Famvir (generic name: Famciclovir) is an antiviral medicine indicated for:
Treatment of recurrent genital herpes
Suppression of recurrent genital herpes
Treatment of recurrent genital herpes infections in HIV-infected patients
Treatment of cold sores (Recurrent Herpes Labialis)
Treatment of shingles (Acute Herpes Zoster)
Famvir is the first and only herpes medicine proven to stop or shorten a recurrent genital herpes outbreak with just a single day of treatment.
Famvir decreases the symptoms of pain, burning, tingling, tenderness, and itching; helps sores to heal; and prevents new sores from forming with a single dose.
Famvir works by blocking reproduction of the virus. It inhibits the replication of viral DNA that is necessary in order for viruses to reproduce themselves.
Famvir is active against the same viruses as acyclovir but has a longer duration of action. Therefore, it can be taken fewer times each day.
Famvir is non-addictive.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Recommendations
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Famvir exactly as directed.
Take Famvir by mouth with or without food.
When Famvir is used to treat shingles, it is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day) for 7 days, starting within 3 days after the rash begins to appear. When Famvir is used to treat cold sores and fever blisters, it is usually taken as one dose at the earliest sign or symptom (tingling, itching, or burning) of a cold sore. When Famvir is used to treat repeat outbreaks of genital herpes, it is usually taken twice a day for one day, starting within 6 hours of the first sign or symptom of the condition. To keep genital herpes from returning, Famvir is usually taken twice a day for up to 1 year. When Famvir is used to treat herpes infection in people infected with HIV, it is usually taken twice a day for 7 days.
If you are treating shingles, cold sores, genital herpes, or herpes skin infection, take Famvir for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.
If you miss a dose of Famvir , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat, light and moisture.
Precautions
Before taking Famvir, tell your doctor if:
you are allergic to Famvir or other medicines, or lactose;
you have kidney problems;
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
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