Famvir

famciclovir

Famvir is an oral medication that is prescribed for treatment of recurrent genital herpes in otherwise healthy patients, suppression of recurrent genital herpes in otherwise healthy patients, treatment of recurrent herpes simplex virus infections (genital herpes and cold sores) in HIV-infected patients and herpes zoster (shingles).

Famciclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.

What is Famvir?

Famciclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Famciclovir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infections.

Before taking Famvir

Do not take Famvir if you are allergic to penciclovir without first talking to your doctor. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with Famvir.

Before using Famvir, there are some medical conditions may interact with Famvir. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement, if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances.

How should I take Famvir?

Famvir can be taken with or without food. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water while you are taking this medication to keep your kidneys working properly.

Treatment with Famvir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters). Take all of the Famvir that you have, even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even during treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission. For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.

Famvir side effects

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: confusion, skin rash, itiching , hives. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): diarrhea, dizziness, headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting.

Precautions

Medicine Famvir speeds healing of shingles and genital herpes, but it is not a cure. It may not prevent transmission of genital herpes to others, so you should avoid sexual intercourse whenever you have symptoms of the disease. If you have any kidney problems, be sure your doctor knows about them before prescribing Famvir for you. Safety and effectiveness in children under the age of 18 have not been established.

Drug interactions

If Famvir is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Famvir with probenecid (Benemid), a drug used to treat gout (a type of arthritis).

Preganacy

If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Famvir while you are pregnant. It is not known if Famvir is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Famvir, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Famvir overdose are unknown.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Famvir. If you have any other questions about Famvir, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.