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Does Ninlaro cause shingles (herpes zoster)?

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on April 7, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Ninlaro (ixazomib) does not cause shingles, but while having Ninlaro treatment there is an increased risk of shingles in patients who have previously had chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus), as the virus that is dormant can be reactivated when the immune system is suppressed.

In the clinical trial the overall shingles rate in the Ninlaro group was 4% and the placebo group was 2%, meaning the Ninlaro rate of shingles was 2% higher than the placebo group.

By taking antiviral medication, the shingles rate in the Ninlaro group decreased to below 1%.

Shingles rate Ninlaro treatment group Placebo treatment group
Overall rate 4% 2%
With antiviral prophylaxis <1% information not available
Without antiviral prophylaxis 6% information not available

What are shingles?

Related questions

Why do some Ninlaro patients have an increased rate of shingles?

How can I prevent shingles while having Ninlaro treatment?

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