This is a randomized, prospective, multicenter, open-label, blinded-endpoint study investigating the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone palmitate (DXP) for treating acute and subacute herpes zoster (shingles) pain. The study consists of four parallel sub-studies, each designed to answer a specific question: Study 1: Compares intramuscular (IM) vs. intravenous (IV) administration of DXP (8mg) against standard therapy alone. Study 2: Compares two different IV doses of DXP (4mg vs. 8mg) against standard therapy. Study 3: For HZ on the body trunk, compares IM injection vs. tender point infiltration vs. paravertebral nerve block (all containing 8mg DXP). Study 4: For HZ on the face (trigeminal nerve), compares IM injection vs. tender point infiltration vs. trigeminal nerve block (all containing 8mg DXP). Approximately 558 adult patients with HZ rash onset within 90 days and significant pain (VAS ≥7) will be enrolled across the studies. All patients receive standard background therapy, including antiviral medication (famciclovir), pregabalin, and rescue analgesics. The primary outcome is the change in pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS) over 6 months. Secondary outcomes include the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) at 3 and 6 months, consumption of pain medications, patient satisfaction, quality of life, and safety. The goal is to determine if DXP, through its targeted anti-inflammatory action, provides superior pain relief and PHN prevention compared to standard care, with a favorable safety profile across different administration routes.
Age range
18 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
VAS scores at different follow-up time points.
Timeframe: week 1, week 2, month 1, month 3, month 6