kidney function, such as digoxin or certain NSAIDs. If you’re on chronic kidney disease medication, let your doctor know before starting the antiviral.
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