An outbreak of shingles usually lasts about a month. However, sometimes the pain of shingles does not go away as quickly, or disappears for a short time and then returns. This pain may last for months, and even years. This pain after the shingles rash has healed is a condition called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

PHN is the most common complication of shingles, and the pain of PHN can be long-lasting and debilitating. Often the pain of PHN is accompanied by intense emotional feelings such as frustration, depression, and irritability.

There is no cure for PHN; however, there are treatments that for many patients . For many people age 50 or older, prescription oral FAMVIR^® (famciclovir) may significantly shorten the duration of PHN, reducing the number of days you have pain. The people who took FAMVIR started taking the medication within 72 hours (3 days) after the shingles rash appeared.

Learn more about PHN by visiting the following sections: