Aciclovir
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Aciclovir is a treatment for genital herpes. It is used to treat bouts and suppress recurrent bouts. To place your order, fill in our brief medical questionnaire and indicate your preferred treatment. One of our online doctors will review your order and approve appropriate treatment.
If you have never been diagnosed with herpes, our doctor will ask you to provide a photograph of the affected area for the purpose of diagnosis.
If you are looking for oral herpes treatment please use our cold sore service.
| Aciclovir - one course | £20 |
| Aciclovir - two courses | £25 |
| Three month suppression | £49 |
Prices include prescription and delivery.
In a hurry? Choose Click and Collect and pick up your order after just 3 hours from a Superdrug Pharmacy.
Can I Buy Aciclovir Online?
Dosage
What is aciclovir?
Aciclovir (or "acyclovir") is an antiviral medication for genital herpes. It can be taken to treat or prevent genital herpes outbreaks and is a prescription-only treatment. Although there is no cure for herpes and the virus will remain in your body, taking aciclovir can stop or reduce the unpleasant symptoms. In order to buy Aciclovir, you need a prescription. When you place an order with us, one of our doctors will review your order and issue a prescription if the medication is suitable for you.
How is aciclovir taken?
Aciclovir tablets can be taken without food but you should drink a glass of water whenever you take a tablet. You should also drink plenty of water during your treatment to minimise the risk of dehydration, as aciclovir can be harmful to the kidneys if you become dehydrated.
Which dosage do I require?
The dosage and duration of your course of aciclovir depends on whether you have herpes symptoms at the moment or whether you are being treated to prevent recurrent genital herpes outbreaks.
Dosage for an acute outbreak
If you are suffering from an acute herpes outbreak, the doctor will prescribe a 5 day course of three 400mg aciclovir tablets every day. Please note, product packaging may differ from the image above.
Preventative treatment
If you have had more than six genital herpes outbreaks in the last year or you are struggling with particularly severe symptoms, our doctor may recommend a preventative herpes treatment of two 400mg tablets of aciclovir per day, to be taken every day for 6-12 months. This may prevent you from getting further outbreaks.
How fast will it work?
How quickly and how well aciclovir works depends on the severity of your symptoms and how soon after you start noticing symptoms you start treatment.
It is best to start taking aciclovir as soon as you notice the first symptoms. In some cases, aciclovir will prevent the development of sores if taken before the first sores have developed.
Once the lesions have developed, aciclovir can prevent that further sores develop and help your body fight the virus. The duration of herpes bouts varies and an outbreak can last from a few days to a few weeks. You should consult a doctor as soon as you spot the signs of a beginning outbreak.
Can I have sex while taking aciclovir?
The herpes virus is particularly easily passed on during an active outbreak. You should avoid having sex until all lesions have healed completely. If you do choose to have sex in the meantime, you should use a condom.
Using a condom will help reduce the risk of transmission. As condoms only cover the penis and leave other areas of your and your partner’s skin exposed, there is still a risk that you could transmit the virus, even when using a condom.
Once you carry the virus, there is always a risk that you could pass it on to a partner, regardless of whether you are experiencing symptoms. It is best to continue using a condom once your lesions have healed to reduce the risk of transmission.
Ingredients
What is in an aciclovir tablet?
Every aciclovir tablet contains 400mg of aciclovir (the ‘active ingredient’). Additional ingredients may include lactose, magnesium stearate, polyvidone, E132, sodium starch glycollate, colloidal anhydrous silica, E172 or E460. If you think that you are allergic to any of these ingredients, consult the doctor before taking the first dose.
Depending on which brand the pharmacy dispenses, your aciclovir medication may be called Zovirax. Zovirax is a brand name of medication, which contains aciclovir.
Every aciclovir tablet contains 400mg of aciclovir (the ‘active ingredient’). Additional ingredients may include lactose, magnesium stearate, polyvidone, E132, sodium starch glycollate, colloidal anhydrous silica, E172 or E460. If you think that you are allergic to any of these ingredients, consult the doctor before taking the first dose.
