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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Safe To Take Valacyclovir For Shingles?

I HAVE HAD SHINGLES FOR 23 MONTHS NOW. THE FIRST 3 WEEKS, I TOOK VALACYCLOVIR FOR 3 WEEKS. THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN PAINFUL MORE THAN A BAD SUNBURN. IS THERE ANYTHING.I CAN DO FOR THEM NOW? I HAVEN T HAD A RASH NOW FOR AT LEAST 8 MONTHS .MY ENERGY LEVEL HAS BEEN BACK TO ABOUT 80% FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS.
Fri, 30 Dec 2022
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

You have history of having Shingles for 23 months now, you are on valacyclovir for 3 weeks. Presently, you are better. You have no rash & your energy level is also better. Valacyclovir is Valtrex, antiviral medication. It provides longer duration of action, therefore, doses can be taken fewer times every day. It is safe to take it for Shingles but not for an extended period of time as it may cause side effects like dizziness, migraine, tremor, arthralgia, myalgia, tachycardia, kidney issues, etc.

You can get clinically examined by a GP/dermatologist, if you are better, you may not be required to take it as you have already taken it for 3 weeks. In case, the symptoms re-appear, you will have to get re-examined and continue with the medicine. Take food that boosts your immunity. Avoid taking processed or packaged food, prefer to take home made nutritious food. Avoid oily, spicy junk food. Stay away from addictions, smoking, drugs, alcohol, etc., for the best efficacy of the medicine.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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Is It Safe To Take Valacyclovir For Shingles?

Hello, You have history of having Shingles for 23 months now, you are on valacyclovir for 3 weeks. Presently, you are better. You have no rash & your energy level is also better. Valacyclovir is Valtrex, antiviral medication. It provides longer duration of action, therefore, doses can be taken fewer times every day. It is safe to take it for Shingles but not for an extended period of time as it may cause side effects like dizziness, migraine, tremor, arthralgia, myalgia, tachycardia, kidney issues, etc. You can get clinically examined by a GP/dermatologist, if you are better, you may not be required to take it as you have already taken it for 3 weeks. In case, the symptoms re-appear, you will have to get re-examined and continue with the medicine. Take food that boosts your immunity. Avoid taking processed or packaged food, prefer to take home made nutritious food. Avoid oily, spicy junk food. Stay away from addictions, smoking, drugs, alcohol, etc., for the best efficacy of the medicine. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician