Skin assessment
- Medical questionnaire and photo review
- Personalized treatment plan
- Prescription when appropriate
CA$175
per consultation
Modern Dermatology
Acyclovir
Prescription only
Acyclovir prescribed online
Acyclovir is an oral antiviral for cold sores, genital herpes and shingles. It works best when started early. A Canadian-licensed medical professional reviews your case and decides if it is right for you.
Start my assessmentAt a glance
- Oral antiviral (acyclovir)
- For cold sores, genital herpes and shingles
- Works best when started early
Why Modern Dermatology
- Canadian-licensed medical professionals, 100% online
- Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy or delivered
- Follow-up and refills through your Care Team
Used forCold soresGenital herpesShingles
For shingles near the eye, in people with a weak immune system, or with severe pain, fever or confusion, seek in-person care at once. Seek emergency care for an allergic reaction.
Choosing the right dose for you
Your clinician decides the amount and the length of treatment. It depends on the infection, your kidney function and your health. Follow the pharmacy label.
Considerations include
- Which infection you have
- How early you start treatment
- Your kidney function
- Past outbreaks and how often they come
- Other medicines you take
How Acyclovir works
Acyclovir stops the virus from copying itself
Herpes viruses spread by copying their genetic material inside your cells. Acyclovir is turned into an active form only in infected cells. There it blocks the enzyme the virus needs to copy itself.
With less virus made, the outbreak is shorter and milder. Acyclovir does not remove the virus from nerve cells.
Modern Dermatology
Acyclovir
Prescription only
Recommended for
- Cold sores
- Genital herpes outbreaks
- Shingles
- Repeated outbreaks, when your clinician advises
- People who want fast prescription access
Your clinician reviews your skin and history, and confirms that this treatment is right for you before prescribing.
Blocks viral copying
Stops the virus from spreading
Shortens outbreaks
Healing comes sooner
Eases pain and itch
Symptoms settle faster
Targets infected cells
Little effect on healthy cells
How it works.
- 01
Tell us about your skin
Complete a quick medical questionnaire and upload a few photos of your skin concerns. No appointment needed.
- 02
Get your personalized treatment plan
A Canadian-licensed medical professional will review your information and recommend a personalized treatment plan, including prescriptions when appropriate. Most conditions can be assessed without a video consultation.
- 03
Start your treatment
Get your prescribed medications delivered right to your door. Medication costs are billed separately from your consultation.
- 04
Follow up on your progress
At a follow-up, your clinician can review your progress, discuss side effects and adjust your treatment if needed.
Clear answers.
Have more questions? See our full FAQ or Contact us.
Still have questions? Reach our care team at 514 111 1111
Start my assessmentAcyclovir becomes active only inside cells that hold the herpes virus. There it stops the virus from copying itself. This helps outbreaks end sooner.
Start at the first sign, such as tingling or burning. Early use gives the best effect. Symptoms usually start to ease within a few days. Your clinician tells you how long to take it.
Outbreaks are often shorter and milder. Acyclovir does not cure herpes or remove the virus. For frequent outbreaks, your clinician may discuss a longer plan.
Yes, when it is appropriate for you. A Canadian-licensed medical professional reviews your online intake. Your clinician decides if Acyclovir is right for you.
Most people have few effects. Nausea, headache and diarrhea are the most common. Drink enough fluids. Tell your Care Team about severe symptoms, confusion or much less urine.
Do not take it if you were allergic to acyclovir or related antivirals. Tell your clinician about kidney disease, a weak immune system and other medicines. Your clinician checks that the diagnosis fits.
Famciclovir and valacyclovir are related antivirals. They are taken less often in some plans. Your clinician explains which one suits your infection, your health and your coverage.
Often yes. Pain relievers and soothing care for cold sores are fine. Tell your clinician about every medicine you take, especially for the kidneys. Avoid touching sores and wash your hands.
Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, plan a pregnancy or breastfeed. Your clinician weighs the benefits and risks and decides. Genital herpes in late pregnancy needs a plan with your obstetric care team.
Yes. Most acyclovir tablets in Canada are generics, such as Apo-Acyclovir, Mint-Acyclovir, Mylan-Acyclovir and Teva-Acyclovir. They contain the same active ingredient. The Zovirax brand is no longer sold as an oral tablet in Canada.
Each consultation costs CA$175. Your pharmacy charges separately for medication. Ask your insurer whether your plan covers the prescribed treatment.
Your clinician sets how long a prescription lasts and when to check in. Your Care Team arranges follow-up and renewals when appropriate. Do not stop or change Acyclovir on your own.
Simple pricing for your skin care.
Medication costs are separate. Ask your insurer whether your plan reimburses online consultations.
Start my assessment
Related treatments
Your clinician can suggest another option when this one is not the right fit.