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Shingles and bad experience to aciclovar - vomitting and dizziness

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ann05726
ann05726

Hi, my mum (age 77) is suspected as having shingles (although rash not evident as yet - had the pain around back and upper right side for 4 days now). Her GP has put her on aciclovar - 800mg 5 times per day. She has taken 1 tablet and has been sick is very nauseated and very dizzy. Head feels burning too. Is this a normal side effect of the anit-viral and is there maybe something else she could take with less severe side effects?

Thanks

Ann

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Merry19451
    Merry19451 ann05726

    Posted

    Hi Ann,

    Acyclovir can cause nausea and vomiting in about 5% of the patients. As your mum has shingles around her upper right abdomen, the disease itself could be affecting her and causing the nausea and vomiting.

    I would take your mum to be re-evaluated by the physician..

    Often, but not always, patients might be less tolerant of the class of antivirals. It would be worth it to try Famciclovir, as it is not based on Acyclovir, is taken three times daily, is a smaller tablet than Acycyclovir, and thus easier to swallow. I tolerate Famciclovir the best.

    Regarding the burning in her head, you would have to be more specific about the symptoms. .

    If it is the same sensation as on her abdomen and chest, ie-feels like shingles, she needs to a physician now.

    Is it that she may have a fever? You certainly can have a low grade fever with shingles.

    As she is at a fragile age, I would have her seen, again, especially with the nausea and vomiting.

    I am a nurse practitioner in the States.

    Please let me know how she is.

    Best Regards

    Merry Juliana

  • Hector78249
    Hector78249 ann05726

    Posted

    I went through similar symptoms when I got hit with ophthalmic shingles in July 2013. Your mom did the right thing in getting medical attention. I am not a doctor, but I understand that as soon as shingles is diagnosed, a person should get Rxs within a certain timeframe to avoid getting the dreaded post herpetic nueralgia (PHN). I got diagnosed on a Tuesday, but did not get the Rxs until late Friday. Unfortunately, I got the dreaded PHN. I suffered for about two years, but today I have a mild case of PHN. PHN I understand can last for days, months, years (like in my case), or for life. Hopefully, your mom has or gets a medical provider with extensive experience treating the shingles virus. Recommend your mom inquires about the Shingrix vaccine with her doctor. The Shingrix vaccine supposedly has a 90+ of preventing the shingles or preventing the return of shingles. I have taken the Shingrix vaccine (2 doses required within a certain timeframe). Best wishes to your mom.

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