Famciclovir (By mouth)
fam-SYE-kloe-vir
Treats herpes virus infections, including shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores (herpes labialis), and genital herpes (herpes simplex). This medicine will not cure herpes, but may prevent a breakout of herpes sores or blisters.
Drug classes
Antiviral (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Famciclovir is used to treat the symptoms of herpes zoster (also known as shingles), a herpes virus infection of the skin. It is used to treat and suppress herpes labialis (cold sores) and recurrent episodes of genital herpes infection. This medicine is also used to treat recurrent herpes virus infections of the mucous membranes (lips and mouth) and genitals in HIV-infected patients. Although famciclovir will not cure genital herpes or herpes zoster, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and helps the sores heal faster.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Take this medicine at the first sign of a herpes breakout or as soon as possible. The medicine might not work as well if you start treatment too late.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid (Benemid®, Probalan®).
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to famciclovir or penciclovir (Denavir®), or if you have a severe lactose absorption problem.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Famciclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex. Avoid having sex while you have herpes sores.
Even if you have no signs of a herpes infection, it is still possible to spread the virus to others during sex. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep from spreading the virus.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Confusion, dizziness, or drowsiness.
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
Seeing or hearing things which are not really there.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, or stomach pain.
Painful or irregular menstrual periods (in women).
Skin rash or itching.
Tiredness.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Famvir
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
