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Parker, Colorado
A 27-year-old female asked:

How long after takong valtrex (valacyclovir) for shingles will they go away? i already took my full doses of 4 pills at 1,000 mgs. i've had shingles for 3 weeks.

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Hunter Handsfield
Dr. Hunter Handsfieldanswered
Infectious Disease 55 years experience
Singles treatment: Herpes zoster (shingles) is usually treated for at least a week, sometimes 2 weeks or more. Improvement should begin in 2-3 days, but it can take 10 days or more to heal completely. Clarify your treatment plan with your doctor. Good luck!
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Dr. J. Lawrence Dohan
Dr. J. Lawrence Dohan agrees1 doctor agrees
1 comment
Dr. J. Lawrence Dohan
Dr. J. Lawrence Dohan commented
Dermatology 59 years experience
You got the dose for episodic herpes, not for shingles. How long did you have shingles before you took med? Do you have any serious diseases? While treatment may shorten the course, it usually heals in 4 to 5 weeks. Effective therapy means starting on same day or next day 1000mg 3x a day for a week [21 pills]. You took only 4. At age 37 you probably do not need treatment, though.
Feb 26, 2016

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Last updated Feb 26, 2016

Found in:

Female health›Herpes zoster›Valacyclovir

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