General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Public DU Service announcement to older DUers - get your damn Shingles vaccinations!!! [View all]LynneSin
(95,337 posts)My doctor knows that I am not keen on being prescribed just-released pharmaceuticals. I was once prescribed a just released new brand of antibiotic that was suppose to be the cure-all fix-all for my bladder infection (from another doctor) and end the end I paid $90 for something that didn't fix what was wrong with my bladder but instead created havoc with other areas of my body that have health bacteria working to ensure they function properly.
My doctor knows I'd rather go with what is tried and true and I'd prefer generics if possible. Valtrex (what I am taking now for my shingles) has been around for a long time and is in generics form. I can't afford to miss weeks of work because I allowed my shingles to get out of control and so far it looks like I've only had to take off 1.5 days to deal with my issues and I may even drive into work tomorrow.
I trust my current doctor to prescribe what is best for me and not what her pharma rep is pressuring her to prescribe.
And I do use alternatives although Tea Tree Oil was not something I found as reliable alternative to treatment of shingles. I did find that L-Lysine was highly recommended along with a high dosage of B-Complex, C and Zync to boost your immunity. I am taking those supplements now