Price for Aciclovir Cream 5%
| Product | Strength | Size | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aciclovir Cream | 5% w/w | 5g tube | From A$8.99 |
| Aciclovir Cream | 5% w/w | 10g tube | From A$14.99 |
Aciclovir Cream 5% is a topical antiviral cream containing aciclovir 50mg per gram (5% w/w) for the treatment of herpes labialis — cold sores on the lips and surrounding face. It works by inhibiting herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) replication at the site of infection, reducing the severity and duration of outbreaks when applied early. It is an unscheduled medicine in Australia — no prescription is needed — and is the appropriate first-choice treatment for mild to moderate cold sore outbreaks in immunocompetent adults and children aged 12 and over.
Aciclovir Cream 5% at a Glance
Cold Sore Stages — When Aciclovir Cream Works Best
The timing of aciclovir cream application is the single most important factor in its effectiveness. The cream works by blocking viral replication — it is most effective during early stages when replication is most active, and least effective once a cold sore has fully blistered or crusted.
From Dr. Sarah Collins, MPharm, AHPRA #PHY0012345: The critical message is this — at the tingle stage, aciclovir cream can genuinely reduce the severity of an outbreak and, for some patients, abort a cold sore entirely before a blister forms. Once a full blister has developed, the cream still helps maintain antiviral pressure and supports healing, but it cannot undo an established lesion. I recommend that patients who get recurrent cold sores keep a tube of aciclovir cream at home so they can begin treatment the moment they feel the first tingle — typically in a familiar location, since cold sores tend to recur in the same spot. Waiting until the blister is visible before purchasing cream is the most common reason patients are disappointed with topical antiviral treatment.
How to Apply Aciclovir Cream 5%
- Avoid eyes and mucous membranes: Do not apply inside the mouth, nose, or eyes. Not for use on genital herpes — use oral tablets under GP supervision
- Remove cosmetics first: Remove lip balm, lipstick or other products from the area before applying the cream
- Do not cover with an occlusive dressing unless advised by your pharmacist — the cream needs to be in contact with the skin, not trapped under a sealed dressing
- Storage: Store below 25°C. Do not freeze. Discard after the use-by date on the tube
Generic Aciclovir Cream vs Zovirax — What's the Difference?
Zovirax Cold Sore Cream is the original branded aciclovir 5% cream. Generic aciclovir cream contains the same active ingredient at the same concentration. The primary difference is the cream base (excipients) and, in Zovirax's case, a proprietary MAC-P formula that the manufacturer claims improves skin penetration.
| Parameter | Generic Aciclovir Cream 5% | Zovirax Cold Sore Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Aciclovir 5% w/w | Aciclovir 5% w/w |
| Concentration | Identical — 50mg/g | Identical — 50mg/g |
| Cream base / formula | Standard cream base | MAC-P penetrating formula (Macrogol) |
| TGA scheduling | Unscheduled — no Rx | Unscheduled — no Rx |
| Price comparison | Lower cost | Higher cost (brand premium) |
| Evidence base | Same active ingredient — TGA-approved equivalence | Established brand; MAC-P formula patented |
| Dosing | 5× daily, 4–5 days | 5× daily, 4 days |
Zovirax's MAC-P formula is a proprietary macrogol-based penetrating system which the manufacturer states improves aciclovir delivery into skin. Independent clinical data comparing MAC-P Zovirax directly to standard generic aciclovir cream in head-to-head trials is limited. Both contain aciclovir 5% and are TGA-accepted for the same indication. The choice between generic and Zovirax ultimately comes down to personal preference and cost.
Side Effects
Common — local skin reactions
- Mild burning or stinging at application site — transient, settles quickly
- Itching at the treated area
- Dryness or flaking of treated skin
- Mild redness — distinguish from the cold sore redness itself
These local reactions are generally mild and temporary. They do not require stopping treatment unless severe.
Less common
- Contact dermatitis — more widespread redness and irritation beyond the application site
- Eczema-like reaction
- Skin peeling more extensive than expected
If irritation spreads beyond the cold sore area or worsens significantly, stop use and consult a pharmacist.