Depending on which brand the pharmacy dispenses, your aciclovir medication may be called Zovirax. Zovirax is a brand name of medication, which contains aciclovir.
Aciclovir is also sometimes spelled "acyclovir".
Aciclovir Side Effects
Common aciclovir side effects
Uncommon side effects
Rare side effects
Very rare side effects
Always read the patient information leaflet before taking medication.
- nausea and being sick
- headache
- diarrhoea
- stomach pain
- skin rashes and itching
- dizziness
- tiredness
Uncommon side effects
- sensitivity to sunlight (as well as certain artificial lights and sunbeds)
- fever
Rare side effects
- generally feeling unwell
- drowsiness, confusion or hallucinations
- increase in certain liver enzymes and bilirubin (the yellow pigment found in bile)
- kidney problems and kidney failure
- severe skin rash with blisters, ulcers, flushing and fever
- peeling and swelling of the skin
- fits and reduced consciousness
- hair loss
Very rare side effects
- hepatitis
- jaundice
- changes in the numbers and types of your blood cells (anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia) which could lead to bruising, bleeding, tiredness or infections
Always read the patient information leaflet before taking medication.
Warnings and Drug Interactions
Warnings
Depending on your general health and medical history, aciclovir tablets may not be suitable for you. Do not take aciclovir if you experience:
The risk of kidney problems with aciclovir is increased with dehydration, especially if you’re taking tablets which contain a high dosage. You should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Drug interactions
Aciclovir tablets are known to interact with certain medications, including the following:
Depending on your general health and medical history, aciclovir tablets may not be suitable for you. Do not take aciclovir if you experience:
- hypersensitivity to aciclovir or one of the ingredients
- certain conditions affecting the nervous system - you should tell your doctor if you have any neurological problems
- kidney problems
The risk of kidney problems with aciclovir is increased with dehydration, especially if you’re taking tablets which contain a high dosage. You should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
Can you take aciclovir while breastfeeding?
There is only limited information on whether aciclovir is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you experience a bout of herpes during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, visit your doctor to discuss treatment options.
Drug interactions
Aciclovir tablets are known to interact with certain medications, including the following:
- cimetidine (an antihistamine drug which is used to treat stomach acidity and peptic ulcers) and probenecid (used to treat gout)
- theophylline (used in the treatment of asthma)
- zidovudine (an HIV drug)
- ciclosporin and mycophenolate mofetil (medicines affecting the immune system that are used in organ transplantation and some other conditions)
Can you take aciclovir with alcohol?
There is no known interaction between alcohol and aciclovir, so drinking alcohol while taking aciclovir should not affect your treatment. You may wish to avoid drinking an excessive amount of alcohol while suffering from a bout of herpes to help your body recover and fight the infection.
About Zovirax
What is Zovirax?
Zovirax is a branded medication which contains aciclovir. Zovirax tablets work in the same way as aciclovir tablets and they can be prescribed for suppression treatment or for acute episodes.
As most branded medications, Zovirax can be slightly more expensive than the generic medication.
Superdrug Online Doctor provides the generic medication, which is dispensed by one of our pharmacies.
Zovirax tablets
Zovirax tablets are taken in the same way as aciclovir tablets. During treatment for acute symptoms you need to take three 400mg tablets a day. In order to suppress the virus, you need to take two 400mg tablets per day.
Zovirax can cause the same side effects as aciclovir.
Customer reviews
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Overall:
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The surgery was not open and I could not get an appointment. I was so pleased to be able to order drugs on line and pick them up the next day. Great relief mentally and physically too.
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So easy to use, couple of tick box questions and I got my medication next day. Thank u
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Super service. Product arrived when it was meant to. Product worked very fast on medical issue. Will definitely use service again,
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Very impressed with speed of delivery and also speed of Dr’s decision. Would definitely use again.
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Only half the order was delivered on time. I had to return three days later for the rest. My nearest chemist is 6 miles away. It’s not convenient to return and at extra cost. I needed the whole order as I was going away.
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Worth every penny! My GP couldn’t see me and this is needed quickly so to be able to order it and get it so fast is great thank Superdrug !
