November 14, 2017

Syphilis Treatment

Treatment For Syphilis

What Are My Options To Get Treated For Syphilis?

Syphilis is a four stage infection and it is easier to treat in its early stages specially if the symptoms are not so severe . Do not attempt at home remedies, a syphilis infection can easily be cured by your doctor and letting it advance to later stages could put your health at risk.

Depending on the stage of the infection, your healthcare professional will treat the syphilis infection with an intramuscular injection of Benzathine penicillin G.

A single injection will suffice for infections in the primary, secondary or early latent stages. Multiple injections over the course of a month could be needed for later stage syphilis infections.

Can I Be Allergic To Treatment?

Some individuals may be allergic to penicillin or may be unable to receive the Benzathine injection. In these cases there are a variety of treatment options available but these options need more medical examination. If you are treated with one of the following, careful post treatment monitoring is needed to ensure the infection has been cleared.

  • Doxycycline
  • Tetracycline
  • Ceftriaxone (neurosyphilis)

These alternative treatments are recommended for non pregnant patients only.

How Much Does Treatment Cost Without Insurance?

Treatment for syphilis can range in price depending on whats prescribed for you by your doctor or healthcare professional. Testing for syphilis starts at $70 and is available here.

How Effective Is Syphilis Treatment?

If treatment is administered in the early stages of the infection it will be effective in clearing out the disease. Later stages of te infection require heavier doses of penicillin and closer monitoring by a healthcare professional to ensure eradication of the disease.

What Are The Side Effects?

Injectable penicillins have varying side effects including:

  • pain at the site of injection
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • allergic reaction
  • fatigue
  • dizziness
  • blurry vision

Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor include:

  • siezure
  • discolored urine
  • immobility
  • bad vision blur
  • uncontrolled movements
  • extreme fatigue
  • numbness of limbs

Serious allergic reactions could occur in response to the penicillin injection treatment so if you experience any of the above side effects, please call your healthcare professional immediately.