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Famciclovir-- An oral antiviral drug that is available under the trade name Famvir. The drug blocks the replication of the varicella zoster virus.
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Can you take Tylenol 3 with valacyclovir?
You should only take medicines as prescribed for you by a qualified medical practitioner (a doctor) - the doctor will know which drugs may be taken together.
Can you take anabolic steroids while taking suboxone?
If you are taking suboxone, you already have one drug problem! Let's not even think about starting up another one by taking illegal steroids. Go to your NA meetings and stay clean. You do not need any more problems in your life right now. can a person take famciclovir while taking anabolic steroids?
Herpes esophagitis?
DefinitionHerpes esophagitis is a viral infection that involves inflammation and ulcers in the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe herpes simplex virus causes herpes esophagitis.Infection of the esophagus by the herpes simplex virus is rare in people with normal immune systems and usually runs its course without treatment. However, severe and difficult-to-treat esophagitis can occur in people with a suppressed or weakened immune system.The following raise your risk for herpes esophagitis:HIV/AIDSChemotherapyDiabetesLeukemia or lymphomaOrgan transplantsOther conditions that suppress or weaken your immune systemSymptomsSymptoms include:ChillsDifficulty swallowingFeverHerpes in the mouth (herpes labialis)Joint pain or other general symptomsPainful swallowingSigns and testsCulture of cells from the esophagusEsophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD) with or without biopsyTreatmentIn most people, antiviral medication such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir can control the infection. Some people also need pain medicine. Many people who are treated for an episode of herpes esophagitis need other, long-term medicines to suppress the virus and prevent reinfection.Expectations (prognosis)Esophagitis can usually be treated effectively. Healthy people recover on their own in 3 - 5 days, but those with a weakened immune system take longer to get better.The outcome depends upon the immune system problem that makes the person more likely to develop the infection.ComplicationsHoles in your esophagus (perforations)Infection at other sitesRecurrent infectionCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have any condition that can cause reduced immune response and you develop symptoms of herpes esophagitis.PreventionThe herpes simplex virus is contagious by direct contact, so avoid contact with known herpes sores (lesions).ReferencesWhitley RJ. Herpes simplex infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 397.
What can be used to treat oral herpes?
Valtrex is an example of prescribed medication for treating herpes. Treating, because you cannot cure herpes with any medications. What the medicine does is help control your outbreaks, which makes it less transmissible and less bothersome. EVEN while on this medication it is still possible to spread herpes.
Is there a treatment for the shingles?
There is no cure for shingles, but treatment may shorten the length of illness and prevent complications. Treatment options include:Antiviral medicines to reduce the pain and duration of shingles.Pain medicines, antidepressants, and topical creams to relieve long-term pain.antibiotic treatmentShingles is caused by a virus called Herpes zoster, sometimes years after having chicken pox; no one knows what causes the virus to re-activate but is often preceded by stressful situations or a weakened immune system.Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines (Benadryl) and topical numbing creams (Lidocaine cream), "Nupercaine or Benadryl jell can relieve the itching and pain.Cold tap water compresses can be applied to sooth the blisters and prevent infection. Once the blisters have opened using mild soap and water and petroleum jelly will prevent the skin from becoming too dry or inflamed.Some doctors now prescribe antiviral medications; acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir). If started as soon as the flair up starts, they can decrease the pain and duration of the outbreak. Corticosteroids are used to decrease inflammation.A severe outbreak may need to be treated with pain medication if OTC Tylenol or Ibuprofen is not helpful see your doctor.The weeping blisters contain the virus and is contagious to individuals who are susceptible to the chickenpox virus, so skin to skin contact with anyone who could catch the chicken pox, including new born babies, needs to be avoided.The following are treatments other sufferers have tried, please check with your physician before using a home remedy: Acupuncture, Brookskin liniment, soaking in a bath of Epsom salts, fresh juices from an aloe plant can be applied as often as needed, Calamine lotion, Destine (diaper rash cream, Butt paste (diaper rash cream) bathing in or a paste made from Oatmeal bath to be soothing.
How do you cure a cold sore?
