Famciclovir

Uses

Prescribed to treat shingles (herpes zoster), herpes-related cold sores (fever blisters), and genital herpes outbreaks.

Also prescribed to treat herpes simplex infections in people with HIV.

Famciclovir does not cure herpes, but it may stop the spread and reduce symptoms.

Famciclovir (Brand Name: Famvir) is an antiviral medication prescribed to help reduce the spread of herpes and reduce the symptoms associated with herpes, such as pain, burning, tingling, tenderness, and itching. It may also help to heal sores and prevent new ones from forming. Famciclovir is prescribed to those with normal immune systems to treat shingles (herpes zoster), repeat outbreaks of fever blisters and cold sores associated with oral herpes, and prevent further outbreaks of genital herpes. It works by preventing the replication of the herpes virus.

Dosing

Famciclovir is taken orally in 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg dosage forms. To treat shingles (herpes zoster), 500 mg of famciclovir is taken every 8 hours for a week, starting as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms . To treat genital herpes 1000mg is taken twice a day for a single day, ideally starting within hours of an outbreak. For cold sores and fever blisters, famciclovir is given as a single 1500 mg oral dose and should be taken at the first sign of outbreak. If taken to treat herpes for those with HIV, higher doses may be indicated.

Side Effects

Side effects most commonly include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, mild to moderate stomach pain, painful menstruation or tiredness. Serious but rare side effects include skin reactions and reduced white blood cells or platelets.

Notes of Precaution

Before taking famciclovir, tell your doctor if you have any allergies to famciclovir, penciclovir cream or acyclovir.

If you are taking probenecid (Benemid), it may increase the side effects of Famciclovir.

Famciclovir rarely may cause drowsiness, dizzieness, confusion, or disorientation. Do not operate heavy machinery until you know how the medication will affect you.

Do not have sexual intercourse during an outbreak of genital herpes (but note that genital herpes can still be transmitted even if you are not having an outbreak).

Famciclovir should be stored at room temperature.

*Before taking famciclovir, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Famciclovir has not been adequately studied in pregnant women. It is also not known whether the medication is excreted in breast milk, so alternatives to breastfeeding may be advised.