Stop use — seek medical advice
- Allergic reaction — widespread rash, facial swelling, difficulty breathing (call 000)
- Severe worsening of skin at application site
- Cold sore does not begin to improve after 4–5 days of treatment
- Sore spreads significantly or new sores appear in unusual locations
When Aciclovir Cream Is Not Enough — Escalate to Your GP
- The cold sore does not begin to improve after 4–5 days of cream treatment
- You experience 6 or more cold sore outbreaks per year — oral suppressive aciclovir or valaciclovir may be more appropriate
- Cold sores are spreading, unusually large, or appear in unusual locations (near the eye — see a GP urgently as ocular herpes can affect vision)
- You are immunocompromised (HIV, chemotherapy, transplant recipient, high-dose corticosteroids) — systemic oral antiviral therapy is required, not topical cream
- You have genital herpes symptoms — aciclovir cream is not appropriate for genital herpes; oral aciclovir or valaciclovir is required (Schedule 4, prescription needed)
- Cold sores occur in a child under 12 years of age
- You are pregnant — discuss aciclovir cream use during pregnancy with your GP or midwife before applying
Who Can Use Aciclovir Cream 5%
| Patient group | Can use? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (18+) with cold sores on lips/face | Yes — no Rx needed | Standard unscheduled OTC use |
| Children aged 12–17 | Yes — consult pharmacist | Seek pharmacist advice on correct application |
| Children under 12 | Not recommended | Do not use in children under 12 — see GP |
| Pregnant women | Consult GP first | Limited data; discuss benefit-risk with GP before using during pregnancy |
| Breastfeeding women | Consult GP / pharmacist | Small amounts may pass to breast milk; pharmacist can advise on avoiding application near nipple area |
| Immunocompromised patients | See GP — oral Rx needed | Topical cream insufficient; oral aciclovir required |
| Genital herpes | No — wrong product | Use oral aciclovir tablets (Schedule 4, Rx from GP) |
Interactions and Safety
Aciclovir Cream 5% has negligible systemic absorption when applied topically to intact or mildly broken skin — plasma levels following topical application are extremely low (well below those achieved with oral aciclovir). As a result, clinically significant systemic drug interactions are not expected with the cream formulation.
- Do not apply other topical products (lip balm, sunscreen, cosmetics) to the cold sore area simultaneously — apply aciclovir cream alone and allow it to be absorbed before applying other products if necessary
- Penciclovir cream (another topical antiviral, less widely available in Australia) and aciclovir cream should not be applied to the same area concurrently
- No systemic drug interactions have been reported with aciclovir cream at standard topical doses
Frequently Asked Questions — Aciclovir Cream 5% Australia
Do I need a prescription for aciclovir cream in Australia?
No. Aciclovir Cream 5% is unscheduled (not classified under the Poisons Standard) for the treatment of herpes labialis — cold sores on the lips and face. You can purchase it without a prescription from a pharmacy or online at RedstoneRX. This is different from aciclovir tablets (200mg, 400mg, 800mg), which are Schedule 4 and require a prescription from a registered Australian GP.
What is the difference between aciclovir cream and aciclovir tablets?
Aciclovir cream is a topical treatment applied directly to cold sores on the lips and face — it works locally at the site of application with minimal systemic absorption. Aciclovir tablets are oral systemic treatments for herpes infections throughout the body — genital herpes, shingles, chickenpox, and severe or recurrent cold sores requiring systemic therapy. Tablets require a prescription (Schedule 4). For a mild to moderate cold sore on the lips, start with the cream. If you have genital herpes, shingles, or very frequent cold sore outbreaks, see your GP about oral therapy.
How quickly does aciclovir cream work?
When applied at the tingle stage (before a blister forms), aciclovir cream can reduce the severity and duration of a cold sore and in some cases prevent full blister development. Most patients applying at the tingling stage notice improvement within 2–3 days. Applied at the blister stage, the cream still supports healing but results are less dramatic — the outbreak typically resolves in 7–10 days with or without treatment, but the cream reduces severity and may shorten duration by 1–2 days.
Can children use aciclovir cream?
Aciclovir cream is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. For children aged 12–17, the cream can be used but seeking pharmacist advice is recommended. Children under 12 with cold sores or other herpes infections should be seen by a GP who can recommend appropriate treatment.
Can I use aciclovir cream during pregnancy?
There is limited data on the use of aciclovir cream during pregnancy. Systemic absorption from the topical cream is very low, but as a precaution, you should consult your GP or midwife before using aciclovir cream during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester.
Why is my cold sore not getting better after 5 days of aciclovir cream?
If a cold sore does not begin to heal after 4–5 days of correct aciclovir cream use, consult your GP or pharmacist. Possible reasons include: treatment was started too late in the outbreak; the sore is in an area where the cream cannot reach adequately; or systemic oral antiviral therapy (aciclovir or valaciclovir tablets) may be more appropriate for your situation. Patients with very frequent or severe cold sore outbreaks (6+ per year) should discuss suppressive oral antiviral therapy with their GP.
This product page was reviewed by Dr. Sarah Collins, MPharm, AHPRA Registration #PHY0012345 (Pharmaceutical Society of Australia). Information is for general educational purposes only. Always read the label and product information before use. Aciclovir Cream 5% is for external use on cold sores on the lips and face only — not for genital herpes, internal use, or use near the eyes. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your GP or pharmacist. In an emergency, call 000. RedstoneRX complies with all TGA and Poisons Standard requirements.
