Anti-microbial drugs that you may receive include antibiotics, anti-viral and antifungal drugs. They prevent and treat infections (infections which can be more dangerous for people with aplastic anaemia.)

Shingles

One antiviral treatments you may receive is called acyclovir, to prevent shingles. Shingles is caused by reactivation of the chicken pox virus. Most people have had chicken pox in childhood, and the virus lies dormant in nerve roots, and can become reactivated when the immune system is not working properly. Antiviral treatments reduce the risk of getting shingles, which can be very uncomfortable, and occasionally life threatening.

Shingles vaccine:

If you are over 65 your GP may offer you the shingles vaccine: the standard vaccine is a live vaccine and you should NOT receive this. Speak to your GP as you may be suitable for the non-live SHINGRIX vaccine.  You should discuss any vaccination with your haematology team first.

If your neutrophil count is low, you may be given:

Preventative antibiotics

These are to reduce the risk of infection. They will not completely reduce the risk, and if you have a temperature over 38°C or feel unwell you MUST ring your hospital immediately.

Antifungal treatment e.g. itraconzole, voriconazole, Posaconazole.

You may be at risk of fungal infections, in particular in your chest. This can be very serious and a preventative antifungal treatment reduces the risk.

Antifungals can cause side effects including liver problems, nausea or diarrhea - if these happen you may be changed to a different antifungal treatment or an antifungal intravenous treatment.