Famvir: Effective Antiviral Relief for Herpes Infections
Famvir
| Product dosage: 250mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $5.00 | $150.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $4.75
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Synonyms | |||
Famvir (famciclovir) is an oral antiviral medication prescribed for the treatment of various herpesvirus infections, including herpes zoster (shingles), genital herpes, and herpes labialis (cold sores). As a prodrug of penciclovir, it works by inhibiting viral DNA replication, thereby reducing the severity and duration of outbreaks. Its high bioavailability and convenient dosing make it a preferred choice among healthcare providers for managing acute episodes and suppressive therapy in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients.
Features
- Active ingredient: Famciclovir 125mg, 250mg, or 500mg tablets
- Prodrug rapidly converted to active metabolite penciclovir
- High oral bioavailability (~77%)
- Inhibits viral DNA polymerase
- Convenient dosing regimens tailored to infection type
- Suitable for episodic and chronic suppressive therapy
Benefits
- Reduces healing time for herpes zoster and recurrent genital herpes lesions
- Decreases the duration of pain associated with acute shingles outbreaks
- Lowers the frequency of genital herpes recurrences with daily suppressive therapy
- Helps prevent transmission of genital herpes to susceptible partners
- Effective in immunocompromised patients, including those with HIV
- Well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile in most patient populations
Common use
Famvir is indicated for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles), treatment of recurrent genital herpes in immunocompetent patients, suppression of recurrent genital herpes, treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunocompetent patients, and treatment of herpes simplex infections in HIV-infected patients. It may also be used off-label for other herpesvirus infections under medical supervision.
Dosage and direction
Herpes Zoster: 500 mg every 8 hours for 7 days
Recurrent Genital Herpes: 125 mg twice daily for 5 days
Suppressive Therapy for Genital Herpes: 250 mg twice daily
Recurrent Herpes Labialis: 1500 mg as a single dose
HIV-Infected Patients with Herpes Simplex: 500 mg twice daily for 7 days
Take with or without food. Initiate treatment at the earliest sign or symptom of recurrence for optimal efficacy. Dosage adjustments required for patients with renal impairment.
Precautions
Complete prescribed course even if symptoms improve. Not a cure for herpes infections; viral shedding may still occur. May cause dizziness or drowsiness; use caution when operating machinery. Maintain adequate hydration. Notify healthcare provider if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Regular monitoring recommended for patients with renal impairment. Avoid excessive sun exposure as photosensitivity reactions may occur.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to famciclovir, penciclovir, or any component of the formulation. Concomitant use with drugs that significantly inhibit renal tubular secretion. Severe renal impairment (CrCl <40 mL/min) without appropriate dosage adjustment. History of severe neurological reactions to previous antiviral therapy.
Possible side effect
Common: Headache (≥10%), nausea (8%), diarrhea (5%), fatigue (4%)
Less common: Dizziness, vomiting, abdominal pain, pruritus, rash
Rare: Confusion, hallucinations, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes
Serious but rare: Severe skin reactions, anaphylaxis, acute renal failure, neurological symptoms
Drug interaction
Probenecid: May increase penciclovir concentrations
Other drugs eliminated by active renal tubular secretion: Potential mutual increase in concentrations
Nephrotoxic agents: May enhance risk of renal impairment
Theophylline: Minor interaction requiring monitoring
Missed dose
Take as soon as remembered unless close to next scheduled dose. Do not double dose. Maintain regular dosing schedule. For once-daily suppression: Take within 12 hours of missed dose; otherwise skip and resume normal schedule.
Overdose
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, renal impairment, neurological symptoms. No specific antidote exists. Provide supportive care and symptomatic treatment. Hemodialysis may enhance elimination. Contact poison control center or emergency department immediately.
Storage
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after expiration date. Do not transfer to other containers.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Dosage and indications may vary based on individual patient factors. Not all side effects or interactions are listed here.
Reviews
“Famvir has significantly reduced my shingles pain and accelerated healing. The convenience of twice-daily dosing made compliance easy during a difficult episode.” - Patient with herpes zoster
“As a prescribing physician, I find Famvir offers reliable efficacy for genital herpes suppression with fewer daily doses than alternatives. Patient satisfaction remains high in my practice.” - Dermatologist
“After trying multiple antivirals, Famvir provided the best balance of effectiveness and tolerability for my recurrent cold sores. The single-dose option is particularly convenient.” - Patient with herpes labialis