Medications
Most people can be vaccinated to prevent
chickenpox (varicella). The vaccine is successful as
long as it is given before you have been exposed to the virus. It also may
prevent or result in a milder case of chickenpox if given within 3 days of
exposure.
Antiviral medications also may be an option after you start to
develop symptoms of chickenpox. These medications do not prevent or cure
chickenpox, but they can help shorten its course and make it milder.
Immunoglobulins can be given to help protect you from
getting chickenpox after you have been exposed to it. However, these
medications can give only short-term protection (up to 3 months).
After you have developed symptoms of chickenpox, you can use
nonprescription medications to help relieve discomfort.
Medication Choices
Vaccination to prevent chickenpox
Chickenpox can be prevented by getting the
varicella-zoster
vaccine
(What is a PDF document?) before exposure to the virus. A shot of the vaccine can be
given in one of two ways:
- As 2 doses given at 12 to 15 months and 4
to 6 years
- In a combination shot that also contains the vaccines
for measles, mumps, and rubella. This combination shot is known as MMRV
(ProQuad) and can be substituted for one or both of the regular measles, mumps,
and rubella (MMR) shots.6 (Immunization with MMR
combination vaccine is recommended for children between 12 to 15 months of age
and again at 4 to 6 years of age.) If a child receives ProQuad, a separate
vaccination for varicella is not needed.
If you are exposed to chickenpox and you get the vaccine within
3 days, the vaccine may still be effective in preventing the illness or result
in a milder case.
Medications to help decrease the severity of chickenpox
- Antiviral medications, such as Zovirax, Foscavir,
Famvir, Valtrex, and Denavir. Antiviral medication is usually used to treat
adults and people with
impaired immune systems; healthy children usually
don't need antiviral medication when they have chickenpox. It is not known
whether antiviral medications reduce a person's chances of developing
complications of chickenpox.
- Immunoglobulins (IG). This treatment is given through
a vein, usually at the hospital. Immunoglobulins are a group of proteins in
human blood and tissue fluids. These proteins help the body's immune system
recognize and destroy harmful bacteria and viruses in the body, such as the
varicella virus. You may get IG after being exposed to an infected person. IG
can also be given to people with certain
immune system deficiencies to prevent infections.
Immune globulin is usually taken from the blood of people recovering from an
illness; for example, the immune globulin given to help prevent chickenpox
infection is taken from the blood of people who are recovering from chickenpox.
The protection provided by an immune globulin injection lasts about 3 months.
Immunoglobulin for chickenpox must be given before a rash appears.
Medications to relieve pain and discomfort from chickenpox
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra) or
ibuprofen (Advil) to control pain and fever. People over age 20 also can take
aspirin to reduce fever. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger
than 20 because of the risk of
Reye's syndrome.
- Antihistamines to relieve itching, such as Benadryl or
Vistaril.
What To Think About
Vaccinations to prevent chickenpox help you or your child avoid
an illness that causes discomfort, missed work or school, and possibly
complications.
In rare cases, you or your child will develop a mild rash after
having the chickenpox vaccine. If this occurs, it is best to stay away from
other people who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine. When the rash is gone
and all blisters have dried and crusted over, you are no longer potentially
contagious.
When you use medications to treat symptoms of chickenpox, follow
instructions carefully. It is especially important to use care when giving
prescription and nonprescription medications to newborns and small
children.
Your health professional may prescribe
antibiotics to you or your child if you develop a skin
infection from chickenpox blisters.