Drug Uses

Famvir is an oral antiviral prescription medication that is prescribed for: treatment of recurrent genital herpes in otherwise healthy patients; suppression of recurrent genital herpes in otherwise healthy patients; treatment of recurrent herpes simplex virus infections (genital herpes and cold sores) in HIV-infected patients and herpes zoster (shingles).

How Taken

Famvir can be prescribed in one of three ways:
-Episodic treatment: your doctor treats an outbreak of genital herpes as it occurs. The usual dose of Famvir is one 125-mg pill, twice a day, for 5 days.
-Suppressive treatment: if you have frequent or severe outbreaks, you take one 250-mg pill, twice a day, for up to 1 year to suppress the genital herpes virus and help to prevent outbreaks.
-Patients with HIV: Famvir is the only prescription oral antiviral therapy indicated for treating genital. In patients with herpes simplex and HIV, the dose of Famvir is 500 mg, twice a day, for 7 days.
Famvir can be taken with or without food.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Famvir if you are allergic to penciclovir (Denavir) without first talking to your doctor. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with Famvir. Famvir (Pregnancy Category B) should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit to the patient clearly exceeds the risk to the fetus.

Missed Dose

IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Possible Side Effects

Stop taking Famvir and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Famvir and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea or vomiting, a headache, diarrhea, dizziness, tingling in your hands or feet, or itching.

Storage

Store between 15C and 30C (59F and 86F) and out of reach of children.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. A Famvir overdose has no known symptoms, but an overdose of acyclovir (Zovirax), which is a similar drug, may cause seizures, hallucinations, and kidney damage (decreased urine production).

More Information

Treatment with Famvir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (e.g. tingling, burning, blisters). Take all of the Famvir that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated. Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even during treatment. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission. For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.

Other info about Famvir at Wikipedia.org and other resources:

FAMVIR (Famciclovir) Tablet, Film Coated [Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation]
Updated Date: Feb 11, 2011 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

FAMVIR 125 mg, 250mg and 500mg Tablets - Revised SPC
Source: eMC (electronic Medicines Compendium) Area: Other Library Updates > SPC Changes Sections 4.2, 5.1 and 5.2, namely Posology and method of administration, Pharmacodynamic Properties and Pharmacokinetic Properties respectively have been updated with regards to the paediatric population. The SPC states that the safety and efficacy of famciclovir in children and adolescents aged less than 18 years have not been established.   For full prescribing information please see link to SPC below. (Source: NeLM - SPC Changes)

A Call for a Stock Double (INHX)
Inhibitex Inc. (NASDAQ: INHX) may be slightly lower after earnings, but an analyst note is endorsing the long-term merits of the company.  Zacks Research’s Jason Napodano, CFA, announced that Zacks is recommending the purchase of Inhibitex (INHX) ahead of two major catalysts which are coming down the pipe in the next few months ahead. The research notes: In December 2010, management plans to release top-line data from the ongoing phase II program with FV-100.  The trial is designed to show FV-100 superiority to Glaxo’s Valtrex (valacyclovir) in the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles).  FV-100, has the potential to be a game changer for the treatment of shingles.  The current standard of care, valacyclovir, with an estimated 60% market share, is dosed at 1000mg three times a d...

FAMVIR (Famciclovir) Tablet, Film Coated [Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation]
Updated Date: Mar 26, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Teva Pharmaceutical Settles Lawsuit With Novartis
From Associated Press (February 16, 2010) NEW YORK -- Teva Pharmaceutical said its U.S. unit has settled a patent dispute over a herpes treatment made by Novartis. Teva launched a generic version of the drug Famvir in 2007. Under the agreement... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)