About Famvir® (Famciclovir)
Generic Name : Famciclovir
Brand name: Famvir®
Why is Famvir® prescribed?
Famvir® is used to treat herpes zoster (shingles) and genital herpes. It does not cure herpes
infections but decreases pain and itching, helps sores to heal, and prevents new ones from forming.
Famciclovir is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should Famvir® be used?
Famvir 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. Follow the
directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part
you do not understand. Take Famciclovir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it
more often than prescribed by your doctor. Use this medication as soon as possible after symptoms
appear.
Continue to take Famciclovir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Famciclovir without talking to
your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking famvir, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Famvir®, Acyclovir
(Zovirax), or any other drugs. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially digoxin (Lanoxin), probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins. Tell your
doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, problems with your immune system, human
immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV), or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tell your doctor
if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking
Famvir®, call your doctor.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
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.
What side effects can Famvir cause?
Although side effects from Famvir® 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 or itching.
What storage conditions are needed for Famvir®?
Keep Famciclovir 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.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to
check your response to Famvir®.
Do not have sexual intercourse when you can see the genital herpes lesions. However, genital herpes can be
spread even when there are no symptoms.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling
your prescription. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the Famvir®, call your
doctor.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug. No liability can be taken as a result of using this information.
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