Seek Treatment Right Away If You Think You Have Shingles
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that if you do get the disease, you may shorten its length and severity by taking the antiviral medicines acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir. These must, however, be taken as soon as possible after the rash appears to be effective. If you think you might have shingles, dont wait. See your doctor right away.
Shingles Vaccine: Should I Get It
Question: What are my options for the shingles vaccine? If I’ve already had shingles, should I get the vaccine so that I don’t get shingles again?
Answer: People looking to receive the shingles vaccine now have two options. The Food and Drug Administration in 2017 approved Shingrix. It’s the preferred alternative to Zostavax, which was approved in 2006.
Both vaccines are approved for adults age 50 and older for the prevention of shingles and related complications, whether they’ve already had shingles or not. You may get the Shingrix vaccine even if you’ve already had shingles. Also, consider getting the Shingrix vaccine if you’ve had the Zostavax vaccine or if you don’t know whether you’ve had chickenpox.
Zostavax is a live vaccine given as a single injection, usually in the upper arm. Shingrix is a nonliving vaccine made of a virus component. It’s given in two doses, with two to six months between doses. The most common side effects of either shingles vaccine are redness, pain, tenderness, swelling and itching at the injection site, and headaches.
Some people report a chickenpox-like rash after getting the shingles vaccine.
Although some people will develop shingles despite vaccination, the vaccine may reduce the severity and duration of it.
Talk to your health care provider about your vaccination options if you:
The cost of the shinglesvaccine may not be covered by Medicare, Medicaid or insurance. Check your plan.
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Is Anxiety A Side Effect Of Humira
No, anxiety isnt a side effect of Humira. This wasnt reported as a side effect in clinical trials of the drug. But Humira is used to treat some chronic conditions, and having a chronic condition has been linked to anxiety.
If you have questions about anxiety or side effects of Humira, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Can The Shingles Vaccine Be Taken With Humira
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How Does The Shingles Vaccine Work
The vaccine recommended for most people is a live vaccine called Zostavax. It contains a weakened chickenpox virus . It’s similar, but not identical, to the chickenpox vaccine.
People with a weakened immune system cannot have live vaccines. They will be offered a non-live vaccine called Shingrix. It activates the immune system but also contains an ingredient called an adjuvant, which helps to boost the response to the vaccine.
Very occasionally, people develop chickenpox following shingles vaccination . Talk to a GP if this happens to you.
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Routine Vaccination Of People 50 Years Old And Older
CDC recommends Shingrix for the prevention of herpes zoster and related complications. CDC recommends two doses of Shingrix separated by 2 to 6 months for immunocompetent adults aged 50 years and older:
- Whether or not they report a prior episode of herpes zoster.
- Whether or not they report a prior dose of Zostavax, a shingles vaccine that is no longer available for use in the United States.
- It is not necessary to screen, either verbally or by laboratory serology, for evidence of prior varicella.
Recombinant and adjuvanted vaccines, such as Shingrix, can be administered concomitantly, at different anatomic sites, with other adult vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. Coadministration of RZV with adjuvanted influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines is being studied.
Shingles Vaccine May Be Ok For Autoimmune Patients
Study: Vaccine Cuts Shingles Risk for People Taking Immunity Suppressing Drugs
The provocative finding comes from a study of 463,541 people aged 60 and older with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, or other autoimmune conditions such as psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Some of these people were taking powerful biologic drugs that fight autoimmune disease but leave a person vulnerable to infections.
More than 18,600 of these people got the shingles vaccine, including 633 who were taking or had taken biologic drugs. None of the participants taking biologics developed shingles or related disease in the 42 days after getting the shot. Overall, vaccination was linked to a 39% lower risk of getting shingles over a follow-up period of about two years.
People with autoimmune disease, particularly those on biologic drugs, are at high risk of shingles. But it’s been feared that instead of protecting against shingles, the live-virus vaccine might actually cause shingles in these patients.
“This is among the first clinical data that I have seen to call into question this contraindication,” says study author Jeffrey R. Curtis, MD. “I think it is provocative.”
Curtis, a rheumatologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, warns that the study findings must be confirmed before people with immune suppression are cleared to get the shingles vaccine.
