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Famvir - Uses & Side Effects

Generic name: Famciclovir

Famvir is a prescription oral antiviral medication that is indicated for the treatment of recurrent genital herpes. Famvir is indicated for the suppression of recurrent genital herpes. Famvir is indicated for the recurrent herpes simplex virus infections (genital herpes and cold sores) in HIV-infected patients.

Famvir Dosage

• 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.

Uses of Famvir

• which is used to treat certain viral infections.
• Famciclovir is used in the treatment of some of the various forms of the herpes virus as well as the virus responsible for causing the symptoms of shingles.
• This drug is used in certain patients to treat or help prevent outbreaks of herpes simplex on the skin (mouth, lips, genitals, anus).
• Famciclovir is also used to treat outbreaks of shingles (herpes zoster).

Side Effects of Famvir

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Famvir. Side effects may include:

• Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting

Warnings and precautions before taking Famvir:

• Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.
• This drug may rarely make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
• This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. This product may cause undesirable effects in a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
• Before taking famciclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penciclovir; or if you have any other allergies.

Drug Interaction :- If Famvir is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Famvir with probenecid (Benemid), a drug used to treat gout (a type of arthritis).

• Concurrent use with probenecid or other drugs significantly eliminated by active renal tubular secretion may result in increased plasma concentrations of penciclovir.

Overdose

A famciclovir overdose 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).