How Long After Taking Famciclovir 500 Mg Am I Not Contagious With Shingles?

Posted on Sun, 13 May 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 13 May 2018 Answered on

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm 52 yr old white female in good health but a lot of stress (both of my parents, father-in-law, family pet & a dear friend passed w/in the past two years, work in medical insurance inbound call center which is highly stressful).

How long after taking Famciclovir 500 mg am I not contagious with shingles? How soon after my shingles heal am I able to receive the Shingrix?

I keep asking my primary care manager, but she's not giving me a clear answer "We will talk later." Its not a good response.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can take the vaccine right after your rash has gone away.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
I am sorry for your loses and for the stressful year.

You are contagious with shingles up to 2 weeks since when you first started with the symptoms, which is almost as long as the rash goes away.

You can administer Shingrix right away after your rash is gone.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee