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Is Valacyclovir Advisable For Shingles?
I am leaving for vacation to Hong Kong on Sunday and believe I have shingles. I saw an internist yesterday and she thinks it s shingles. I do not have blisters. I have burning pain on my right side and it has gotten worse. She gave me a Px for valacyclovir and instructed me to take it when blisters appear. Should I begin now or wait until I arrive on Monday. I am worried about side effects from the medication. I had my gallbladder removed in march and had an allergic reaction to the heparin shots and therefore skeptical about a new drug when I will be in the air for 16 hours. Thanks for your advice.
Fri, 22 Dec 2017
Hello,
The treatment of shingles should start 72 hours after the diagnosis or at the earliest symptoms. Valacyclovir is usually safe. Side effects occur more in elderly.The reported side effects include headache,gastric upset,elevated liver enzymes etc.Adequate hydration while on drugs helps to prevent precipitation in renal tubules.
Thank you.
The treatment of shingles should start 72 hours after the diagnosis or at the earliest symptoms. Valacyclovir is usually safe. Side effects occur more in elderly.The reported side effects include headache,gastric upset,elevated liver enzymes etc.Adequate hydration while on drugs helps to prevent precipitation in renal tubules.
Thank you.
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