Famvir

Famvir

     * Generic Name: famciclovir
     * Brand Name: Famvir


     * What is famciclovir (Famvir)?
     * What are the possible side effects of famciclovir (Famvir)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       famciclovir (Famvir)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       famciclovir (Famvir)?
     * How should I take famciclovir (Famvir)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Famvir)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Famvir)?
     * What should I avoid while taking famciclovir (Famvir)?
     * What other drugs will affect famciclovir (Famvir)?
     * Where can I get more information (Famvir)?

What is famciclovir (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.

   Famciclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses,
   including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles.

   There is no cure for herpes and famciclovir will not prevent you from
   developing symptoms in the future.

   Famciclovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of famciclovir (Famvir)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
   allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   Stop using famciclovir and call your doctor at once if you have a
   serious side effect such as:
     * urinating less than usual or not at all;
     * weakness, confusion, increased thirst, loss of
       appetite, vomiting, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your
       chest; or
     * swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath.

   Less serious side effects may include:
     * nausea, gas, stomach pain;
     * diarrhea,
     * headache, tired feeling;
     * dizziness, sleepiness;
     * mild itching or skin rash; or
     * numbness or tingly feeling.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about famciclovir
(Famvir)?

   You should not take this medication if you are allergic to famciclovir
   or penciclovir cream (Denavir).

   Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your
   symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

   Treatment with famciclovir 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 famciclovir. 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 Patient Information including How Should I Take
   STD Diagnosis, Images, Symptoms, Treatment

   Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Image Collection: Picture of Genital Warts (HPV)
   RxList

   Take the Genital Herpes Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking famciclovir
(Famvir)?

   You should not take this medication if you are allergic to famciclovir
   or penciclovir cream (Denavir).

   To make sure you can safely take famciclovir, tell your doctor if you
   have any of these other conditions:
     * liver disease;
     * kidney disease;
     * a weak immune system;
     * galactose intolerance;
     * severe lactase deficiency; or
     * glucose-galactose malabsorption.

   FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful
   to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to
   become pregnant during treatment. Herpes virus can be passed from an
   infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital
   herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your
   pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby
   is born.

   If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry.
   This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any
   effects of famciclovir on the baby.

   It is not known whether famciclovir passes into breast milk, or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. Do not take famciclovir without telling your
   doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

   Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without
   medical advice.

How should I take famciclovir (Famvir)?

   Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions
   on your prescription label. Taking more of this medication will not
   make it more effective

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

   You may take famciclovir with or without food.

   Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your
   symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. To
   prevent recurrent genital herpes, you may need to take famciclovir
   twice daily for up to 1 year. Follow your doctor's instructions.

   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 at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Famvir Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   STD Diagnosis, Images, Symptoms, Treatment

   Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Image Collection: Picture of Genital Warts (HPV)
   RxList

   Take the Genital Herpes Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Famvir)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Famvir)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking famciclovir (Famvir)?

   Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even
   while you are being treated with famciclovir. 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.

   Famciclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual
   intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to
   others.

   This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
   you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What other drugs will affect famciclovir (Famvir)?

   Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
     * probenecid (Benemid); or
     * other medications you use to treat herpes outbreaks, such as
       acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and
       others.

   There may be other drugs that can interact with famciclovir. Tell your
   doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription,
   over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new
   medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information (Famvir)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about famciclovir.
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