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Fort Lee, NJ
A 44-year-old male asked:

I have shingles. can i mix valtrex (valacyclovir) and prednisone. dr today told me to stop prednisone. do u concur? thank you

2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Saul Hymes
Dr. Saul Hymesanswered
pediatrics - Infectious Disease 17 years experience
Steroids and Zoster: Shingles is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus. Defense against any viral infection depends on a healthy, intact immune system to rid the body of the infection. Shingles is no exception, and I have personally seen it be so severe in people without normal immune systems. Prednisone weakens precisely the part of the immune system that protects against viruses. Taking it can make shingles worse.
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4.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Dr. Matt Wachsman
A Verified Doctoranswered
Internal Medicine 38 years experience
Can't say: Without an actual examination, I cannot give specific medical advice on your particular health, but steroids are given to prevent long term chronic pain (use brief; data not great that it works). Valtrex gets rid of virus; use is 1-2wk Might be reasons NOT to use a lot of Prednisone (diabetes for example).
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4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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Dr. Saul Hymes
Dr. Saul Hymes agrees1 doctor agrees
1 comment
Dr. Saul Hymes
Dr. Saul Hymes commented
pediatrics - Infectious Disease 17 years experience
prednisone is an immune suppressant and its use in a viral infection may be contraindicated, depending on the specifics of the case.
May 12, 2014

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Last updated Mar 21, 2015

Found in:

Female health›Herpes zoster›Prednisone

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