Famvir

famciclovir

Famvir is an oral antiviral prescription medication that is prescribed for treatment of recurrent genital herpes, cold sores (recurrent herpes labialis), shingles (acute herpes zoster), 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.

This medicine is used to treat the first episode of genital herpes and to treat patients with recurrent (more than 6 episodes per year) severe genital herpes. Famciclovir reduces the pain and the number of sores with the first episode and decreases the frequency and severity of episodes in individuals with recurrent episodes. In the treatment of shingles, famciclovir reduces pain, shortens the time in which sores heal, and limits the spread of virus and the formation of new sores. Famciclovir can be used to treat chicken pox to reduce healing time, limit the number of sores (pox), and reduce fever if used within the first 24 hours after the onset of the disease.

Famciclovir is an antiviral drug which is active against the Herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes) and varicella-zoster (shingles and chicken pox). It inhibits the replication of viral DNA that is necessary in order for viruses to reproduce themselves. Famciclovir is actually a "prodrug," in that it is not active directly against viruses. Instead, famciclovir is converted to penciclovir in the body, and it is the penciclovir that is active against the viruses. Famciclovir is active against the same viruses as acyclovir but has a longer duration of action.

Treatment with famciclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters). Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with famciclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

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, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, tingling in your hands or feet, or itching.

Effective dosage:
Take this medication by mouth exactly as prescribed. This medication is most effective if taken as soon as herpes is noticed. For best results, space the doses at equal intervals throughout the day (and night if directed by your doctor). This will help ensure an even level of drug in the body at all times. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. Your condition will not improve faster but the risk of side effects may be increased. Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens. Continue to take famciclovir even if you feel well.

Drug Class: Herpes.