Why should I be concerned about Shingles if I have IBD?

1. Shingles is more common, and causes more complications in IBD patients

2. Rarely, shingles can spread to the eyes, certain nerves, lung, and liver. 

3. Post-shingles pain (termed post-herpetic neuralgia) is more common in IBD patients

 

What are my treatment options in pill form?

• Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is a pill typically prescribed for 7-10 days

 

What if the patient has any symptoms of disseminated VZV?

• They should immediately contact the family physician or go to the emergency department for an assessment

 

What do I do with my biologics?

• Notify your your family physician and gastroenterologist and hold off on the next dose of biologics until the vesicles crust over

 

Reference for additional reading: 

1. Kim BS, Maverakis E, Alexanian C, Wang JZ, Raychaudhuri SP. Incidence, Clinical Features, Management, and Prevention of Herpes Zoster in Patients Receiving Antitumor Necrosis Factor Therapy: A Clinical Review. J Cutan Med Surg. 2020 May/Jun;24(3):278-284. DOI: 10.1177/1203475420914622. PMID: 32238066.