Shingles medication usually takes two to four weeks to clear up, but the recovery time from medication can vary depending on an individual’s age, physical condition, and the severity of the condition. Shingles is a viral infection and is usually treated with antiviral medications. Along with oral medications such as famciclovir and acyclovir, a topical antiviral ointment application, such as Penciclovir ointment, is required. Usually patients are cured after two to four weeks of treatment, but if the patient is old, has low resistance, or has a serious condition, then a longer treatment is needed. Shingles is a contagious disease that requires early medication to avoid infecting others. And this virus can easily invade a person’s nerve tissue, some patients are left with residual neuralgia, which may last for several months to more than a year, and may require medication to control the painful symptoms. How long it takes to get well from shingles medication is usually analyzed on a case-by-case basis. As soon as you experience significant discomfort, you should go to a specialized hospital and follow your doctor’s instructions.