Famciclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat a variety of conditions caused by the herpes zoster virus.

Famciclovir provides a number of benefits for patients experiencing outbreaks:

• Reduces symptoms associated with outbreaks, such as pain, itching, tingling and burning.
• Shortens the duration of sores, promotes healing, and prevents new sores from forming.
• Reduces the frequency of recurrent outbreaks or episodes.
• Prevents outbreaks of genital herpes from happening altogether for up to 1 year.
• Many patients notice an improvement in just one day.

Famciclovir is also known by the brand name Famvir.

Famciclovir is not a cure for herpes and will not prevent the spread of the virus to other persons.

Who Uses Famciclovir?

Famciclovir is commonly prescribed to treat symptoms associated with the herpes zoster virus:

• Cold sores or fever blisters
• Chicken pox
• Shingles
• Genital herpes
• Sores in the mouth or mucus membranes of HIV positive patients

Sores resulting from herpes zoster are often painful, irritating and embarrassing. While there is no cure for herpes zoster, Famciclovir provides relief from all symptoms -- in as little as one day.

How Does it Work?

Essentially Famciclovir interferes with the ability of the herpes zoster virus to thrive, reproduce or spread.

In healthy patients it aids the immune system in combating the virus by inhibiting spread of the virus while promoting healing. In patients with compromised immune systems, such as from HIV infection, Famciclovir contributes greatly to preventing the spread of the virus to other parts of the body.

If taken early enough in an outbreak symptoms may be nearly non-existent. If used persistently Famciclovir prevents outbreaks of genital herpes altogether in some patients, though the virus can still be spread to others.

How is it Taken?

Famciclovir is a tablet which can be taken with or without food.

Dosage strength and duration of treatment will vary according to the condition being treated, the patient's medical condition, and the patient's response to treatment. It is important to follow doctor instructions carefully to maximize the medication's effectiveness.

• For chicken pox or shingles Famciclovir is usually given three times a day for one week.
• For cold sores or fever blisters most patients will take just one dose as soon as symptoms appear.
• For recurrent episodes of genital herpes it is taken twice for just 1 day, as soon as symptoms are noticed.
• For preventing recurrent genital herpes outbreaks it may be taken twice a day for up to 12 months.
• For HIV positive patients it is frequently given twice a day for one week.

Most people who use Famciclovir keep some on hand so it can be taken quickly when symptoms are first noticed. It may not be as effective if symptoms are allowed to develop for some time before treatment begins.

Ingredients:

Active ingredient: famciclovir

Inactive ingredients: sodium starch glycolate, lactose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, titanium dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycols, magnesium stearate

Patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in Famciclovir should not take this product. This product contains lactose.

Adverse Effects:

Used properly, Famciclovir is a very safe medication with the most common side effects of mild headache, diarrhea, and nausea.

A few patients will become dizzy, sleepy or mildly confused while taking Famciclovir and should not operate vehicles or machinery.

Pregnant or nursing mothers should consult a physician before using this product.

Patients should read the information provided with the medication for a complete list of possible adverse effects and interactions prior to taking Famciclovir or any other medication.

Contraindications and Interactions:

Famciclovir may interact with other prescription and non-prescription medications. These interactions are not always serious but may interfere with effectiveness. The prescribing physician should be made aware of all medications being taken, including non-prescription medications, for the duration of treatment.