TJT123: What I use to dry out a cold sore in order for it to go quicker is Mouthwash! Just get a piece of kitchen/toilet paper (a clean piece of course) and put the paper (folded up to make it thicker) over the top of the mouthwash bottle and then turn it all over so the mouth wash pours on the paper cleanly. Then, hold the mouthwash soaked paper on the cold sore. Do NOT move it around or take it off for at least 1-2 minutes as this will spread the cold sore to other areas around the face. Repeat this process every 2-4 hours and the cold sore should dry out the cold sore well. Before going to bed hold the mouthwash on for a bit longer if wanted as its a well known fact that the body is much better at healing when your sleeping! The Mouthwash Trick not only helps to dry out the cold sore but also kills bacteria in and around the area to stop the cold sore getting worse due to infection (etc). This method of drying the cold sore out can after removal of the paper begin to sting on the cold sore and surrounding area, or you may get a throbbing sensation, although the outcome is totally worth it! --- Pat Stacey/ID2541137212: Hydrogen Peroxide and LOTS of vitamins. Also, a few other ways that seem to work: 1. Obviously, topical, over-the-counter creams from the pharmacy, e.g. Zovirax. They don't really speed up healing but they can prevent a sore from appearing. 2. Garlic oil, applied topically. 3. Aloe vera. There is no real cure for a cold sore. This is part of the Herpes virus and is highly transmissible when you have an outbreak, and possible to transmit when you don't - although rare. As indicated above you can treat it to assist in the prevention, or healing but once you have the virus you will always have it. Getting enough rest, reducing your stress and eating healthy will prevent outbreaks. It is possible to have one outbreak in your live and then never again, or to have them frequently. If you do have them often examine when they appear to try to determine what is brining them out, do you get them during stressful situations? Did you eat poorly recently? etc.
If you have never kissed anyone what are little bumps that appear on your lips time after time and they hurt before they form?
What are cold sores? Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, are clusters of small blisters on the lip and outer edge of the mouth. The skin around the blisters is often red and inflamed. The blisters can break open, weep a clear fluid, and then scab over after a few days. Complete healing may take 7 to 10 days. See an illustration of cold sores. What causes cold sores? Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 usually leads to lip and mouth sores (herpes labialis), while HSV-2 most often leads to genital herpes. However, both virus types can cause cold sores or genital herpes if skin comes into contact with either type. What are the symptoms? You can be infected with HSV and have no symptoms. For some people, however, cold sores can be painful. Initial symptoms can include mouth soreness, fever, sore throat, or swollen lymph glands. Small children sometimes drool before a cold sore appears. After the blisters develop, cold sores usually break open, weep clear fluid, and then crust over and disappear after several days to a week. How are cold sores diagnosed? Your health professional can diagnose cold sores by asking you questions to determine whether you have been exposed to the HSV and by examining you. No further testing is usually needed. How are cold sores treated? Cold sores will usually go away on their own within a few days. However, if they are severe or cause you embarrassment or discomfort, cold sores can be treated. Treatment may include topical creams or ointments or sometimes antiviral medicines (such as acyclovir or famciclovir). Treatment may lessen the duration of the cold sores by only 1 to 2 days, but can help soothe painful blisters or other uncomfortable symptoms. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) that causes cold sores cannot be cured. If sores develop regularly, treatment can reduce the number and severity of outbreaks. How are cold sores spread? The herpes simplex virus (HSV) usually enters your body through a break in the skin around or inside your mouth. It is spread through coughing, sneezing, direct contact with a cold sore, or touching contaminated fluid
