The symptoms of Herpes can be treated with medication, but occasionally those medications can cause allergic reactions. If you have been diagnosed with herpes and are experiencing a reaction, it’s important to determine whether or not the origin of this reaction is an allergy or a side effect of the drug itself.
These two things are often confused or mistaken for one another.
An allergic reaction means your body sees the medication as harmful and is rejecting the treatment. Allergic reactions typically include hives, a rash or itchy skin, and can occur anywhere between a few hours and up to two weeks after taking the drug. More severe allergic reactions to herpes medication can include:
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Swollen face -
Difficulty breathing
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Tightness of the throat
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Reddened skin
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Blisters
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Lightheadedness
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Low blood pressure
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Shock
If you are taking herpes medication and are experiencing any of these, you should consult your doctor before taking any more of the medication.
A side effect occurs when your body is sensitive to a new substance. It is usually less dangerous than an allergic reaction and a patient can typically be prescribed a different drug or another one to offset the side effect. Common side effects of herpes medications can include:
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Nausea
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Fatigue
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Muscle Aches
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Coughing
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Stuffy nose
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Sneezing
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Insomnia
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Stomach cramps
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Constipation
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Diarrhea
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Bruising
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Ringing of the ears
Allergic reactions and side effects can occur as a result of the drug itself or from taking more than the prescribed dose of the medication. Sometimes taking the medication with food can decrease the chance of an allergic reaction or side effect.
Solutions for Herpes Medication Allergies
Although there is no known cure for Herpes, there are several different types of medications to treat it. In addition to traditional medicine, there are also alternative treatments to alleviate the pain associated with Herpes.
If you live in Arizona or North Carolina, visit a FastMed location near you where you can receive treatment or testing for Herpes as well as for any allergic reactions or side effects stemming from the medication.
About FastMed
FastMed is a leading provider of high-quality, convenient, affordable, and compassionate healthcare in 34 counties across North Carolina. FastMed serves both urban and rural communities across the state with a wide range of care options, including preventive, telemedicine, occupational health, and primary and urgent care. FastMed is one of the few urgent care providers in the nation that has earned The Joint Commission’s coveted Gold Seal of Approval® for quality, safety, and infection control in ambulatory healthcare. For more information, visit www.fastmed.com.