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Easy to use system and saves me time having to go to the doctors and embarrassment of having to talk to someone face to face. I dropped one star off due to not getting the product the next day as I had originally paid for however I did get my delivery fee refunded. Great service, definitely recommend.
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Easy to use efficient service
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These work instantly and relieve the pain and tingling. Combined with the cream they can prevent the herpes developing into a nasty painful cluster.
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Seems to be a good product. I am sure the quality is second to none and you know you are getting authentic product if you by from a company such as Superdrug.
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Everything I needed quickly and easily.
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Absolutely brilliant. So much pain before this product. Definitely recommend it.
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Great service medicine at pharmacy on time time saves going to GP asking for the same medicine downsize price but otherwise five stars !
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Great service, I had basically begged my doctors for prescription, I’ve suffered from shingles virus for years,these Tablets keep the virus at bay once an outbreak, doctor says nonsense let it run its course,would not prescribe. Superdrug allowed, I got the tablets and within 24 hours symptoms reduced.i would use again, delivered promptly.
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I was very happy when I heard about superdrug doctor appointment online. It went super well and got the meds fast.
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Quick and easy to use, really good when you can't get a go appointment or don't have the time. Would definitely use again. Only downfall is it was a little pricey, had I gone the clinic my medication would of been free
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Fast and convenient service
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Very good service, just a shame weekend post isn’t covered to get medicine to you next day.
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It worked so genuine product.
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Great straight forward service. The whole process was so simple and I got exactly what I needed.
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Efficient and fast service
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Simple and easy to use. Very quick with doctor and thorough communication skills
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Excellent much better than waiting for usual shop bought treatment to work
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Easy transaction. I collected my order without any delays or problems. I would definitely recommend.
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Excellent sevice with me within 2 hrs of order
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Very efficient! I got a subscription when I needed it.
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Very happy with product just as described did what it said
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Excellent service and quick delivery
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the whole experience was fast and I got my medication on the same day. The medication work and I'm very happy. Only downside is the amount of emails.
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Great service, would definitely use again.
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I managed to purchase Aciclovir online without having to visit my Doctor, it was a very efficient service,
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Great, stopped my cold sore in its tracks. Arrived quickly.
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The service was very easy to use and confidential items arrived on time and have already starting working very happy with the online doctor service.
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Quick and easy to obtain essential medication without seeing a DR.
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Great quick and efficient service,thank you so much!
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I live in a small town and have great difficulty finding the time to travel the 30 mins each way to get to the chemist to pick up a prescription. This way is very easy and quick!
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Considering it was the product i needed anyway, it was good
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Very happy, efficient and easy yo use
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Saved me from waiting for appointments and allow it to spread! Very happy!
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Fast efficient service Would recommend to everyone
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Very useful treatment for me and the delivery is quite fast
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Fast and reliable. Such a smooth service and saved me hours going to a walk in clinic xx
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Quick process allowing prompt start to treatment
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For people that suffer from cold sores this medication is a must
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Fast and efficient service
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Worked really well n fast
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Did as was required with no side effects
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Very quick service. Was easy to order and faster than waiting for a doctors appointment.
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Was quick service. Picked up next day. From westbrom. i have used one week now and has control my outbreak good. Makes me more confident having them at hand. .
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The product has worked well for me in fighting off cold sores.
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The tablets helped me a lot. It was better after three days.
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I'm very great full, thank you for send me a medicine. I'm feel better. Thanks again Filomena
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Five stars service, quick and hassle free
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Excellent service and very quick dispatch
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Very good product would contact Superdrug doctor again. A very good idea. Thank you
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Easy ordering, quick pick up from local store, Impressed.
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This gave immediate relief from pain and brought swelling down
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Really liked the confidentiality and speed in which I received my medication. The online process was also easy to use. Thank you!
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Definitely recommend this service. It's easier than getting a doctors appointment, and the communication is excellent.
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Worked well and a reasonably easy process. Only slightly more costly than a doctors prescription but for te ease and speed highly worth it
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Very good product still taking the course but seems to be working fine. Excellent service from Superdrug.