Treatment Options For Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Two types of genital herpes have been identified by scientists. The simplex virus-2 is the more common of the two, although the simplex virus-1 responsible for cold sores will occasionally cause genital herpes. Although there is no cure for this condition, many individuals benefit from antiviral medications that can lessen the severity and frequency of outbreaks.Diagnosis Before TreatmentHerpes is usually transmitted from one person to another during sexual activity. The virus can cause sores or blisters on the skin or the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, mouth, vagina or rectum. The sores can be quite painful, becoming further irritated if scratched. Outbreaks of these sores are difficult to predict. Some individuals have only minor symptoms on a very infrequent basis while others have outbreaks of sores every several weeks.Doctors examining patients with these sores will take samples to find out if a viral infection is the cause of the outbreak. Both the HSV-1 and HSV-2 viruses are rather easy to identify. Tests may involve samples of blood, urine or cells taken directly from one of the sores. The presence of antibodies produced by the body to fight the herpes virus can also be confirmed through blood tests. Doctors will often take a tissue sample and grow a culture, testing it at intervals for the presence of the herpes virus.Treatment Options For Herpes PatientsOnce infected, a person will have the herpes virus for the rest of his or her life. The virus actually "hides" in nerve cells and may spread once more through the body, causing subsequent outbreaks. There are no pharmaceutical cures for the condition, but a number of antiviral medications are available for those suffering outbreaks from both types of genital herpes.The most commonly prescribed medications for herpes are acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. Each of these medications is in pill form and is taken orally. In some rare cases patients have been given an intravenous treatment involving acyclovir. Several topical treatments are also available but have shown little to no effect in lessening the severity or frequency of outbreaks.After the initial treatment period of about 7-10 days the physician will perform an examination to see the effectiveness of the chosen medication. If the sores are gone and the patient is feeling no discomfort the doctor may recommend an intermittent treatment program. If the outbreaks persist a suppressive treatment regimen may be recommended, involving an antiviral drug being taken on a daily basis.
Esophagitis - infectious?
DefinitionEsophagitis is a general term for any inflammation, irritation, or swelling of the esophagus -- the tube that leads from the back of the mouth to the stomach.Infection in the esophagus may be due to:Fungi or yeast (most often Candida)Viruses, such as herpes or cytomegalovirusCauses, incidence, and risk factorsInfection of the esophagus is rare in people whose immune system works well.A weakened immune system raises your risk for this type of infection, and makes it harder to treat.Common causes include:HIV /AIDSChemotherapyDiabetesLeukemia or lymphomaOrgan transplants (due to drugs that suppress the immune system)Other conditions that suppress or weaken your immune systemSymptomsSymptoms include:Difficulty swallowing and painful swallowingFever and chillsJoint pain or other general symptoms (with herpes)Oral thrush(with candida)Sores in the mouth (with herpes or cytomegalovirus)Signs and testsBlood and urine tests for cytomegalovirus (CMV)Cold agglutinins for CMVCulture of cells from the esophagus for herpes or CMVMouth or throat swab culture for candidaTreatmentIn most people with esophagitis, medicines can control the infection:Antiviral medication such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir can treat a herpes infection.Antifungal medicines such as fluconazole (taken by mouth) or amphotericin (given by injection) can treat candida infection.Antiviral medicines that are given through a vein (intravenously), such as ganciclovir or foscarnet can treat CMV infection. In some cases, a medicine called valganciclovir, which is taken by mouth, can be used for CMV infection.Some people may also need pain medicine.Many people who are treated for an episode of infectious esophagitis need other, long-term medicines to suppress the virus or fungus, and to prevent the infection from coming back.Expectations (prognosis)Esophagitis can usually be treated effectively. Healthy people recover on their own in 3 - 5 days, but those with a weakened immune system take longer to get better.The outcome depends upon the immune system problem that makes the person more likely to develop the infection.ComplicationsHoles in your esophagus (perforations)Infection at other sitesRecurrent infectionCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have any condition that can cause reduced immune response and you develop symptoms of infectious esophagitis.PreventionThe herpes simplex virus is contagious by direct contact, so avoid contact with known herpes sores (lesions).ReferencesGraman PS. Esophagitis. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 94.Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/24/2011Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Is it possible for a person not to get herpes?
