Famvir

famciclovir

Famvir (famciclovir) is indicated for the treatment of acute herpes zoster (shingles) and herpes simplex infections. Famvir is used for treatment or suppression of recurrent genital herpes in immunocompetent patients, treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunocompetent patients, treatment of recurrent mucocutaneous herpes simplex infections in HIV-infected patients. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching, helps sores to heal, and prevents new ones from forming.

Famvir (famciclovir) is an antiviral medication that may cause faster healing of shingles lesions (almost 30% faster in a clinical study compared with placebo). For many people age 50 or older, oral Famvir may significantly shorten the duration of PHN, reducing the number of days you have pain. The people who took Famvir started taking the medication within 72 hours (3 days) after the shingles rash appeared. Famvir is available in easy-to-swallow tablets.

When you take Famvir, it is absorbed into your bloodstream, and then converted into another drug called penciclovir. A virus attacks your body by multiplying over and over again, making new viruses. Penciclovir helps stop the varicella zoster virus (which causes shingles) from multiplying.

Famciclovir comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day) for 7 days to treat shingles. To treat genital herpes it is usually taken twice a day for 5 days. Take famciclovir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often. Use this medication as soon as possible after symptoms appear.

In patients with shingles, the recommended dose of Famvir is 500 mg, 3 times a day, for 7 days. If you have kidney problems, your doctor will determine if Famvir is appropriate and if so, what the right dose is for you.

Treatment with famciclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Although side effects from famciclovir are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: headache, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea or loose stools. If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately: rash, itching.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.