Has anyone developed shingles while on prednisolone ?

[Voutton]

[Flippityfish]

Hi I managed to get shingles last year when i was on prednisolone and i was also on hydroxychloroquine and mmf which all lower your immune system. it was excruitatingly painful because it was on my scalp! i've read on the internet that you can get recurring shingles, so im hoping that it doesn't happen again!!

[Callie]

Hi Flippityfish, I was on steroids around Easter time as l had a flare up just prior , l can only do sliding scale of steroids as there is a strong history of Osteoporosis in my family.

I work part-time in a school as a school matron /nurse and l managed to get shingles down both my arms ! unusual yes and was given strong anti virals 800mg 5 times a day( other half is on immune suppressants) they were like horse pills, but they prevented a lot of the pain, it might be worth asking your gp for some.

To make you laugh, one GP said yes l had shingles, another when l went back the following day as my face has swelled up said Oh NO ! not shingles but an allergy to flowers ! stop taking antivirals and take piriton instead, so a quick call to Lupus nurse specialist who said come down, seen by Consultant who was horrified at my arms as both had a red angry painful rash the whole length of my arms and completely around my left elbow and they were both swollen, he said that yes it is not often seen but then Lupus doesn't read the books lol but it was definitely Shingles and to continue the anti virals ill finished and not to see that particular member of GP practice.

Take care.

[Voutton]

Hi thanks for that I did have shingles in my late 20s so I know you can get it again Just I've been feeling great since my methotrexate kicked in So probably doing too much Don't know whether to bother doc with it

[twist1]

Hi yes I had shingles while on prednisalone, hydroxy and mmf. Got it in my left eye was painful as h*ll and couldn't drive for over three months as any light caused me to shut my eye, felt like pirate without a patch lol. It still itches above my eyebrow when I get stressed and I had it over 4 years ago

Good news tho I was in my doctors recently and you can get a shingles prevention injection there was a leaflet from a private clinic advertising it. I keep meaning to get it because of the risk with the meds I'm on but don't know where the years going at the moment!!!!!

[Voutton]

Hi twist , you were lucky seemingly ophthalmic shingles is pretty serious Yes I read about the injection I just so feel I'm putting so much into my bod at the moment Maybe if it comes again after this clears I may think about it I'm over 50 so I'm sure I wouldn't have to pay Now that's a bonus Take care thanks for your input