Famvir Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Famvir Tablet contains the antiviral medicine famciclovir, which belongs to the purine nucleosides drug class. It is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. Famvir slows the virus down so the body's immune system can fight the infection, though it does not cure herpes.

What is Famvir Tablet

Famvir is an antiviral medicine that treats infections caused by herpes viruses, including cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. It slows the virus down so your body can fight the infection, but it does not cure herpes. Its generic name is famciclovir, and it belongs to the purine nucleosides class of antivirals.

Famvir Tablet uses

• Treating cold sores (herpes labialis)
• Treating genital herpes, including recurrent episodes and daily suppressive therapy
• Treating shingles (herpes zoster)
• Treating recurrent herpes outbreaks around the mouth, genitals, or anal area in people with HIV

Benefits of Famvir Tablet

• Slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so the body can fight the infection
• Eases pain, burning, tingling, and itching
• Helps sores and blisters heal faster
• Can reduce how often genital herpes outbreaks come back when used as daily therapy

How Famvir Tablet works

Famvir is changed in the body into its active form, which blocks the herpes virus from copying its DNA, slowing the infection so your immune system can control it.

Famvir Tablet dosage

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet (125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg oral tablets)

Side effects of Famvir Tablet

Common

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Dizziness
• Cramps
• Heavy bleeding

Serious

• Confusion
• Kidney problems such as little or no urination, swelling in feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath
• Black, tarry stools or blood in urine or stools
• Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
• Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Sore throat, fever, or chills
• Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there, or unusual mood changes

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to famciclovir or penciclovir cream (Denavir).
• Herpes infections are contagious, and you can still infect others even while being treated, so avoid letting infected areas touch other people and wash your hands often.
• Taking this medicine does not stop you from passing genital herpes to others; use protection or avoid sexual contact when sores are present.
• Some tablet strengths contain lactose, which can be a problem for people with severe lactase deficiency, galactose intolerance, or glucose-galactose malabsorption.
• You may not be able to get certain vaccines, such as the chickenpox vaccine, shortly before or during treatment with this medicine.
• It is not known if or how this medicine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are or plan to become pregnant so they can advise you.
• It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk, so tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding so they can weigh the benefits and risks.
• People with kidney disease need to use this medicine with caution, since their dose may need to be adjusted.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, as it may affect how this medicine is used.
• There are no known interactions between this medicine and alcohol, but heavy drinking can weaken your immune response and make it harder to fight the infection.
• This medicine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or reduced alertness, so avoid driving or hazardous activities until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you have confusion or signs of kidney problems like little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, or feeling tired or short of breath.
• Check with your doctor immediately if you notice black or tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bleeding or bruising, or blistering or peeling skin.
• Seek emergency medical help right away if you think you or someone else has taken too much of this medicine.

Alternatives

• Docosanol cream
• Penciclovir cream
• Valacyclovir
• Acyclovir