Shingrix for Herpes Zoster: A Review

Herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles, results from reactivation of the latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which commonly causes chickenpox in childhood. Greater than 90% of adults are infected with this virus, putting them at risk for reactivation. HZ presents as a painful, vesicular rash distributed in a unilateral and dermatomal pattern along dorsal root or cranial nerve ganglia. The rash often presents with prodromal symptoms and progresses to include clear vesicular clusters, evolving through stages of pustulation, ulceration, and crusting. HZ therapy currently involves the use of antiviral agents and pain management; however, HZ prophylaxis has been strongly recommended in older adults through vaccination with a live attenuated vaccine, Zostavax®. A new recombinant subunit vaccine, HZ/su (Shingrix®), is the subject of this review. In clinical trials, HZ/su demonstrated an overall vaccine efficacy of 97.2% among participants 50 years of age or older, indicating a significantly reduced risk of HZ in these individuals. Shingrix® was approved by the US FDA in October 2017 as HZ prophylaxis. Skin Therapy Letter © (ISSN 1201–5989) Copyright 2019 by SkinCareGuide.com Ltd. Skin Therapy Letter © is published 6 times annually by SkinCareGuide.com Ltd, 1003 - 1166 Alberni Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6E 3Z3. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part by any process is strictly forbidden without prior consent of the publisher in writing. While every effort is made to see that no inaccurate or misleading data, opinion, or statement appears in the Skin Therapy Letter ©, the Publishers and Editorial Board wish to make it clear that the data and opinions appearing in the articles herein are the responsibility of the contributor. Accordingly, the Publishers, the Editorial Committee and their respective employees, officers, and agents accept no liability whatsoever for the consequences of any such inaccurate or misleading data, opinion, or statement. While every effort is made to ensure that drug doses and other quantities are presented accurately, readers are advised that new methods and techniques involving drug usage, and described herein, should only be followed in conjunction with the drug manufacturer’s own published literature.