Do doctors prescribe Valtrex for shingles?
Do doctors prescribe Valtrex for shingles?
Doctors, for example, may prescribe the medication valaciclovir (Valtrex) when you have shingles to help reduce the duration of your symptoms. Valtrex is an antiviral medication that can help stop the shingles virus from replicating. The symptoms of shingles can last anywhere between 3 and 5 weeks.
How are Valtrex tablets used to treat shingles?
Valtrex tablets belong to a group of medicines called antivirals. Valtrex tablets are used for the treatment of shingles (herpes zoster), ophthalmic zosters (shingles affecting the eye region) and cold sores (herpes labialis). Valtrex tablets work by stopping the multiplication of the virus which causes shingles and cold sores.
What kind of herpes can you get from Valtrex?
CMV is another type of herpes virus that can cause symptoms similar to glandular fever (high temperature, sore throat and swollen glands). Valtrex tablets work by stopping the multiplication of the virus which causes herpes, shingles and cold sores.
Can you get CMV from taking Valtrex tablets?
It also used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease following solid organ transplantation. CMV is another type of herpes virus that can cause symptoms similar to glandular fever (high temperature, sore throat and swollen glands).
What’s the generic name for the drug Valtrex?
Generic Name: valacyclovir (val a SYE kloe veer)
How does Valtrex treat shingles?
Benefits of Using Valtrex for Shingles. Valtrex (valacyclovir) serves as a “prodrug” which is converted into acyclovir once absorbed by the body. It works by slowing down the growth and spread of shingles and also helps treat pain. By slowing the growth of herpes zoster virus, it reduces the severity of rash and speeds up recovery.
Is Valtrex considered an antibiotic?
“an·ti·bi·ot·ic noun: antibiotic; plural noun: antibiotics a medicine (such as penicillin or its derivatives) that inhibits the growth of or destroys microorganisms “. No. It’s an antiviral, and it has no significant antimicrobial effect. No. Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an antiviral.
Will Valtrex shorten shingles?
If you take the valtrex faithfully, it will shorten the course of the disease considerably. Shingles can last 6 weeks if not treated, so shortening it can be a week or two.
Can I take Valtrex daily?
Valtrex can clear up an active herpes outbreak if taken early enough. Some people take Valtrex daily to prevent outbreaks, which is called daily suppressive therapy. You can still infect others if you are on Valtrex. However, daily Valtrex has been shown to reduce transmission to sexual partners by about half.