I think l have shingles & l have GPA & can’t get to a doctor..

[Chamad]

Anyone know what’s needed?

[PMRpro]

You need anti-viral medication immediately - within 24 hours preferably. It would have been helpful to have more information - like where you are!! However - assuming you are in the UK, call 111 and ask for medical advice. They can arrange to see you and/or dispense antiviral medication to be picked up from a pharmacy

[vivdunstan Volunteer]

Yes if you are immunosuppressed you need antivirals immediately, and out of hours NHS in the UK could sort this out for you. Please seek urgent medical help. I've had shingles twice and also chickenpox before - all when immunosuppressed. Chickenpox was life threatening for me, but shingles much more painful. The quicker you start the medication the better the outcome.

[2013mayo]

Hi, You need aciclovir 800mg taken 4-5 times a day, can’t remember exact dose, or how many days. You need to start them ASAP as they will only work if started within a set time. You need to get to your doctors to get prescription .

Xx

[BronteM]

The aciclovir works too! I was prescribed it some years ago, and although the shingles were unpleasant and lasted longer than I expected it could have been much worse. As numerous friends and neighbours were happy to point out! Having shingles turned out to be a surprisingly bonding experience.