Drug Uses
Famvir is an oral antiviral drug that is used to treat 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 patients infected with HIV and herpes zoster (shingles).
How Taken
There are three possible ways for the usage of Famvir:
-Episodic treatment: your doctor is treating genital herpes outbreak as it occurs. The usual dose of Famvir is one 125-mg pill, taken twice a day, for period of 5 days.
-Suppressive treatment: in case of frequent or severe outbreaks, you should take one 250-mg pill, twice a day, for up to 1 year in order to suppress the genital herpes virus and prevent outbreaks.
-Patients infected with with HIV: Famvir is the only oral antiviral therapy purposed to treat genital. Patients with herpes simplex and HIV should take a 500 mg Famvir dose, twice a day, for a period of 7 days.
Famvir can be taken with or without food.
Warnings/Precautions
If you have allergy to penciclovir (Denavir), you should inform your doctor before starting any treatment with Famvir. Consult your doctor if you have also kidney disease. In such cases you may require a special dose adjustment or special medical observation during treatment period. Famvir (Pregnancy Category B) should be taken during pregnancy only if there is not any risk of harming the the fetus.
Missed Dose
In case you have forgotten a dose, take it as soon as you notice. If it is too close to the next one, ignore the missed one and resume your usual dose schedule
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.
Allergies
