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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Shingles Be Treated?

Hi I have shingles I was given a 7 day prescription for famciclovir 500mg every 8 hours. I have 2 days left of the prescription. Yesterday the rash was still expanding. Should I calll my doctor for more days of the prescription? What is the maximum dose age days?
Tue, 8 Aug 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

I understand your concern.

Shingles will take 3 to 5 weeks for the symptoms to disappear.

The rash is expanding perhaps you keep scratching. This will make it worst.
Should not scratch. Apply antiviral cream on the rash area. Take Benadryl for the rash.

Tylenol or ibuprofen can help for the pain.

Famciclovir is an antiviral. It will help to treat the infection caused by varicella zoster virus (shingles). It works within the first 48 to 72 hours in reducing the rash.
Maximum dosage per day is 1500 mg (as you've been already prescribed).

As the rash is expanding, please discuss it further with your doctor to determine the cause and perhaps change therapy.

Wish fast recovery.
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How Can Shingles Be Treated?

Hi, I understand your concern. Shingles will take 3 to 5 weeks for the symptoms to disappear. The rash is expanding perhaps you keep scratching. This will make it worst. Should not scratch. Apply antiviral cream on the rash area. Take Benadryl for the rash. Tylenol or ibuprofen can help for the pain. Famciclovir is an antiviral. It will help to treat the infection caused by varicella zoster virus (shingles). It works within the first 48 to 72 hours in reducing the rash. Maximum dosage per day is 1500 mg (as you ve been already prescribed). As the rash is expanding, please discuss it further with your doctor to determine the cause and perhaps change therapy. Wish fast recovery.