Shingrix and Pain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "The first dose was horrible. Five hours after the first dose, I started feeling sick. Twelve hours after the dose, I was hurting unbelievably — muscle and joint soreness so bad it hurt to move and hurt to stay still. Bedridden, unable to sleep because of the pain, pure agony. After three days, the pain went away and the fatigue hit me. I thought seriously about whether I could handle the second shot. The second dose, luckily, was somewhat better. My arm is still sore two days later and feels heavy. I have nagging muscle soreness throughout my body. I don’t feel like doing anything. Tylenol helped reduce the side effects, I think, and I started taking it this time right after the second shot. It still took three days from my life. I hope this vaccination lasts because I am not sure I could face the side effects again in ten or fifteen years. Brutal."

• Wil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I just got my first Shingrix injection yesterday. My reaction is even worse than the reaction I had to the COVID booster. My entire body aches. My teeth hurt. I cannot find a position that is not painful. I feel like someone has repeatedly hit the back of my head with a 2x4. Light hurts. Noise hurts. I feel like I’m constantly on the edge of vomiting. I hear shingles is awful, but if this lasts a few more days and I still have to bet my booster, IDK if it is worth it."

• SJS...
• October 19, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received the first Shingrix injection in August 2019 and experienced arm pain for about 5 days. I took Tylenol and pushed through it. I received my second Shingrix injection yesterday and told the pharmacist about my last experience. He said, oh yes, that’s normal. I would have appreciated being prepared and expressed it to him. Yesterday I got my second shot and today I am on my recliner with a blanket. Ache from head to knees. Wow! This kicked my stamina, which is normally high energy. Thanks to all who shared their experience and let me know it wasn’t just me. Hope you all are feeling better. I am 70 and in good health."

• kk3...
• September 22, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Well, I am not going to ever just get a vaccine again. I work in a medical office, have a yearly flu shot, and have an easy time dealing with side effects from meds. Three days ago, I went to my pain management and got an injection of a steroid for low back pain. She says, 'Giving you the new shingles vaccine. No problem, right!?' Three hours later, I was hit with a wave of exhaustion so severe I was unable to drive. I called off Friday, it’s now Sunday, and I am feeling pains in areas of my back and hip that haven’t hurt in years, also nonstop ringing in the ears. Fatigue is still the main issue. Also, anxiety and irritability. I have been searching for how this drug was approved with no idea about the excretion and pharmacology of it. Most of all, why are they still using it, not really knowing anything about it? It is making billions of people sick and making the pharmaceutical company billionaires."

• Sti...
• September 24, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the initial shot during the summer. I went in a week ago for my second. I had no side effects other than pain at the injection site the first time around. This second one, though... pain, rash and swelling in the arm, fever, headaches, sore throat, coughing up gross phlegm. A week later, I'm still not well. I just keep telling myself that this is still better than having shingles, but sometimes it sure doesn't feel like it!"

• Gra...
• August 12, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Received the first of two Shingrix vaccines on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, about 10:30 a.m. Hurt more than most vaccines because it goes in the muscle. By that evening, my left arm hurt quite a bit, was red and hot to touch. When I woke the next day, my arm was really sore, still red and hot to touch. Had flu-like symptoms, headache, and severe joint pain. Could barely move - stayed in bed most of the day. I have severe osteoarthritis, which may be why my joint pain was so bad. Had to take my grandson to football practice. Driving the car was really difficult and couldn't get comfortable at all waiting for him. That night developed a fever and sleep was restless. Third day was more of the same. Fourth day less pain in the morning, but joint pain back in the evening. Fifth day arm less sore, some joints less sore, but my right side hurts a lot. I have to have my right shoulder and right knee replaced, and joint pain in both is severe right now. Sixth day, same as fifth."

• Apr...
• March 4, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had 1st vaccine 3/2/19. Within 12 hours, I felt like I had been in a boxing ring with Mike Tyson. Arm, collarbone, rib pain on the side where the injection was administered. Flu-like symptoms, malaise, ache all over, tired. No energy, chills, poor appetite, ears ringing. I’ve never reacted to any medication or vaccine with such profound symptoms/side effects. 36 hours later, not feeling much better/worse. Very unlikely that I will get the 2nd injection."