There is a natural treatment for herpes. i have genital herpes and I will explain to you how i keep it under control with natural remedies: First, I take the supplement LYSINE (an amino acid). I take about 1,000 to 1,500mg a day. I notice that I get best response from a medium to high grade brand. I tried the cheap grocery store brand of lysine and my body did not respond as well as the better brand. Twin-labs co. makes a decent affordable lysine supplement. The daily supplement takes care of the internal aspect of herpes( it basically helps get rid of the blisters before they form on your genitals). Another thing about lysine is that the amino acid Arginine cancels out lysine in your body. For instance, I do not eat much red meat, so I eat a lot of chicken and fish( which is high in arginine ). So to be sure that I don't get an outbreak, I take approx. 2,000 mg of lysine daily. When I adhere to this regimen, I RARELY get outbreaks! Only times I've gotten outbreaks was when I was stressed out with life changing situations (extreme stress will deplete the lysine in your body).EXTERNAL TREATMENT FOR GENITAL HERPES: Several companies make topical lysine ointments. They are available through most health food stores or natural food or vitamin shops. Quantum makes a great ointment called SUPER LYSINE PLUS. It contains lysine, golden seal in a beeswax base- it works GREAT! There have been a couple times that my funds were limited and the store I went to was out of the topical compound and I went ahead and bought a alcohol based lysine/Reishi mushroom extract. To my surprise this extract worked GREAT both topically(although it does sting a little!)and internally. I am not a dr. or anything like that. I am just a Native American with a little experience with herpes and natural remedies.Please be advised, to date, there is no known CURE for herpes. Once the virus is in your system you can only treat the symptoms and work to boost the immune system in order to control the out breaks.
How does one prevent shingles?
See your doctor;Seek professional medical attention, because nothing you do at home can treat and eliminate the shingles virus by itself. This is a highly painful disease and the sooner it is treated the sooner you will get relief.Medicate:The best treatment for the shingles virus is to begin a course of medications as prescribed by your doctor. Most likely you will be given a combination of three types of medications. First, you will be given an antiviral drug to deal with the virus itself and eliminate it.Get some rest:The best thing you can do for yourself to treat the shingles virus attacking you is to get some much needed rest. Take off from work. Sleep more than usual. Don't do anything physically straining while you are working to get the virus under control. Your body needs to put all it's energy and resources into fighting off the shingles virus.Wash the rash and blisters:Make sure you are keeping the affected area clean, cool and moist. Often times a cool bath is suggested. Regular soap, without perfumes and special additives is best. You might want to follow up a washing with some sort of topical cream. Your doctor can help you decide which cream would be best for shingles and provide the best soothing relief.--As you may be aware, shingles is caused by a virus, the same one that causes chickenpox. Basically it is a re-emergence of the chickenpox virus. The virus is usually contained to an area of skin called a dermatome. This is the descriptive name for an area of skin supplied by a particular group of nerves. While the rash you have might spread along this dermatome, it almost never crosses into another one. This means that if it isn't already on your face, it won't go there. Stress won't spread the virus, but being stressed will affect your immune system. The medicine your doctor gave you is almost certainly aciclovir, which is an anti-viral drug taken up to 5 times a day. This must be started as soon as possible and should not be stopped mid-way through the course of else it will not be as effective. Unfortunately this is the only medical way to treat a virus. The only other option is that painkillers which may be needed. The rash should subside by the end of the course. You should be aware that some patients experience persisting pain after the rash has gone, occasionally for up to 6 months. This can be treated readily with painkillers and neurotransmitter drugs such as gabapentin and you should see your doctor if you are worried about this.--Unconfirmed Home RemedyFind some Mountain Laurel tree (evergreen shrub). Take the leaves and boil them. Put the liquid in a spray bottle and spray the rash. My grandmother was cured from shingles after one month of application of this plant.
Shingles?
