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Antivirals for Shingles
How Well It Works
Antivirals may reduce the severity of shingles and speed healing. When acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir are taken within 3 days of getting shingles, these medicines can significantly reduce the duration of pain associated with shingles. These medicines also reduce the pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia.Reference 1, Reference 2
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: March 18, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology |
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