Drug Uses

Famvir is an antiviral prescription medicine that is taken orally and is used to treat recurrent genital herpes in patients who don’t have other medical conditions; to suppress recurrent genital herpes in patients who don’t have other medical conditions; to treat recurrent herpes simplex virus infections (genital herpes and cold sores) in patients infected with HIV and herpes zoster (shingles).

How Taken

Famvir may be used in three different ways:
- Episodic treatment: your doctor may use Famvir to treat an outbreak of genital herpes as it occurs. The common dosage is a tablet of 125 mg twice a day fro a period of 5 days.
- Suppressive treatment: if you suffer from frequent or severe outbreaks you should take one tablet of 250 mg twice a day for up to 1 year in order to suppress the genital herpes and to prevent outbreaks.
- Patients infected with HIV: Famvir is the only antiviral oral medicine used to treat genital. The common dosage for patients who have herpes simplex or HIV is a tablet of 500 mg twice a day for a period of 7 days. Famvir may be taken with or without food.

Warnings/Precautions

You should not use Famvir before a consultation with your doctor in case you are allergic to penciclovir (Denavir). Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease. Your dosage may require adjustment or you may need special monitoring during the treatment with Famvir. This medicine falls into the FDA category D and should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits for the patient are bigger than the risks for the fetus.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. However, if it is already time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and take the regular dose. Do not take a double dose to catch up the missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Discontinue the usage of Famvir and immediately search for medical help in case you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives). You may experience some less serious side effects. Consult your doctor but do not stop using Famvir if you experience nausea or vomiting, a headache, diarrhea, dizziness, tingling in your hands or feet, or itching.

Storage

Famvir should be stored at a temperature between 15C and 30C (59F and 86F). Keep the medicine away from children.

Overdose

Immediately search for medical help if you suspect an overdose. The symptoms of a Famvir overdose are unknown but an overdose of the similar drug acyclovir (Zovirax) may cause seizures, hallucinations, and kidney damage (decreased urine production).

More Information

You should start the treatment with Famvir as soon as the first symptoms appear (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters). Do not discontinue the usage of Famvir even if you feel well. The symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated. Herpes infections are contagious. You may infect other people even during the treatment and it is recommended that you avoid letting the infected areas come into contact with other people. You should wash your hands very often to prevent the transmission of the infection. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist in case you have any questions.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.