Famvir Uses
Famvir is a prescription oral antiviral medication and is prescribed 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 Taken
Famvir may be prescribed in one of three ways:
-Episodic treatment: your doctor 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 have frequent or severe outbreaks, you take one 250-mg Famvir pill, twice daily, for up to 1 year to suppress the genital herpes virus and help to prevent outbreaks.
-Patients with HIV: Famvir is the only prescription oral antiviral therapy indicated for treating genital. In patients with herpes simplex and HIV, the dose of Famvir is 500 mg, twice daily, for 7 days.
Famvir may be taken with or without food.
Warnings/Precautions
Do not take Famvir if you are allergic to penciclovir (Denavir) without first talking to your doctor. Before taking Famvir, tell your doctor if you have 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 Dose
IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS FAMVIR, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next Famvir dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.
Possible Side Effects
Stop taking Famvir immediatly 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
StoreFamvir between 15C and 30C (59F and 86F) and keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. An overdose of Famvir 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 Famvir 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, 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 others, 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 Famvir. 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.