DefinitionShingles (herpes zoster) is a painful, blistering skin rash due to the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox.See also: Ramsay Hunt syndromeAlternative NamesHerpes zosterCauses, incidence, and risk factorsAfter you get chickenpox, the virus remains inactive (becomes dormant) in certain nerves in the body. Shingles occurs after the virus becomes active again in these nerves years later.The reason the virus suddenly become active again is not clear. Often only one attack occurs.Shingles may develop in any age group, but you are more likely to develop the condition if:You are older than 60You had chickenpox before age 1Your immune system is weakened by medications or diseaseIf an adult or child has direct contact with the shingles rash on someone and has not had chickenpox as a child or a chickenpox vaccine, they can develop chickenpox, rather than shingles.SymptomsThe first symptom is usually one-sided pain, tingling, or burning. The pain and burning may be severe and is usually present before any rash appears.Red patches on the skin, followed by small blisters, form in most people.The blisters break, forming small ulcers that begin to dry and form crusts. The crusts fall off in 2 to 3 weeks. Scarring is rare.The rash usually involves a narrow area from the spine around to the front of the belly area or chest.The rash may involve face, eyes, mouth, and ears.Additional symptoms may include:Abdominal painChillsDifficulty moving some of the muscles in the faceDrooping eyelid (ptosis)Fever and chillsGeneral ill-feelingGenital lesionsHeadacheHearing lossJoint painLoss of eye motionSwollen glands (lymph nodes)Taste problemsVision problemsYou may also have pain, muscle weakness, and a rash involving different parts of your face if shingles affects a nerve in your face. See: Ramsay Hunt syndromeSigns and testsYour doctor can make the diagnosis by looking at your skin and asking questions about your medical history.Tests are rarely needed, but may include taking a skin sample to see if the skin is infected with the virus that causes shingles.Blood tests may show an increase in white blood cells and antibodies to the chickenpox virus but cannot confirm that the rash is due to shingles.TreatmentYour doctor may prescribe a medicine that fights the virus, called an antiviral. The drug helps reduce pain and complications and shorten the course of the disease. Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir may be used.The medications should be started within 24 hours of feeling pain or burning, and preferably before the blisters appear. The drugs are usually given in pill form, in doses many times greater than those recommended for herpes simplex or genital herpes. Some people may need to receive the medicine through a vein (by IV).Strong anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may be used to reduce swelling and the risk of continued pain. These drugs do not work in all patients.Other medicines may include:Antihistamines to reduce itching (taken by mouth or applied to the skin)Pain medicinesZostrix, a cream containing capsaicin (an extract of pepper) that may reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgiaCool wet compresses can be used to reduce pain. Soothing baths and lotions, such as colloidal oatmeal bath, starch baths, or calamine lotion, may help to relieve itching and discomfort.Resting in bed until the fever goes down is recommended.The skin should be kept clean, and contaminated items should not be reused. Nondisposable items should be washed in boiling water or otherwise disinfected before reuse. The person may need to be isolated while lesions are oozing to prevent infecting other people who have never had chickenpox -- especially pregnant women.Expectations (prognosis)Herpes zoster usually clears in 2 to 3 weeks and rarely recurs. If the virus affects the nerves that control movement (the motor nerves), you may have temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis.Sometimes, the pain in the area where the shingles occurred may last from months to years. See: Postherpetic neuralgiaComplicationsSometimes, the pain in the area where the shingles occurred may last for months or years. This pain is called postherpetic neuralgia. It occurs when the nerves have been damaged after an outbreak of shingles. Pain ranges from mild to very severe pain. It is more likely to occur in people over 60 years.Other complications may include:Another attack of shinglesBlindness (if shingles occurs in the eye)DeafnessInfection, including encephalitis or sepsis (blood infection) in persons with weakened immune systemsBacterial skin infectionsRamsay Hunt syndrome if shingles affected the nerves in the faceCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have symptoms of shingles, particularly if you have a weakened immune system or if your symptoms persist or worsen. Shingles that affects the eye may lead to permanent blindness if you do not receive emergency medical care.PreventionAvoid touching the rash and blisters of persons with shingles or chickenpox if you have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine.A herpes zoster vaccine is available. It is different than the chickenpox vaccine. Older adults who receive the herpes zoster vaccine are less likely to have complications from shingles. Adults older than 60 should receive the herpes zoster vaccine as part of routine medical care.See: Chickenpox vaccineReferencesSampathkumar P, Drage LA, Martin DP. Herpes zoster (shingles) and postherpetic neuralgia. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009 Mar;84(3):274-80.Whitley RJ. Varicella-Zoster virus. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 137.Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Recommended adult immunization schedule: United States, 2010. Ann Intern Med. 2010;152:36-39.
