Taking Famvir

The Generic Name for Famvir is famciclovir (oral) (fam SYE kloe veer).
It is sold under the brand names: Famvir

Doctors perscribe Famvir for treatment of 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 HIV-infected patients and herpes zoster (shingles).

How Famvir is Taken

Famvir can be prescribed in one of three ways:
-Episodic treatment: your doctor simply treats an outbreak of genital herpes as it occurs. The usual dose of Famvir is one 125-mg pill, twice a day, for 5 days.
-Suppressive treatment: if you do have frequent or severe outbreaks, you take one 250-mg pill, twice a day, for up to 1 year to suppress the genital herpes virus and help to prevent further outbreaks.
-Patients with HIV: Famvir is the only prescription oral antiviral therapy indicated for treating genital. In patients who have herpes simplex and HIV, the dose of Famvir is 500 mg, twice a day, for 7 days.
Famvir can be taken with or without food.

Warnings/Precautions about Famvir

Don't take Famvir if you are allergic to penciclovir (Denavir) without first talking to your doctor about this. Also tell your doctor if you have any forms of kidney disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with Famvir. Famvir (Pregnancy Category B) should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit to the patient clearly exceeds the risk to the fetus.

Missed a Dose of Famvir?

IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, you need to take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Whatever you do, do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Possible Side Effects of Famvir

Stop taking Famvir and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).Some other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Make sure you talk to your doctor if you experience nausea or vomiting, a headache, diarrhea, dizziness, tingling in your hands or feet, or itching.

Storage of Famvir

You have to store Famvir at between 15C and 30C (59F and 86F) and out of reach of children.

Overdose on Famvir?

Seek emergency medical attention. A Famvir overdose has no known symptoms, but an overdose of acyclovir (Zovirax), which is a very similar drug, may cause seizures, hallucinations, and kidney damage (decreased urine production). In brief, seek medical attention right away if an overdose is suspected.

More Information about Famvir

Do you perceive anything weird? In that case, treatment with Famvir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms such as tingling, burning or 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.

Some common misspellings and typos for Famvir include: famvil, phamvir, famver, famvar, fanvir, famvri, famivr, favmir, fmavir, afmvir, famvi, famvr, famir, favir, fmvir and amvir.

Disclaimer on Famvir

Be warned, 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. We've compiled this strictly as general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient, especially you! We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information about Famvir, 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.