Zoster, also known as Shingles is no doubt a painful and debilitating disease that commonly affects the elderly population. The treatment for Shingles is usually antiviral medications which inhibit the infections ability to replicate while at the same time lessening its severity and length of time.
Medications for shingles are used to combat pain, shorten the duration of the disease, and decrease the risk of complications.
Complications:
Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can spread to the blood or lymph nodes, which can be deadly. Postherpetic Neuralgia: A painful condition of the nerve fibers and skin. Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain Hearing loss Visual problems that can be temporary or permanent Facial paralysis Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: Infection of the facial nerve with painful rash and facial muscle weakness.
Anyone affected by a shingles outbreak will experience pain and debilitating effects on their life. However, there is good news. Several medications are available to combat these affects and make living through the outbreak much easier.
Medications:
Pain medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, to decrease pain Antiviral medications such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Valacyclovir (Valtrex), and Famciclovir (Famvir) Corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone and prednisone taken orally or by injection Topical antibiotics applied to the skin to prevent bacterial infection on open and leaking blisters
Drugs for Postherpetic Neuralgia:
Acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline Analgesics Topical medications, such as a lidocaine patch Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin or pregabalin (Lyrica) Corticosteroids, such as prednisone Nerve block Opioids, such as codeine, oxycodone, and morphine
The Zostavax Vaccine:
Zostavax, a chickenpox booster vaccine, was licensed in 2006 for the prevention of herpes zoster. Clinical trials were conducted that thwarted the disease in approximately 50% of people 60 years old and up. Additionally, it significantly reduced the pain associated with this condition. However, this vaccine is contraindicated in people who have severe allergies, such as a reaction to gelatin and certain antibiotics such as neomycin.
Contraindications:
Immune system problems such as HIV/AIDS Drug treatments that affect the immune system such as steroids, radiation, or chemotherapy History of leukemia or lymphoma Active TB Expectant mothers
Women who have received the Zostavax vaccination should avoid getting pregnant for at least 12 weeks after inoculation. Furthermore, anyone who has been feeling ill or experiencing a recent illness should avoid receiving the vaccine until a full and complete recovery has been made, especially if a fever was present during the illness.
You won’t find very many medications that don’t come with some risk of side effects and Zostavax is no different.
Mild problems include: Redness, soreness, swelling, or itching at the injection site and headache.
Severe Reactions: Respiratory distress, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, rapid heart rate, and dizziness. These symptoms would manifest within a few hours of being vaccinated.
It is imperative that you seek immediate medical assistance if you suspect a Shingles outbreak is about to commence. With quick treatment, the risk for complications along with the severity and pain can all be reduced.
