Just been diagnosed with shingles

[EHSs]

I have Lupus, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, eye and skin sensitivity, I've also been treated for breast cancer so I'm on tamoxifen, hydroxychloroquine, prednisolone, mycophenalate and I now have to stop all these dead apart from the tamoxifen to take the anti virals because I have shingles. I'm scared of how quickly I'm likely to crash, pain, tiredness even though I have been feeling really ill for the past week before diagnosis. Has anyone been through this any advice greatly appreciated. How quick after antivirals should I start back on my meds?

[AgedCrone]

Ask your pharmacist...when I had Shingles anti virals my pharmacist told me straight away when I could resume my other drugs.....

Hope your shingles clears up soon

AC

[ecough]

Hi,

I do sympathize with you since I was just diagnosed about 5 days ago! I have been on anti-virals since I was diagnosed. I initially thought that I would have to go off my Plaquenil and prednisone but my Rheumatologist told me that I should stay on both while I am taking the anti-virals. The best thing to do is talk to your doctor to see what is right for you! Also, get lots of rest and take care of you.

[EHSs in reply to ecough]

I've also taken the choice to stay on the steroids and hydroxy. Stiffness and pain increased and tiredness but not too bad. 😬

[leslieliesel]

Oh Dear..way too much..I did go through Breast cancer 13 years ago...but I was only DX's last fall with Cutaneous lupus...I have had shingles..also before Lupus DX...How long do you have to take the antiviral drugs???

[EHSs in reply to leslieliesel]

Hi I have to take them for 7 days 800mg 5 times a day. I'm on day 3 now I have stopped my mycophenolate but I have continued with the steroid and hydroxy I've seized up a bit already and the pain in my joints has got worse. This coupled with the tiredness of the shingles

[ellejay46]

Hey when I had shingles in March I didn’t have to stop prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine. Hope u get well soon! 💐

[Hidden]

What a lot you have to cope with. Unlike Hydroxichloraquine, Mycophenolate is a powerful immunosuppressant so this is probably why you have to stop it until your shingles passes. When I had to come off Hydroxy finally I really flared up quickly but with the others, including Mycophenolate, I didn’t notice much difference to my symptoms. I really hope things improve for you soon.