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Shingles Topic Guide

Shingles Shingles: Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Initially, the virus causes chickenpox. The virus remains dormant in the body until the virus is reactivated by a trigger such as stress, fatigue, cancer, radiation treatments, injury, HIV/AIDS, or a weakened immune system. Symptoms include pain in a broad band on one side of the body, fever, chills, headache, itching, and a red, raised rash. Treatment may incorporate pain medication, applying cool compresses, and avoiding skin-to-skin contact with others.
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Pain Medications
Pain Medications The effects of pain medication are different for each person. Pain also varies in tolerance as well from person to person. There are several different pain medications such as NSAIDS, acetaminophen, and narcotics. The most commonly prescribed narcotics are Narcotic pain medications can lead to physical addiction. Symptoms of physical addiction to narcotics include
  • flu-like symptoms,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • diarrhea,
  • bone aches,
  • feeling like you are "crawling out of your skin,"
  • goose bumps,
  • chills,
  • tremor, and
  • difficulty sleeping.
These symptoms are all medical concerns and should be treated medically.

Expert Views and News

Shingles Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins

Medications:

zoster vaccine live Zoster Vaccine Live

Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox in children. When this virus becomes active again in an adult, it can cause herpes zoster, o...learn more »

pregabalin Pregabalin

Pregabalin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Pregabalin also affe...learn more »

valacyclovir Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Valacyclovir will not cur...learn more »

famciclovir Famciclovir

Famciclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Famciclovir will not cure ...learn more »

calamine (topical) Calamine (topical)

Calamine topical (for the skin) is used to treat itching and skin irritation caused by chicken pox, insect bites or stings, measles, eczema, sunburn, poison ...learn more »

acyclovir topical Acyclovir Topical

Acyclovir topical (for the skin) is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection...learn more »

gabapentin Gabapentin

Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seiz...learn more »

oxycodone Oxycodone

Oxycodone is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic...learn more »

morphine Morphine

Morphine is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic...learn more »

amitriptyline Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. Amitriptyline affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced...learn more »

acetaminophen (oral/rectal) Acetaminophen (oral/rectal)

There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet...learn more »

naproxen Naproxen

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Naproxen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body...learn more »

ibuprofen Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body...learn more »

acyclovir (injection) Acyclovir (injection)

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Acyclovir will not cure herp...learn more »

acyclovir (oral) Acyclovir (oral)

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Acyclovir will not cure herp...learn more »

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