Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is also referred to as herpes zoster, which is characterized by a red skin rash that can cause pain and burning.
Typically, the rashes caused by shingles appear as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body, especially on the torso, neck, or face. In most cases, it clears up within 2 to 3 weeks.
In the United States, shingles will affect at least 1 in 3 people at some point in their life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Shingles is preventable with a vaccine, but is common in the United States, with officials reporting over 200,000 cases every year. The CDC says 50% of these cases occur in older adults aged 60 and above.
The disease is not completely curable, but your doctor will prescribe medications to relieve pain and shorten the duration of your symptoms. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says antiviral drugs may alleviate symptoms within three days.
“Antiviral medication and vaccinations are often the most effective shingles treatments,” according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
Here are some of the most popular generic drugs for shingles:
- Acyclovir (Generic Zovirax)
Generic acyclovir is a prescription drug for shingles, which is prescribed to adults and children of 12 years and above. It reduces the severity and duration of shingles episodes. The drug helps in healing the blisters faster while preventing new blisters from developing. Generic acyclovir also relieves symptoms of burning and itching. It comes in oral tablets, capsules, and topical creams.
- Valacyclovir (Generic Valtrex)
Generic valacyclovir is another prescription drug for shingles prescribed to adults and children above the age of 12. Like acyclovir, valacyclovir helps inhibit stop the growth of the virus. Generic Valtrex is not a cure for shingles, but it offers relief from painful symptoms of shingles. It also prevents new blisters.
- Famciclovir (Generic Famvir)
Famciclovir is available in generic versions. It works just like acyclovir and valacyclovir. Doctors may prescribe generic famciclovir to patients aged between 18 and 65. The drug may not be an effective shingles treatment for patients aged above 65, especially if they kidney issues. Like the above-mentioned medications, generic famciclovir cannot cure shingles but it reduces the pain and duration of symptoms.
Vaccines for shingles include Shingrix and Zostavax. GlaxoSmithKline manufactures Shingrix, while Zostavax is manufactured by Merck & Co. There is no generic vaccine of Shingrix or Zostavax.
