Famvir shingles treatment
Common Questions and Answers about Famvir shingles treatment
famvir
I hope someone can help. I've had horrible recurring pain in my right eye for over a year. Went to Optho. multiple times and was told it was an infected oil gland. I was put on low dose antibiotics for over 6 months and told to apply warm compresses and scrub eye with a baby shampoo/water solution.
I developed a rash on my buttocks months into this that my GP diagnosed as shingles and prescribed Famvir.
Antiviral prescription medications such as FAMVIR® (famciclovir) can help reduce your symptoms and help shingles blisters heal faster. However, the medication should be started within 72 hours (3 days) after the rash of shingles appears, so it is important to see your doctor right away.
Without treatment, the symptoms of shingles (eg, rash, blisters, and pain) usually go away in about 3 to 5 weeks.
Those with HIV and immunocompromised children and adults are nine times more likely to suffer from repeated attacks of shingles. If you are getting recurrent attacks of shingles, then please get your immune status checked to check for any immunodeficiency.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor.
I had shingles, and it is extremely painful. I do not think burning at the penis is typical for shingles. I had shingles across my torso, and it was the most painful feeling I have ever endured. (I had the pain in my side several days before the lesions appeared) I went to the doctor immediately after seeing lesions (only 2 or three popped up) He gave me famvir which haulted them in their tracks, and they went away a week or so later never to return Thank GOD!
I HAVE HAD TWO NERVE DECOMPRESSIONS ON THE L5-S1 LEVEL, AFTER MY SECOND OPERATION IN 2007, WHICH WAS PERFORMED AFTER A PEACE OF BONE CAME OUT OF THE INJURED DISC AND LODGED ITSELF THROUGH A MAIN NERVE, I HAVE BEEN GETTING ON GOING OUTBRAKES OF SHINGLES. MY SECONDSURGERY WAS NOT AS SUCESSFULL AS THE FIRST, AND I HAVE HAD ONGOING PROBLEMS AND HIGH PAIN LEVELS.
09, I am having a genital herpes flareup which does not seem to be responding to Famcyclovir treatment. Also sores in my mouth. Am I possibly having a Herpes flareup due to the cortisone injections? What could have triggered this? Is it possible I have developed tolerance for Famclir so that it is not effective?
The key to successful treatment of any sort is starting early––as soon as pain starts or a rash appears (the most common sites being the trunk, palms, inner arms and legs, soles of the feet, and the face). An impaired immune system can be a major factor in shingles, so the best treatment starts with the immune-boosting vitamins C, E, and zinc.
I am 59yo and was diagnosed today (Tuesday) with shingles. I have had Crohn's for the last 5yrs and am on 5mg of Prednisone/day as well just being switched to Lialda 2.4gms/day (from Pentasa 4gms/day) one month ago. I was started on Famvir today-500mg tid. I am leaving for Hawaii on Wednesday and am scheduled to swim with the dolphins on Thursday. I have completed my first full day's dose of medicine and will continue until the prescription is completed.
I have had two outbreaks of Shingles, herpes zoster. My first was when I was in my early 20s and was on my stomach and back on my right side. The second case was last year, age 42, and was on my shoulder, neck, and face right side. This was very uncomfortable and lasted for about 6 months.
I did some research and found out about the immunization, zostavax, for shingles.
My question -
1) The handbook said zostavax is for people over age 60.
Advised to take two 250 mg. Famvir every day now--it makes me nauseas. The last rash moved from the lower spine area (the quarter sized) to a larger rash in the periformus area--moving closer to the hip. Rash starts as a lump, then breaks out into the blisters. How can I find out for sure if it's zoster, simplex, herpetiformis--do I go to a dermatologist to do a test with the tissue sample, or is there a definitive blood test?
Two years ago I had lightheadedness for three months during summer. No symptoms last year during summer. This year, same lightheadedness at exactly the same time of the year as two years ago with a horrible outbreak of shingles around my waist. I believe the shingles just didn't break out two years ago. It's been 9 weeks since outbreak. Still lightheaded and a "funny" feeling with my right eye. Not drooping or loss of sight, just like a "pressure" feeling.
In the following years (2007-2009) i have only had 3-4 outbreaks. when i get an outbreak i use famvir, 2 tablets at first then 1 every 12 hours for 3 doses. these always worked quickly and the outbreaks were never severe and didn't last longer than a week or so start to finish.
In the last 2 weeks (jan 2010) i had a small outbreak that i immediately took my usual dose of famvir for and it cleared up, almost totally within 5-7 days.
My advice is for you to speak with your health care provider(s) about this, and discuss whther to stop taking the Famvir. The main reason for suppressive treatment of genital herpes is to prevent transmission to people who are not yet infected; or to preven frequent outbreaks. If either of you starts having frequent outbreaks after the drug is stopped, he or she can restart it. But it definitely isn't needed to prevent transmission to each other.
This is a difficult situation for a distant online source to give advice about. You have seen many health care providers, and it is rare that someone without direct involvement in care can override the sort of advice you already have had. I will limit my comments to some general observations that may help you ask questions of your providers or perhaps seek yet another consultation, e.g. from an infectious diseases specialist.
Recommended
