Online Prescriptions for Shingles | Start Treatment Within 72 Hours - Mona Clinic

What is Shingles?

Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox in childhood) which lies dormant in the nerves and reactivates when immunity is lowered due to fatigue, stress, or aging. It is said that approximately one in three Japanese people will experience shingles at least once in their lifetime.

Characteristic Signs

• Appears only on one side of the body (does not cross the body's midline)

• Rashes and blisters arranged in a band-like pattern along the nerve pathway

• Often preceded by tingling or pricking pain before the rash appears

• Commonly affects the chest, back, abdomen, and face

If you have both "one-sided" and "pain first," strongly suspect shingles.

Progression of Symptoms

"Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)" - a dangerous complication if left untreated

Even after the rash heals, burning pain or pain from clothing touching the skin may persist for several months to several years. Approximately 20% of patients aged 50 and older develop PHN, and the best way to prevent this is early treatment during the acute phase.

Triggers of Onset

• Aging (rapid increase after age 50; however, incidence in 20s-40s has increased in recent years)

• Overwork, severe stress, lack of sleep

• After infectious diseases such as colds

• Chronic diseases such as diabetes, use of immunosuppressive drugs

• Excessive dieting, malnutrition

Onset is typically observed during periods of "being constantly busy lately" or "persistent fatigue."

Shingles Treatment at Mona Clinic (Online, Self-Pay)

Antiviral medication (mainstay of treatment)

After purchase, a medical questionnaire and video consultation with a doctor will be conducted. If prescription is possible, medication will be shipped as early as the same day.

Pain Management

For acute pain, you can choose to combine acetaminophen or NSAIDs with the antiviral medication. If the pain is severe or prolonged, please consult a specialist (pain clinic) or take medication for neuropathic pain.

Request during Consultation

During your online consultation, providing photos of the affected area will facilitate diagnosis (please take photos in a bright place, clearly showing the extent of the rash).

When to Seek In-Person Consultation Immediately Instead of Online

If any of the following apply to you, there is a risk of serious complications, so please visit an in-person medical institution (ophthalmologist, otolaryngologist, dermatologist, or emergency room) on the same day.

• Rash around the eyes or tip of the nose (Ocular zoster → risk of visual impairment. Go to an ophthalmologist.)

• Rash inside or around the ear, difficulty moving face, hearing impairment (Ramsay Hunt syndrome → Go to an otolaryngologist.)

• Rash affecting a wide area or both sides of the body

• High fever, severe headache, confusion

• Difficulty with urination or defecation

If, as a result of an online consultation, the doctor determines that an in-person examination is necessary, you may be asked to visit a nearby medical institution.

After Recovery: Prevention | Shingles Vaccine

Shingles is a preventable disease with a vaccine. For individuals aged 50 and older, and for those who have had shingles before to prevent recurrence, vaccination with Shingrix or similar vaccines is recommended.

Mona Aoyama Clinic offers shingles vaccinations through in-person consultations. Since available vaccination times may vary depending on vaccine stock and clinic days, please make a reservation in advance.

Why Choose Mona Clinic

• Offers online consultations

• Medication shipped as early as the same day if prescription is possible

• Transparent pricing including consultation fees and shipping (self-pay)

• Offers once-daily antiviral medication

It is crucial to start shingles treatment as early as possible after symptoms appear. If you notice symptoms, please consider seeking medical attention promptly.