Drug Uses
Famvir is an oral antiviral prescription medication that is prescribed for:
treatment of recurrent genital herpes in otherwise healthy patients;
suppression of recurrent genital herpes in otherwise healthy patients;
treatment of recurrent herpes simplex virus infections (genital herpes and
cold sores) in HIV-infected patients and herpes zoster (shingles).
How Taken
Famvir can be prescribed in one of three ways:
-Episodic treatment: your doctor treats an outbreak of genital herpes as it
occurs. The usual dose of Famvir is one 125-mg pill, twice a day, for 5 days.
-Suppressive treatment: if you have frequent or severe outbreaks, you take one
250-mg pill, twice a day, for up to 1 year to suppress the genital herpes
virus and help to prevent outbreaks.
-Patients with HIV: Famvir is the only prescription oral antiviral therapy
indicated for treating genital. In patients with herpes simplex and HIV, the
dose of Famvir is 500 mg, twice a day, for 7 days.
Famvir can be taken with or without food.
Warnings/Precautions
Do not take Famvir if you are allergic to penciclovir (Denavir) without
first talking to your doctor. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor
if you have kidney disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring during treatment with Famvir. Famvir (Pregnancy Category B) should
be used during pregnancy only if the benefit to the patient clearly exceeds
the risk to the fetus.
Missed Dose
IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your
regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.
Possible Side Effects
Stop taking Famvir and seek emergency medical attention if you experience
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling
of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Other, less serious side effects may
be more likely to occur. Continue to take Famvir and talk to your doctor if
you experience nausea or vomiting, a headache, diarrhea, dizziness, tingling
in your hands or feet, or itching.
Storage
Store between 15C and 30C (59F and 86F) and out of reach of children.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. A Famvir overdose has no known symptoms,
but an overdose of acyclovir (Zovirax), which is a similar drug, may cause
seizures, hallucinations, and kidney damage (decreased urine production).
More Information
Treatment with Famvir should be started as soon as possible after the first
appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters). Take all of the
Famvir that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your
symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.
Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even during
treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people.
Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission. For more information, talk
to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.
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
