What is famciclovir?
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 will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infections.
Famciclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox.
There is no cure for herpes and famciclovir will not prevent you from developing symptoms in the future.
Famciclovir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
-
Precautions
-
Instructions
-
Side Effects
-
Interactions
Precautions
Do not take famciclovir if you are allergic to penciclovir cream (Denavir).
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
- kidney disease;
- a weak immune system;
- galactose intolerance;
- severe lactase deficiency; or
- glucose-galactose malabsorption.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Your name may need to be listed on a pregnancy registry if you become pregnant while using this medication. The purpose of this registry is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and delivery to evaluate whether famciclovir had any effect on the baby.
It is not known whether famciclovir passes into breast milk, or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take famciclovir without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old.
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.
Famciclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Famciclovir can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
▲
Back to top
Instructions
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a famciclovir overdose are unknown.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
▲
Back to top
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
- diarrhea,
- headache, tired feeling;
- dizziness, sleepiness;
- mild itching or skin rash;
- numbness or tingly feeling; or
- confusion.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
▲
Back to top
Interactions
Before taking famciclovir, tell your doctor if you are also taking probenecid (Benemid). If you are using probenecid, you may not be able to use famciclovir, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with famciclovir. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Other Names
Famvir and famciclovir
▲
Back to top
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2004 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version 2.05. Revision date 8/23/04
Updating results…
0 helpful marks