How do you reduce the side effects of Shingrix?

Asked by: Mellie Kuhic  |  Last update: January 8, 2024
Score: 4.2/5 (34 votes)

Taking an over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen after getting Shingrix can help ease discomfort from side effects. Contact your doctor if you have serious side effects.

How do you manage the side effects of Shingrix?

If you experience side effects, you may choose to take over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a serious nervous system disorder, has been reported very rarely after Shingrix. There is also a very small increased risk of GBS after having shingles.

Why do I feel so bad after Shingrix?

You may have muscle pain after receiving your dose of Shingrix. In fact, muscle pain was one of the most common side effects that people receiving the Shingrix vaccine reported in clinical trials. Muscle pain can occur because of the administration of Shingrix.

How soon after Shingrix shot do side effects appear?

Typically, these side effects appear within hours or days of receiving the vaccination. They resolve on their own within 2–5 days. According to the Shingrix package insert, adverse reactions at the injection site are frequent, and the most common side effects of the shingles vaccine include: Pain: 78% of recipients.

Does the second shingles shot have less side effects?

Side effects from the second dose of Shingrix are somewhat more common than the first dose, although that's not always the case. Most side effects of Shingrix are mild and resolve on their own.

What are the side effects of the shingles shot?

34 related questions found

Can I take Tylenol after Shingrix vaccine?

Important reminders. You may choose to take an over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen after getting Shingrix to ease discomfort from side effects. If you get side effects after the first dose of Shingrix, you should still get the second dose to get the full protection from the vaccine.

When is the best time to get the second shingles shot?

A: You should give the second dose of Shingrix 2 to 6 months after you gave the first dose. For individuals 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 1 to 2 months after the first.

How do I feel better after Shingrix shot?

Taking an over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen after getting Shingrix can help ease discomfort from side effects.

What medications to avoid after shingles vaccine?

Some products that may interact with this vaccine include: drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone), certain antiviral drugs (such as acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir).

Is second Shingrix shot worse than first?

Is the second shot worse than the first? People tend to experience side effects after the second dose of the vaccine and not the first. While people can experience symptoms after the first dose, it's not common. The second vaccine is considered the worst of the two.

Does Shingrix shot cause fatigue?

The most common side effects of SHINGRIX are:

Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Muscle pain. Tiredness. Headache.

Is Shingrix well tolerated?

Both Shingrix and Zostavax shingles vaccines have been shown to be safe and well tolerated. Common side effects, such as soreness and redness at the injection site, are usually mild to moderate in intensity and resolve quickly on their own.

Can I get flu shot and shingles shot at same time?

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) says co-administration is safe and recommended, and advises that both recombinant and adjuvanted shingles vaccines can be given with the flu shot, in different arms.

How long do you feel unwell with shingles?

Shingles symptoms usually get better in 2 to 4 weeks. Speak to your GP or pharmacist as soon as you get symptoms of shingles. Early treatment may help to reduce the severity of the condition and complications.

How long after shingles vaccine are you contagious?

With the currently authorized shingles vaccine, Shingrix, you won't be contagious. The old vaccine, Zostavax, used a weakened form of the live varicella-zoster virus. Therefore, people worried about spreading the disease to the people around them. Shingrix doesn't use a live version of the varicella-zoster virus.

Should you rest after shingles vaccine?

Many people also felt tired or experienced muscle pain, a headache, shivering, fever, stomach pain, or nausea. About 1 out of 6 people had symptoms severe enough to prevent them from doing regular activities. You should plan to avoid strenuous activities, such as yardwork or swimming, for a few days after vaccination.

Can I take Tylenol for shingles vaccine symptoms?

Still, you may have arm pain, headache, or fever for a couple of days after the vaccine. Take it easy and avoid heavy physical activity after your shot. If needed, an over-the-counter pain reliever, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), may help with bothersome side effects.

What are the side effects of the Shingrix vaccine in 2023?

If the new shingles vaccine made you feel worse than you expected, you're not alone. Skin rash, joint pain, flu-like symptoms, headaches and fatigue are some complaints from patients who've had the recently approved Shingrix vaccine.

Can shingles affect blood pressure?

Also, the pain in acute cases may be so severe that the stress can increase blood pressure to unhealthy levels.

Does shingles make you tired?

Most cases of shingles cause severe pain and itching, and can leave scars. Fluid-filled blisters develop, break, and crust over during and a few weeks after an outbreak. You also may feel sick or fatigued, with a slight fever or headache. However, it is possible to have rashes that are so mild they're not even noticed.

Can I get shingles vaccine and COVID booster at same time?

Yes. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccinations like a flu or shingles vaccine at the same time or close together, according to the CDC.

Do I need another shingles vaccine after 5 years?

Protection from shingles vaccine lasts about 5 years. While the vaccine was most effective in people 60 through 69 years old, it also provides some protection for people 70 years old and older.

How many times can you get shingles?

Once a person has chickenpox, the virus stays in their body. The virus can reactivate later in life and cause shingles. Most people who develop shingles only have it one time during their life. However, you can have shingles more than once.

What is the best painkiller for shingles?

The following OTC medications can help: NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): These can be quite effective for many people. They include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Acetaminophen (Tylenol): This can also provide significant pain relief.