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How Is Shingles Spread
You do not “catch” shingles it comes on when there’s a reawakening of chickenpox virus that’s already in your body. The virus can be reactivated because of a range of issues, including advancing age, medicine, illness or stress.
Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. It’s estimated that around 1 in 5 people who have had chickenpox go on to develop shingles.
Read more about the causes of shingles.
More Common Side Effects Of Humira
Humira can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Humira in clinical trials:
- upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
* For more information about this side effect, see Side effect specifics below.
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Humira and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
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Serious Side Effects Of Humira
Humira may cause serious side effects, although they arent common. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Humiras medication guide.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Humira, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think youre having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects that have been reported, and their symptoms, can include:
- Nervous system problems, such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Symptoms can include:
for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration . To learn more, see the Side effect specifics section below.
What Everyone Should Know About The Shingles Vaccine
Shingles vaccination is the only way to protect against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia , the most common complication from shingles.
CDC recommends that adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix to prevent shingles and the complications from the disease. Adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy should also get two doses of Shingrix, as they have a higher risk of getting shingles and related complications.
Your doctor or pharmacist can give you Shingrix as a shot in your upper arm.
Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and PHN. In adults 50 years and older who have healthy immune systems, Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN. Immunity stays strong for at least the first 7 years after vaccination. In adults with weakened immune systems, studies show that Shingrix is 68%-91% effective in preventing shingles, depending on the condition that affects the immune system.
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Side Effects After First Dose Of Humira
Its possible to have side effects after your first dose of Humira, such as injection site reactions. These reactions may include itching, pain, or swelling in the area of your Humira injection. Its also possible to experience other side effects, including serious side effects, after your first dose.
Depending on the condition youre taking Humira to treat, you may take the drug every week or every other week. Its possible to experience side effects after these other doses, as well.
If you have questions about what to expect after your first dose of Humira, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy And Breastfeeding While Taking Humira
You and your doctor should decide whether Humira is the right choice for you to take while youre pregnant or breastfeeding.
It isnt known for sure whether Humira is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. In people who have taken the drug while breastfeeding, no side effects have been reported.
If you have questions about taking Humira while pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor.
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Side Effects And Risks
Most people dont have anyside effects, and for those who do, they arent usually serious.Butif youdohave very bad side effects or are concerned about your symptoms,contact one of the healthcare professionals in charge of your care.
The most common side effects are redness, swelling or pain at the place where youve injected. Regularly changing where you inject will help reduce the chances of this.
Because adalimumab affects the immune system, it can make you more likely to pick up infections. It can also make them harder to spot. Tell your doctor or rheumatology nurse straight away if you develop any signs of infection such as a sore throat, fever, diarrhoea, coughing up green phlegm, or any other new symptoms that concern you. If any of these symptoms are very bad, see your doctor straight away.
You should also see your doctor if you develop chickenpox or shinglesorcome into contact withsomeone who has chickenpox or shingles. These illnesses can be worse if youre on adalimumab. You may need antiviral treatment, and you might have to stop taking the drug until youre better.
In rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction. Contact your healthcare team if you think this may be happening. If the reaction is very bad, then its important you see your GP or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department as soon as possible.
Tips To Reduce Your Risk Of Infection
- Try to avoid close contact with people you know have an infection.
- Wash your hands regularly and carry around a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel.
- Keep your mouth clean by brushing your teeth regularly.
- Stop smoking if youre a smoker.
- Make sure your food is stored and prepared properly.
- Try to keep your house clean and hygienic, especially the kitchen, bathrooms and toilets.
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Vaccination Of Immunocompromised Adults 19 Years And Older
CDC recommends two doses of RZV for the prevention of shingles and related complications in adults aged 19 years who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed because of disease or therapy. The second dose of RZV should typically be given 26 months after the first. However, for persons who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed and who would benefit from completing the series in a shorter period, the second dose can be administered 12 months after the first. For more detailed clinical guidance see .
Is Hair Loss One Of Humiras Side Effects
Its not likely. Hair loss wasnt a side effect seen duringclinical trials of Humira.
There have been reports of hair loss in people taking Humira since the drug was approved. But its unclear how often this has occurred or whether Humira was the cause.
