Aciclovir hasn't stopped shingles

[Funk]

Started to get 'the signs' of shingles coming (aches and pains in my torso, ibuprofen ineffective) so went to see my GP and he prescribed Acicolvir 800mg 5 times/day which I followed. Other than slight differences in the time taking them (ie. not exact, but still roughly a few hours apart) I completed the course last Thursday but am still feeling the same. Starting to see signs of small blisters - almost like spots on my ribcage but sore.

Can anti-virals become ineffective against things like this? I rarely have it flare up (last time was about 18 months ago) but a full-blown hit of shingles will knock me sideways for at least a week or two so I try to 'head it off at the pass' before it gets hold.

Anyone with any experience of this or suggestions as to how to stop it kicking in? Can't get an appointment with the doc again until Thursday.

[theshrew]

Tablets didnt work for me when i had it either. Like you it knocked me for 6 but i just put up with it.

If the spot things are starting to come out that means your at the back end of it anyway.

[HughS47]

Funk said:

Can anti-virals become ineffective against things like this?

Yes - they don't always work.

Sometimes it will help reduced the duration of the disease, other times it might reduce the severity. It is unfortunate, but you rarely, if ever, get a response like you would treating a bacterial infection with antibiotics where it will clear completely/halt the onset.

Hope it isn't too bad.

[Funk]

Thanks guys. Looks like I'll have to ride it out. Perhaps it would be worse if I'd not had the aciclovir...!

[55palfers]

My Doctor said for 100% success you have to start the medication at exactly the right moment or effectiveness is significantly reduced.
I think you have to be in his waiting room about 5 minutes after the first tingle.

Shingles is not nice - I've had it a couple of times.

[Funk]

Yeah, I got there as quick as I could once I twigged and started the meds within 10 mins of picking them up from the pharmacy.

It's not been so bad today, just feels like constant back/neck/shoulder aches. Perhaps it won't be too bad.