I have shingles on my eyebrow, I am 15 weeks pregnant and on vacation. Can I take oral Valtrex?
33-year-old woman
I am currently in the Dominican Republic for 7 days and I only have acyclovir cream, is this enough? As it is in the face I am worried.
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Alexandre Chagnon · 5 years ago
Hello Ma'am,
The situation is indeed disturbing. Ophthalmic shingles (in the trigeminal ganglion area, is a serious infection that must be treated promptly. In case of delayed treatment, irreversible loss of vision may occur.
The treatment with topical acyclovir (cream) is unfortunately not sufficient. He you acyclovir pill (800mg 5 times a day for 7 days). This medication is compatible with pregnancy.
I advise you to consult a doctor very quickly and to come back and write to me if you have any questions.
Tell me about it,
Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist
33-year-old woman · 5 years ago
I thank you so much for your help, the doctors here don't want to prescribe it, but I found exactly acyclovir 800mg in an over the counter pharmacy. I am starting the treatment as of tonight! Thanks again 🙏
Alexandre Chagnon · 5 years ago
Hooray for the Dominican Republic and these powerful non-prescription treatments! 😉
Monitor the evolution of symptoms. If your eye starts to be affected, that's when we'll need to add an even stronger treatment, administered intravenously (so in the hospital). It's rare, but when it happens it's an emergency.
Come back and let me know if anything changes.
Have a nice day!
Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist
33-year-old woman · 5 years ago
Oh I see, it worries me a little to read this. At the eyebrow level it has become dry scabs about 1 cm long and I would say it's stable, but I still have pain at the nerve level anyway. There is a new lesion at the top of the forehead with 3 small blisters and 1 at the eyebrow arch. I started the treatment yesterday, so it's hard for me to know if it has improved and if my eye is affected how does it look? I definitely feel more tightness in my left eye than my right, but nothing more. I am just wondering with the service I have had so far if I should enter Canada sooner. Thank you for your time it is much appreciated.
Alexandre Chagnon · 5 years ago
I understand that it can be stressful to read this. The damage you are presenting with at this time does not affect the eye itself, but rather the tissue around the eye. That is comforting.
When I mention eye damage, I am referring to the eye itself. If your eye comes to hurt, or become red, or see less well, then you'll need to see someone quickly.
33-year-old woman · 5 years ago
Thank you! Last question, how long should I expect to see improvement with the per os treatments.
Alexandre Chagnon · 5 years ago
Good question!"
It should not come out with any new lesions in about 3 days, which would be a sign that the treatment is working well.
Alexandre Chagnon · 5 years ago
I'm back in the news!"
How has your situation evolved since last week? Also, are you back in Quebec?
33-year-old woman · 5 years ago
Yes I am back in Quebec since October 8 and I saw my pregnancy follow-up doctor on the 10th. Everything is under control, the treatment worked very well and baby is doing well. The lesions are on the mend. I thank you again so much for the information, without you I would have been in trouble.
Alexandre Chagnon · 5 years ago
Good news!"
I wish you a great pregnancy. Don't hesitate to write me again if you have any questions.
Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist
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