Famvir (Famciclovir)

Description

Famvir, also known by its medical name Famciclovir, is a type of drug used to fight viral infections by slowing the spread of the herpes virus. It is not a cure for herpes but can reduce symptoms.

 

It can be used in the treatment of herpes-related infections like genital herpes, cold sores and shingles. There is no cure for herpes, so you may have future symptoms.

 

Important data

 

This drug must be taken for as long as you are told. Do not stop before the course is over even if your symptoms disappear.

 

Famvir treatment should begin the second that (or as soon as possible) symptoms appear. Herpes is contagious, even during treatment. Do not expose other people to infected areas.

 

Wash your hands often to prevent passing it on via any form of physical contact. Do not take Famvir if you have liver and kidney diseases, weakened immunity, galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose absorption problems.

 

Remember that herpes is a very transmissible disease. Even when undergoing treatment, people who are exposed are likely to contract the virus. Never let other people touch infected areas, and never touch your eyes unless you can wash your hands afterwards.

 

Famvir isn’t expected to harm unborn children. However, tell your doctor about a current or upcoming pregnancy. The herpes virus can be passed to a baby during childbirth.

 

If you have lesions on your genitalia during childbirth it could pass herpes on. Make sure you do not have lesions when you go into labor.

 

The tendency of Famvir to pass to babies who are nursing has not been explored. It is unknown whether it can harm nursing babies. Make sure your doctor thinks it is okay to keep breastfeeding during treatment.

 

Never give Famvir to anyone under 18 without a prescription. Never give Famvir to anyone from your own prescription.

 

 

 

Dosage

 

Take Famvir exactly as you have been prescribed. Never take larger or smaller amounts than has been advised. Overdosing on this drug will not make it more powerful, although it could kill you. Start treatment right after the first symptoms appear.

 

Food is not a factor for Famvir to be effective. Take it for the full course duration. Do not stop just because symptoms recede.

 

To avoid recurrence of the disease, you may have to take Famvir twice a day for up to 1 year. Always follow the doctor’s orders.

 

Missed doses and overdose

 

If you miss out on a dose, take it as soon as you know. If it is close to the time of your next dose simply ignore the one you missed. Never try to make up for it by taking a higher dose.

 

If you overdose, call your local poison hotline and the emergency medical services in your region immediately.

 

Side effects

 

Common side effects of taking Famvir include:

 

 Nausea, gas buildup, abdominal pain
 Diarrhea
 Headaches and exhaustion
 Dizziness and lethargy
 Itchiness and rashes
 Numbness and tingling

 

Serious side effects include:

 

 Less or no urine
 Weakness, confusion, thirst, vomiting
 Pounding heart or fluttering
 Swelling and weight gain

 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience these.

 

Contraindications

 

Stop using Famvir immediately if you have an allergic reaction, and seek medical help. Symptoms include swelling, itchiness and hives as well as trouble breathing.

 

Tell your doctor first if you are on:

 

 Benemid
 Zovirax
 Valtrex