Famvir
Famciclovir is used to treat herpes zoster (shingles) and genital
herpes. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain
and itching, helps sores to heal, and prevents new ones from
forming. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses;
ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. |
FAMVIR DRUG INFO
Why is this medication prescribed?
Famciclovir is used to treat herpes zoster (shingles)
and genital herpes. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases
pain and itching, helps sores to heal, and prevents new ones from
forming.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for
other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used? Famciclovir
comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8
hours (three times a day) for 7 days to treat shingles. To treat
genital herpes it is usually taken twice a day for 5 days. Follow
the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take famciclovir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of
it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Use this
medication as soon as possible after symptoms appear.
Continue to take famciclovir even if you feel
well. Do not stop taking famciclovir without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking famciclovir,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to famciclovir,
acyclovir (Zovirax), or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially digoxin (Lanoxin), probenecid
(Benemid), and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver
disease, problems with your immune system, human immunodeficiency
virus infection (HIV), or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking famciclovir,
call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions
should I follow? Famciclovir may cause an
upset stomach. Take famciclovir with food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
it, and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.
However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication
cause? Although side effects from famciclovir
are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these
symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea or loose stools
If you experience any of the following side
effects, call your doctor immediately:
What storage conditions are needed
for this medicine? Keep this medication
in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of
children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the
proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose In
case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency
services at 911.
What other information should
I know? Keep all appointments with your
doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests
to check your response to famciclovir.
Do not have sexual intercourse when you can
see the genital herpes lesions. However, genital herpes can be spread
even when there are no symptoms.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your
prescription. If you still have symptoms of infection after you
finish the famciclovir, call your doctor.
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