Effect of famciclovir combined with nerve block on acute pain in patients with herpes zoster

Am J Transl Res. 2026 Feb 15;18(2):1310-1319. doi: 10.62347/JWBN6636. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of famciclovir in combination with nerve block treatment for managing acute pain in patients with herpes zoster.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 200 patients with acute pain due to herpes zoster, admitted to our hospital between January 2021 and January 2025. Participants were divided into two groups: the observation group (n = 108; famciclovir combined with nerve block therapy) and the control group (n = 92; nerve block therapy alone), according to their treatment protocols. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline, Day 3, Day 7, and Day 14. Secondary outcomes included inflammatory markers, sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], Sleep Disturbance Scale [SDS], Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS], and Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]), adverse events, and clinical outcomes, such as rash resolution and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) incidence.

RESULTS: The observation group experienced greater reductions in VAS scores on Days 3, 7, and 14 compared with the control group (P < 0.001), indicating better pain relief. Inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and white blood cell count (WBC), were significantly lower in the observation group (P < 0.001 for all), indicating a stronger anti-inflammatory response. Sleep quality also improved significantly in the observation group, evidenced by reductions in PSQI, SDS, ESS, and ISI scores (P < 0.001 for all). The incidence of adverse events was similar between the two groups (P > 0.05), with no severe events. In addition, the observation group also showed better clinical manifestations, including higher rates of pain relief (P = 0.001) and rash resolution (P < 0.001), as well as a lower incidence of PHN (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The combination of famciclovir and nerve block therapy substantially improves pain relief, reduces inflammatory responses, and enhances clinical outcome without increasing the risk of adverse events.

PMID:41868935 | PMC:PMC13000833 | DOI:10.62347/JWBN6636