If you have questions or concerns about hair loss while using Humira, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to treat this side effect. They may have you stop taking Humira and try another medication for your condition.
Learn more about some of the side effects that Humira may cause.
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Study Shows Shingles Vaccine Safe In Patients Taking Tnf Inhibitors
The safety and effectiveness of live virus vaccines, such as the varicella-zoster vaccine, have been unknown in patients with inflammatory diseases who are receiving immunomodulatory therapy.
Live attenuated zoster vaccine was not associated with any cases of shingles in patients receiving tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, a new study found.
In the VaricElla zosteR VaccinE trial, researchers enrolled adult patients ages 50 years and older from 33 academic and community-based rheumatology, gastroenterology, and dermatology practices who were receiving TNF inhibitors for any indication and randomly assigned them to receive the live attenuated zoster vaccine or placebo. Patients were followed in a blinded manner until month six, when clinical sites and participants were unblinded and followed until year one. The trial began in March 2015 and enrolled patients through December 2018.
Glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot from serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were measured at baseline and at six weeks after vaccination. Digital photographs and polymerase chain reaction on vesicular fluid were used to clinically assess suspected varicella infection or herpes zoster. Results of the trial were published Sept. 28 by Annals of Internal Medicine.
How To Address Pain And Itching Symptoms
Analgesics may help the pain caused by shingles, and gabapentin, a medicine used to treat nerve pain, and some anti-depressant medications, may help as well. Oatmeal baths may help to relieve some of the itching.
Finally, the Rheumatology News article states that researchers are busy developing a shingles vaccine using the inactivated herpes zoster virusits in clinical trials right now. Dr. Cush thinks it may be even more effective than the current live vaccine.
Keep your fingers crossed.
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Can Using Humira Cause Weight Gain Or Weight Loss
Neither weight gain nor weight loss were reported as side effects in people taking Humira in clinical trials.
But unintended weight loss may be a symptom of other side effects of Humira, such as an infection. And sudden weight gain may be a symptom of heart failure, which is a rare but serious side effect of taking Humira.
If youre concerned about your weight while taking Humira, talk with your doctor. They can discuss ways to help maintain a weight thats healthy for you. If you notice unintended, sudden changes in your weight, call your doctor. This may be a symptom of more serious side effects of Humira.
For Patients Who Do Not Report A Prior Episode Of Varicella
When vaccinating immunocompetent adults aged 50 years and older, there is no need to screen for a history of varicella or to conduct laboratory testing for serologic evidence of prior varicella. More than 99% of adults aged 50 years and older worldwide have been exposed to varicella-zoster virus, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices considers people born in the United States prior to 1980 immune to varicella. Therefore, even if a person does not recall having chickenpox, serologic testing for varicella immunity is not recommended. It is often a barrier to herpes zoster vaccination, and false negatives are common. However, if serologic evidence of varicella susceptibility becomes available to the healthcare provider, providers should follow ACIP guidelines for varicella vaccination. Shingrix has not been evaluated in persons who are seronegative to varicella, and it is not indicated for the prevention of varicella.
For adults 19 years of age and older who are or will be immunocompromised, see .
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Tnf Inhibitors May Increase Risk Of Shingles
RA patients treated with TNF inhibitors may have a higher risk of shingles than patients treated only with traditional, non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These results were published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
Shingles occurs when the varizella zoster virusthe virus that causes chickenpoxreactivates and causes a painful rash or blisters. The rash and blisters typically occur in a band on only one side of the body. Anyone who has previously had chickenpox is at risk of shingles. Factors that increase the risk of shingles include older age and a weakened immune system.
People with RA tend to have a higher rate of skin and soft tissue infection than people in the general population. This is likely due to a combination of the RA and the drugs that are used to it.
To evaluate the relationship between TNF inhibitors and skin and soft tissue infections, researchers evaluated 11,881 patients who had been treated with a TNF inhibitor and 3,673 patients treated only with non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs . The only TNF inhibitors that were available at the time the study was conducted were Enbrel® , Remicade® , and Humira® .
The risk of shingles was evaluated separately from the risk of other skin and soft tissue infections. Serious skin and soft tissue infections were defined as infections that required hospitalization or intravenous antibiotics, or that resulted in death.