• Apr...
• March 4, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had 1st vaccine 3/2/19. Within 12 hours, I felt like I had been in a boxing ring with Mike Tyson. Arm, collarbone, rib pain on the side where the injection was administered. Flu-like symptoms, malaise, ache all over, tired. No energy, chills, poor appetite, ears ringing. I’ve never reacted to any medication or vaccine with such profound symptoms/side effects. 36 hours later, not feeling much better/worse. Very unlikely that I will get the 2nd injection."

• Apr...
• March 4, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had 1st vaccine 3/2/19. Within 12 hours, I felt like I had been in a boxing ring with Mike Tyson. Arm, collarbone, rib pain on the side where the injection was administered. Flu-like symptoms, malaise, ache all over, tired. No energy, chills, poor appetite, ears ringing. I’ve never reacted to any medication or vaccine with such profound symptoms/side effects. 36 hours later, not feeling much better/worse. Very unlikely that I will get the 2nd injection."

• In ...
• December 24, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I’m an obese person, take meds for heartburn and moderately high cholesterol. I work outside the home. The injection sites were only slightly sore, similar to that of an annual flu vaccine. Within hours of receiving the first shingles injection, I had malaise, chills, and shaking, no fever. The symptoms lasted for about 36 hours. The subsequent injection had similar side effects, but less severe, and lasting about 24 hours. I’m glad this vaccine is available, side effects aside! I’ve seen family who’ve had shingles, even a mild case can be excruciatingly painful."

• MJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got my first Shingrix vaccine two weeks ago. About 6 hours later, my fever was 101. I was exhausted, had chills, nausea, severe headache, and ached all over. The pain in my arm was ridiculous. This went on for about a week. I was perfectly healthy before getting the vaccine. Can’t wait to have the second dose!"

• KCa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Yesterday, I had my first injection of the Shingrix vaccination. My arm was sore within 3 hours, but I expected that because the pharmacist at CVS gave me a heads-up. What I didn’t expect was what I experienced last night: no sleep due to a severe headache, achy muscles, mild stomach issues, chills with a mild fever. Today, I am pale, weak, I have achy muscles, and I am wiped out. The injection site is hot, with redness, swelling, and pain. I just want to feel like I did before my visit to CVS. And now I’m reading that the second injection may be even worse. Ugh."

• Pas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got my second shot of Shingrix, the usual side effects at first: pain, swelling, redness. My first shot, in retrospect, I got sores on my left arm and leg. Got the shot in my left arm. After the second shot, I was freezing, lethargic, can't remember the first 2 days post-injection. On day 4, I passed out and then had a paranoid, rage-filled 2.5 hours that I have absolutely no memory of having. I am a healthy 61-year-old and have never had anything like this. It was a night that was so bad that involved paramedics and cops. I woke up in a strange hotel in a different city, courtesy of the cops. Thank goodness they didn't arrest me. I would NEVER get this again. I was engaged and buying a house. When I woke up, that part of my life is gone now, thanks to that evening."

• Cur...
• December 15, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Male, age 68. 1st dose, the shot itself (in tricep) was very painful, much like the sting of mud wasps (aka 'ground bees'). Reaction was just like to a sting too: inflamed, reddened welt, egg-shaped, several inches long, painful for 4-5 days, then bruise-like and itchy for another week. 2nd dose, reaction was completely different. Still painful at the injection site, but no redness or swelling. But by evening felt arthritis-like back pain and joint pain just about everywhere: knees, hips, wrists, ankles. Pain in muscles as well, and skin was sensitive all over, like a mild sunburn, and a slight headache to boot. No fever. Still achy all over the next morning and most of day 2. A little better by the end of the day. Morning of day 3 it was mostly just a mild headache and by the end of the day mostly gone. Very unpleasant, but would I do it again? You bet. My mother and my mother-in-law both had shingles. Compared to that, the pain of the shot is nothing."

• Ton...
• December 29, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the new shingles vaccine December 19, 2019. On the 20th, my hands really ached. I could not put up the tree and just fell asleep. The next day, my right wrist was really sore and swollen. On December 23, I laid on the couch sobbing because my whole body ached. The following day, I had no appetite and was very tired. December 26, I had the worst headache ever. Today, the 27, I ache all over, but the headache is gone. This has been a bit of a nightmare. My father had shingles, that is why I got the shot, but not sure I will get the second dose."

• Ton...
• December 29, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the new shingles vaccine December 19, 2019. On the 20th, my hands really ached. I could not put up the tree and just fell asleep. The next day, my right wrist was really sore and swollen. On December 23, I laid on the couch sobbing because my whole body ached. The following day, I had no appetite and was very tired. December 26, I had the worst headache ever. Today, the 27, I ache all over, but the headache is gone. This has been a bit of a nightmare. My father had shingles, that is why I got the shot, but not sure I will get the second dose."

