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Herpes Zoster

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a painful rash infection caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in a person who has previously had chickenpox.

Valtrex

Valaciclovir

500mg · 1000mg

Valaciclovir tablets for shingles and herpes simplex infections. It stops the virus from multiplying by blocking its DNA.

From$3.12/ tabletView

Zovirax

Aciclovir

200mg · 400mg · 800mg

Aciclovir tablets for shingles and genital herpes. It stops the virus from reproducing, which helps the sores heal.

From$0.51/ tabletView

Famvir

Famciclovir

250mg · 500mg

Famciclovir tablets for shingles and cold sores. It becomes active inside infected cells to stop the virus multiplying.

From$4.42/ tabletView

Key points

  • The rash typically appears on one side of the body, often the chest or abdomen, and is usually painful, itchy, or tingly.
  • Antiviral medicines can shorten the illness and work best when started as soon as the rash appears.
  • Long-term nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia is a recognised complication that can persist for months after the rash resolves.

Medicines listed for Herpes Zoster

The listed products contain valaciclovir, aciclovir and famciclovir, all of which belong to the antiviral class. These medicines act against the varicella-zoster virus and are all in tablet form. Each targets the virus through a different active ingredient, the same virus behind shingles.

Further reading