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Prompt delivery and the customer service line were very very helpful when I needed to change the address to ensure I could get it in time!
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Fast and easy . THE medicine was THE adecuate one
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Simple,straight-forward health assessment; prompt delivery; product exactly as advertised.
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Easy and very user friendly to place an orderly
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Quick service and great to not have to book a doctors appointment
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Great Worked within 2 days
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Product as expected, service excellent.
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Quick service , professional and trusting
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I purchased Aciclovir for cold sores and ordering the medication this way was quicker than trying to get a doctors appointment! I ordered 3 courses so now have a supply to start taking as soon as I feel the dreaded tingling on my lip!!! Great Service Thank You
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Very reliable and discreet
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I didn't even know this service existed until I stumbled across it during a Google search. Would definitely recommend for anyone who needs the convenience of getting the medication they need without having to take time off work to go to the doctor's.
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Great product, for the purpose needed, quick service and easy click and collect. Great quantity
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I suffer regular with cold sore I first used Tablets while on holiday in Spain when I had a break out I found out that I can order them on line through super drug makes my life so much easier This is my first ever online order for medication But I totally recommend this site Will definitely continue
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Great product, cleared up the problem, fantastic service from Superdrug online service
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Excellent service in a desperate situation. Honestly had medication before it would have been possible to brain them from my gp
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Perfect results in terms of product and service. Dealt with and expedited professionally.
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Perfect! It worked out very quick (less than 3 days) with great results.
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I ordered my product at 8.30am on the Saturday morning & it was in the local store by 11.00am..... that's what I call service. Very happy customer
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Quick service and avoided trip to GP.
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You are the best thanks very much I've done my second treatment off semi makeup on my lips and no cold sores thanks to you
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Correct product but when I arrived home I found I had only half the dose I had paid for.
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Very good.. confidential and speedy delivery, did think it was a bit pricey.. but overall good.
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Excellent service fast and product waiting in store a fews hoyrs after ordering.
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Easy to order and next day collection from my local Pharmacy. Good price (more expensive than a prescription from the Doctor) but discreet and alot quicker. I have been bombarded with emails from Superdrug since my purchase which is very very annoying and spoils the overall experience of the purchase.
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Quick & easy when i realised surgery was closed
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I was really pleased with the product and service , I had diagnosis at a sexual health clinic and when my second outbreak came i was mortified at the thought of explaining it to anybody else to get a prescription. I searched for alternatives and superdrug doctors was the first thing to come up, my prescription was ready in 3 hours and there were no questions asked. The tablets relieved the symptoms almost immediately, so thankfull for this service!
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Excellent product.Treated cold sores well.
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Absolutely amazing.... quick and easy and extermily helpful... thank you.
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Very fast and easy to use, less than three hours and collected. Thank you
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Excellent service. Complete health review before I go as able to complete my purchase
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A fantastic service . For me this was a life saver . Could not face going to GP nor had the time to wait for an appointmenr
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Came quickly was really useful and worked
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The product was exactly what I needed. It did what it was supposed to. All round great service
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Great product, felt the improvements after the first pill I took, quite amazing, highly recommended.
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The company was quick, reliable and confidential
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Paid for express guaranteed Saturday delivery but the pharmacy forgot to dispatch in time! Therefore had to wait until Monday evening to start taking my tablets, complained on the Saturday morning as tracking details were not updating and had to wait at home until 1pm for delivery to sign for package and was then told of the problem! I had said I would be asking for delivery charge to be credited back to me and they did this, lady who was dealing with my issue via email was helpful as she could be but will be thinking twice before ordering again because of the inconvenience when it was something I needed urgently and discreetly and they didn't deliver as promised, a shame really....
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Very helpful Good servive
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A product I know works a lot better than coldsore creams cream. Unfortunately tablets for treating the coldsore are not available as over the counter product.
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Excellent Service ! I needed medication just after Christmas, called online doctor and in three hours my prescription was ready. Only slight downside is that all Superdrug pharmacy's are not set up for this so I had to travel 5 miles to collect my prescription. This might be difficult for patients without a car and having to rely on public transport to travel several miles.