Skip a long wait for a routine assessment. Our prescribing pharmacists can assess cold sore symptoms and recommend or prescribe treatment when appropriate. Walk in at a Calgary or Edmonton location, or book a time at Edmonton Windermere.
Clinically reviewed by Amandeep Garcha, pharmacist on .
If you feel a cold sore starting, contact your preferred pharmacy for an assessment. A pharmacist will review your symptoms and advise whether treatment or a referral is appropriate.
10201 Southport Road SW, Unit 230
780 78 Street SW, Unit 201
5083 Windermere Blvd SW, Unit 104
Prefer to write to us? Send an assessment enquiry and select your location. An enquiry is not an appointment confirmation. For urgent concerns or symptoms near the eye, seek prompt medical advice.
Cold sore symptoms often begin with tingling, burning, itching, or tenderness before a blister appears. Speaking with a pharmacist early may help you access treatment sooner and reduce the impact of an outbreak.
Many patients seek assessment when experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
Yes. Alberta pharmacists with appropriate prescribing authority may assess cold sores, also known as herpes labialis, and prescribe treatment when clinically appropriate.
For many patients, pharmacist-led care is a convenient way to access assessment and treatment early in an outbreak.
Early tingling, burning, or itching can be the first sign of an outbreak. Assessment early may help treatment work more effectively.
Our pharmacists can assess common cold sore symptoms and recommend treatment options based on your health history.
Pharmacists may prescribe treatment when appropriate.
Some symptoms may require assessment by a physician, nurse practitioner, dentist, optometrist, or urgent care provider.
Compare how to access an assessment. Availability and treatment depend on your symptoms and the provider you visit.
| Care Factor | UPharmacy Pharmacist | Walk-In Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Walk in or book Edmonton online; call to confirm availability | Walk-in or appointment options vary by clinic |
| Cold sore assessment | Available for eligible patients | Available |
| Prescription authority | Available when appropriate | Available |
| Prescription fulfillment | Prescription may be filled at UPharmacy, subject to stock | Prescription can be sent to your preferred pharmacy |
| Early treatment support | Available | Varies |
| Delivery | Ask UPharmacy about delivery for your prescription | Depends on the pharmacy filling your prescription |
Cold sores are commonly caused by herpes simplex virus and often appear around the lips or mouth. Outbreaks may be triggered by stress, illness, sun exposure, fatigue, or changes in immune function.
Cold sores usually progress from tingling or burning to blisters, then crusting and healing. Treatment is often most helpful when started early.
Most cold sore assessments take approximately 15 minutes.
We ask when symptoms began, whether you have had cold sores before, and where the sore is located.
Your pharmacist reviews symptoms, medical history, medications, allergies, and whether prescribing is appropriate.
We may recommend self-care, over-the-counter support, or prescribe antiviral medication when clinically appropriate.
Our pharmacists can answer questions and help you understand when additional care may be needed.
Not every cold sore requires prescription medication, but antiviral treatment may be appropriate for some patients, especially when symptoms are recognized early.
Your pharmacist can help determine whether prescription treatment, non-prescription care, or referral is the right next step.
Prompt access to experienced pharmacists who regularly assess and prescribe for minor ailments.
Many patients can be assessed and treated the same day.
Get your medication delivered directly to your home anywhere in Alberta.
UPharmacy provides pharmacist-led cold sore assessments and treatment recommendations in Calgary and Edmonton.
UPharmacy Calgary South
10201 Southport Road SW, Unit 230
Calgary, AB
Serving South Calgary, Southwood, Canyon Meadows, Willow Park, Acadia, Haysboro, Kingsland, Oakridge, Palliser, and surrounding areas.
UPharmacy West District
780 78 Street SW, Unit 201
Calgary, AB
Serving Aspen Woods, West Springs, Signal Hill, Springbank Hill, Discovery Ridge, Coach Hill, Cougar Ridge, Patterson, and surrounding areas.
UPharmacy Windermere
5083 Windermere Blvd SW, Unit 104
Edmonton, AB
Serving Windermere, Ambleside, Keswick, Glenridding, Chappelle, Terwillegar, Riverbend, Rutherford, Heritage Valley, Allard, and surrounding areas.
Yes. Alberta pharmacists with appropriate prescribing authority may assess cold sores and prescribe treatment when clinically appropriate.
Early symptoms often include tingling, burning, itching, tenderness, or redness around the lip before a blister appears.
Treatment often works best when started early, especially during the tingling or burning stage.
No referral is required to request a pharmacist assessment.
Yes. Cold sores can be contagious, especially when blisters or open sores are present.
Seek medical attention if this is your first outbreak, symptoms are near the eye, sores last longer than expected, you have fever or swollen glands, or you are immunocompromised.
For more information, see MyHealth Alberta’s cold sore guide and the Alberta College of Pharmacy’s prescribing guidance.
Tingling, burning, or a blister starting on your lip can be frustrating and uncomfortable. UPharmacy pharmacists can assess your symptoms, recommend treatment, prescribe medication when appropriate, provide follow-up care, and help you access care sooner.
UPharmacy pharmacists can assess and provide treatment recommendations for many common minor ailments and everyday health concerns.
Experience top-quality care at UPharmacy, proudly serving Edmonton and Calgary, now including our new Calgary – West District location. Visit us for expert health solutions, fast prescriptions, and personalized service—your wellness is our priority. For Edmonton, call (780) 800-5219; for Calgary, call (587) 441-5858; for Calgary – West District, call (587) 441-5513, or fill out the form below and a team member will get back to you.
UPharmacy
Pharmacy Licensee/Manager: Kartik Rana #16208
Pharmacy License: 3805
Proprietor's Representative: Ahmad Chehade
UPharmacy Calgary South
Pharmacy Licensee/Manager: Adam Chehade #16270
Pharmacy License: 4552
Proprietor's Representative: Ahmad Chehade
UPharmacy West District
Pharmacy Manager/Licensee: Jung Min Kim #15465
Pharmacy License: 4965
Proprietor's Representative: Ahmad Chehade
UPharmacy Compounding Centre
Pharmacy Licensee/Manager: Aaron Chy #13608
Pharmacy License: 3917
Proprietor's Representative: Ahmad Chehade
The licensee is required to provide, on the request of a patient, the name and practice permit number of any regulated member who provides a pharmacy service to the patient or who engages in the practice of pharmacy with respect to a patient.
Click here to go to the Alberta College of Pharmacy website to view the Patient Concerns poster.