• Rja...
• July 18, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received the first shot Tuesday evening, 7-16-19, around 7 pm at my pharmacy. The shot barely hurt. Two hours later, I noticed pain in my arm and that my eyes were burning. I decided to take ibuprofen and go to bed. I woke up during the night feeling feverish and ill. I did not feel well enough to go to work. Around noon, my fever spiked to 102, and chills started. Nauseous and a bad headache. I took more ibuprofen and Motrin, but the fever would not come down for about four hours. I considered going to the ER as my symptoms were so bad. Then the fever slowly came down to 99. Diarrhea and feeling very ill and exhausted. Today is Thursday, and my fever is 99. Muscle aches so bad I can hardly walk. A huge, red, hot knot three inches at the injection site. I am better than yesterday, but I feel like this is going to take some time to recover from this vaccine. My husband contracted shingles a few weeks ago, that is why I got the vaccine as a preventative. I wish I had not, as this has been terrible."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Here is my side effect timeline after the 1st shot: 0-12 hours - slight pain in arm where shot was placed. 12-18 hours - body aches and chills identical to what I get with the flu. Bad enough that all I could do was lay in bed under an electric blanket. 18-20 hours - body aches and chills start to go away. Fatigue takes over. Hot shower and Advil helped at this point. 20-36 hours - fatigue faded away. After 36 hours - feel normal except for slight pain in arm."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2022

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received the shot about 12 pm on 12/1/22. The shot hurt a lot and continued to hurt all day. Thursday evening, I was in a lot of pain in my neck and back, with a headache and swollen sinuses. The pain was so bad I had to take an extra 1/2 of my narcotic pain med that evening and at bedtime. I got very little sleep due to night sweats and pain all over, especially my neck and back. The redness near my shot continues to grow, and all side effects, with a low-grade fever to boot, are still in full swing today, Monday 12/5/22. I have swelling, heat, and itching moving down my arm. It has disrupted my whole weekend with no end in sight. Going to the doctor today. I am 57 with 5 horses and 4 dogs who usually are outside working, but not since my shot. Just feel terrible, and I'm no sissy."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I got the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) on a Sunday, and that night and the next day I had flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness, and the most painful arm. Could not sleep. Then, 2-3 days later, again, the same flu-like symptoms. Then, the next day, diarrhea. It's miserable! I got a COVID test just to make sure I did not have it, and it came back negative. Not sure about getting the 2nd shot!"

• Cat...
• September 27, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had 2nd Shingrix shot 7/3/19. Next day had fever, chills, and body aches, along with a sore arm. Here I am almost 3 months later, and my arm is sore and I have pain when lifting it. Wakes me up at night. Went to the doctor today, had an ultrasound done on my arm - shows nothing. Dr. told me to put warm compresses on, and if not better in a month, he will refer me to a surgeon. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks."

• Rob...
• August 27, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "With the first shot of Shingrix, I just had a sore arm for about 5 days. Second shot yesterday. Fever of 100, chills, arm pain at the injection site, chills, nausea. Took Advil and feeling a bit better. Probably will spend the day at home today. Hoping tomorrow is better."

• Kar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Monday, Sept 30th, had my first shingle shot. Had a headache for the 3 days. Day 4, headache became much worse, chills, ache all over, dizzy... Day 5, stayed in bed most of the day. Is this common on days 4-5? Hope this goes away! Feel awful! I’m very concerned about getting the next shot. Do not think I’ll be getting it."

• Dmc...
• February 21, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had my first shot last November, and my arm hurt so much I had to wear a sling for three days. Just had the second shot two days ago, and the injection site is red, sore, and hot, but not as bad as the first time. However, a new symptom has shown up. My stomach is painful, almost like gas pain but higher up and no gas. And I had chills in the middle of the night. I guess better than getting shingles, though. Glad I scheduled the downtime."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "59, female. Had the first shot 10/30, no problems besides arm pain. Had the second shot 12/31. Had no idea there was a possibility of side effects (my mistake for not looking into what was being injected into my body), but early evening, in addition to arm pain, dizziness, then joint pain, fever, raised rash down my arm, migraine-like headache, general malaise. Took Tylenol, Benadryl, Lyrica, and sleep! It’s been rough, but the vaccine is a good thing. I’ve seen what shingles can do to someone’s life."