Famvir

What is Famvir?

Famvir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Famvir will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infections.
Famvir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.

Important information about Famvir

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.
Treatment with Famvir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Famvir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Before taking Famvir

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to penciclovir (Denavir). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease

galactose intolerance

severe lactase deficiency

glucose-galactose malabsorption

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Famvir.

How should I take Famvir?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Treatment with Famvir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
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.
Famvir can be taken with or without food. Taking Famvir with food may decrease stomach upset.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Famvir will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking Famvir?

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Famvir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.
Famvir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Famvir side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain

headache

diarrhea

dizziness, sleepiness

mild itching or skin rash

confusion

What other drugs will affect Famvir?

Before taking Famvir, tell your doctor if you are also taking probenecid (Benemid). If you are using probenecid, you may not be able to use Famvir, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Famvir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Famvir.

What does my medication look like?

Famciclovir is available with a prescription under the brand name Famvir. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Famvir 125 mg - white, round, film-coated tablets

Famvir 250 mg - white, round, film-coated tablets

Famvir 500 mg - white, oval, film-coated tablets

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.