Famciclovir
is an antiviral drug. It slows
the growth and spread of the herpes
virus so that the body can fight
off the infection. Famciclovir
shortens the length of time symptoms
are present. Famciclovir is used
to treat infections caused by
herpes viruses including shingles,
genital herpes, and cold sores
(in people with HIV).
Famvir Directions?
Take famciclovir exactly
as directed by your doctor. If you do not
understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Treatment with famciclovir should be started
as soon as possible after the first appearance
of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters).
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Famciclovir can be taken with or without
food. Taking famciclovir with food may decrease
stomach upset.
Take all of the famciclovir 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.
Lesions caused by herpes viruses should
be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing
loose clothing may help to prevent irritation
of the lesions.
Famvir Side Effects?
Stop taking famciclovir
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 famciclovir
and talk to your doctor if you experience
nausea or vomiting, a headache, diarrhea,
dizziness, tingling in your hands or feet,
or itching.
Famvir Warnings?
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.
Famciclovir will not prevent the spread of
genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or
use a latex condom to prevent spreading the
virus to others.
Famvir Drug Interactions?
Probenecid (Benemid)
may increase the effects of famciclovir and
lead to dangerous side effects. You may need
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
during treatment if you are taking probenecid.
Drugs other than those listed here may
also interact with famciclovir. Talk to
your doctor and pharmacist before taking
any prescription or over-the-counter medicines,
including herbal products.
Famvir Missed Dose?
Take the missed dose
as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for the next regularly scheduled
dose, skip the missed dose and take the next
one as directed. Do not take a double dose
of this medication unless otherwise directed
by your doctor.
Famvir Storage?
Keep out of the reach
of children. Store away from heat and direct
light. Do not store the capsule or tablet
form of this medicine in the bathroom, near
the kitchen sink, or in other damp places.
Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to
break down. Do not keep outdated medicine
or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that
any discarded medicine is out of the reach
of children.
Anything Else I Should
Know About Famvir?
Do not take famciclovir
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 famciclovir.
Famciclovir is in the FDA pregnancy category
B. This means that it is unlikely to harm
an unborn baby. Do not take famciclovir
without first talking to your doctor if
you are pregnant.
It is not known whether famciclovir passes
into breast milk. Do not take famciclovir
without first talking to your doctor if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
The safety and effectiveness of famciclovir
have not been established for children younger
than 18 years of age.
NOTE: The above
information is intended to supplement, not
substitute for, the expertise and judgment
of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before taking
the product.
