Famvir
Famciclovir
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Famvir
Famvir is an antiviral medicine. It acts by inhibiting multiplication of virus.
Therapeutic Uses of Famvir
Famvir is used commonly in the treatment of shingles or herpes zoster infection. It is also used in recurrent herpes infection of skin in HIV patients. Famvir is used in treating or suppressing genital herpes infection in immune compromised patients. It can also be used in other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Famvir
Famvir should be used as your doctor tells you. It can be taken on empty stomach or with food. But to avoid gastric irritation it should be taken with food.
If you are using Famvir for genital herpes or cold sores, start taking it at the first sign of it to get the best result. If you delay you may not get good response after using Famvir.
If You Miss a Dose of Famvir
If a dose of Famvir is missed take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. You should not take 2 doses of Famvir to compensate for the missed dose.
How to Store Famvir
Famvir is stored in a cool place at temperature between 15C to 30C or 59F to 86F. Keep it out of reach of children and away fro moisture, heat or light.
More Information About Famvir
If you do not see any improvement of your symptoms, contact your doctor. If you have any question about Famvir, ask your doctor or other health care provider.
Famvir should be used by the person for whom it is prescribed. It should not be shared with anybody.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Famvir
Do not use Famvir if you have any of the conditions listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you have allergy to any ingredient of Famvir or you are allergic to penciclovir.
- If you have metabolic abnormalities like galactose intolerance, enzyme lactase deficiency, glucose or galactose absorption problems etc.
Some medical conditions can interact with Famvir. Inform your doctor if you have any of the medical problems listed below:
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or if you are breast feeding.
- If you have any kidney disease.
- If you have allergy to medicines, foods or any other substances.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement.
Some medicines may interact with Famvir, but at this time no specific interact is known.
Possible Adverse Effects of Famvir
As with any medicine Famvir has some side effects. Common side effects of Famvir are nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea, headache, weakness etc. If any of the common side effects lasts longer or they become troublesome, consult your doctor.
You should also seek immediate medical attention if you get serious and uncommon side effects like allergic reaction to Famvir characterized by itching, skin rash, breathing difficulty, chest discomfort, swelling of tongue, lips, mouth or face. Other serious side effects include decreased urine output; blistering or peeling of skin; red or swollen skin; confusion, delirium, disorientation, hallucinations etc.