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Famvir (
famciclovir) is an antiviral medication used to
treat a variety of conditions caused by the herpes zoster
virus.
Famvir 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.
- Prevents outbreaks of genital herpes from happening altogether
for up to 1 year.
- Many patients notice an improvement in just one day.
Famvir is not a cure for herpes and will not prevent the spread of
the virus to other persons.
Who Uses Famvir?
Famvir 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, Famvir
provides relief from all symptoms -- in as little as one day.
How Does it Work?
Essentially Famvir interferes with the ability of the herpes zoster
virus to thrive and reproduce, inhibiting the development of new
sores or worsening of existing sores.
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, Famvir 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 Famvir prevents outbreaks of
genital herpes altogether in some patients, though the virus can
still be spread to others.
How is it Taken?
Famvir 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 Famvir 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 Famvir 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 Famvir should not take this product. This product
contains lactose.
Adverse Effects:
Used properly, Famvir 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 Famvir 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 Famvir or any other
medication.
Contraindications and Interactions:
Famvir 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.