Famciclovir
= Prescription Required 
= Generic Equvalent
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Famciclovir 125mg Tablets
Manufactured by Sandoz
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Famciclovir 250mg Tablets
Manufactured by Sandoz
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Famciclovir 500mg Tablets
Manufactured by Sandoz
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Famciclovir Prescription Drug Information
Famciclovir (By mouth)
Famciclovir (fam-SYE-kloe-vir)
Treats herpes virus infections, including shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores (herpes labialis), and genital herpes (herpes simplex). Famciclovir will not cure herpes, but may prevent a breakout of herpes sores or blisters.
Brand Name(s):Famvir
There may be other brand names for Famciclovir.
When Famciclovir Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Famciclovir if you have had an allergic reaction to famciclovir or penciclovir (Denavir®), or if you have a severe lactose absorption problem.
How to Use Famciclovir:
Tablet
- Your doctor will tell you how much of Famciclovir to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- You may take Famciclovir with or without food.
- Take Famciclovir at the first sign of a herpes breakout or as soon as possible. The medicine might not work as well if you start treatment too late.
If a dose of Famciclovir is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of Famciclovir:
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
- Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Famciclovir:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid (Benemid®, Probalan®).
Warnings While Using Famciclovir:
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.
- Famciclovir may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
- Famciclovir will not stop the spread of herpes during sex. Avoid having sex while you have herpes sores.
- Even if you have no signs of a herpes infection, it is still possible to spread the virus to others during sex. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep from spreading the virus.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Possible Side Effects While Using Famciclovir:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
- Confusion, dizziness, or drowsiness.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
- Seeing or hearing things which are not really there.
- Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
- Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Famciclovir, talk with your doctor:
- Headache.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, or stomach pain.
- Painful or irregular menstrual periods (in women).
- Skin rash or itching.
- Tiredness.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Famciclovir, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
