How Do I Choose the Best Antiviral for Shingles?

Choose the best antiviral for shingles by first scheduling a physical examination and discussing treatment options with your doctor. Familiarizing yourself with the success rate of your doctor’s antiviral recommendations, as well as the possible side effects associated with certain antivirals, may also help you arrive at a decision. If you know other people who have battled shingles or similar viral diseases, you may want to ask for their suggestions on antivirals and discuss these with your doctor, as well. Ultimately, choose the antiviral for shingles that is the most highly recommended by your doctor, is the most effective and comes with the fewest possible side effects.

Practicing good antiviral safety means never taking an antiviral medication that was prescribed for someone else or that was prescribed to treat another condition. When afflicted with shingles, it is important to see a doctor immediately and follow the prescribed treatment protocol for your condition. Choosing an effective antiviral for shingles often depends on how early the condition is diagnosed. During a doctor’s examination, it is also important to discuss any other medications you are taking for unrelated conditions, as some antivirals may interfere with the effectiveness of these drugs or vice versa.

There is no medical cure for shingles. Researching various antiviral medications, however, may help you learn which ones are the most effective in relieving the discomfort and painful symptoms caused by shingles. Certain antivirals for shingles may even reduce the length of time shingles are present, as well as the severity of this condition.

During your research, you may want to pay close attention to the side effects that accompany certain medications and discuss any concerns that you may have about these with your doctor. While taking an antiviral for shingles, some people have reported difficulties in breathing and nausea. Other side effects may include abnormally high creatinine levels, as well as seizures and genital ulcers.

If you have friends or family members who have had shingles in the past, you may want to ask them about the antivirals they were prescribed. Taking the time to research some of these suggestions may help you learn more about the virus that causes shingles, as well as the different lay and medical treatment options available to you. After acquiring this information and engaging in an informed discussion with your doctor, you may be better equipped to decide which antiviral for shingles is best for you.