What is Famciclovir (Generic Famivir)?
Famciclovir is the generic medication of the commonly known brand Famivir marketed by Budget Generics. Generic Famvir belongs to the class of medications called nucleoside analogs which is prescribed to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses.Shingles caused by herpes zoster is treated by Famciclovir. Outbreaks of herpes simplex that cause cold sores around the mouth, sores around the anus and genital herpes is also treated by Famciclovir. It is also used to help reduce the frequency of future episodes in patients with frequent outbreaks of genital herpes.
Famcicloviris an antiviral medication and isn't a cure for these infections. Between outbreaks the virus that causes these infections continue to live in the body. The length of these outbreaks and severity is decreased by Famciclovir. It also helps to heal sores faster, new sores are kept from forming and reduces the pain or itch. Famciclovir can decrease the risk of the virus spreading to other parts of the body in people with a weakened immune system, and causing serious infections.
Recommendations for use of Famciclovir (Generic Famivir)
Famciclovir (Generic Famivir) is used for treatment of herpes zoster (shingles)
Famciclovir may be prescribed for the treatment and prevention of the following conditions:
repeat outbreaks of herpes virus cold sores or fever blisters in people with a normal immune system.
repeat outbreaks and to prevent further outbreaks of genital herpes in people with a normal immune system.
treatment of returning herpes simplex infections of the skin and mucus membranes (mouth, anus) in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
Famciclovir may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
What is the most important information I should know about Famciclovir (Generic Famivir)?
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.
Start the treatment with Famciclovir as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Famciclovir. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.
Dosage and direction of taking Famciclovir (Generic Famivir)
Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Famciclovir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or take it for longer than the duration recommended by your doctor.
Start treatment with Famciclovir as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).
Each dose should be taken with a full glass of water. In order to keep your kindneys working properly drink plenty of water while you are taking Famciclovir.
Take Famciclovir with or without food. Taking Famciclovir with food may decrease stomach upset.
Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Famvir will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.
Store Famciclovir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Missed Dose of Famciclovir (Generic Famivir)
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time to take your next dose. Do not take an dose of medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose of Famciclovir (Generic Famivir)
If you think you have taken more than the required dose contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
How does Famciclovir (Generic Famivir) work?
Famciclovir belongs to a class of drugs called antivirals. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
Antivirals work by making viruses less active in your body. Famciclovir works against herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). These viruses cause oral or genital herpes. Famciclovir also works against herpes zoster, the virus that causes shingles.
Famciclovir is not a cure for herpes. It just makes it harder for the virus to grow and spread. If you're sexually active, there is always a risk of passing herpes to your partner, even if you take this drug. Talk to your doctor about ways to practice safer sex.
Precautions before taking Famciclovir (Generic Famivir)
Before taking Famciclovir inform your doctor if you have
any allergies to Famciclovir or similar drugs (penciclovir) or to any other allergies
kidney problems
Famciclovir may make you dizzy or drowsy. Consumption of alcohol or marijuana can increase the risk of drowsiness. Do not operate machinery, drive a car or do anything that require alertness until you can do it safely. Understand how this medication affects you. Limit alcoholic beverages. Discuss with your doctor your options if you are taking marijuana.
Famciclovir may contain lactose. Consult your doctor before taking Famciclovir if you have certain conditions like galacose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency (not lactose or milk tolerance) or glucose - galactosemal absorption that require you to restrict your intake of lactose.
If you are having surgery prior to your surgery, inform your doctor or the dentist of all the products (prescription, non- prescription medications, herbal products, vitamin and supplements) you are taking.
Consult your doctor prior to taking certain immunizations / vaccinations (such as vaccines against varicella virus).
Side effects of this medication especially dizziness, confusion, drowsiness and change in the amount of urine (kidney problems) may affect older adults as they may be more sensitive to those.
Famciclovir does not protect against the spread of genital herpes. Do not have sexual contact during an outbreak or if you have symptoms to lower the chance of giving herpes to your partner. Even if you don't have symptoms you can spread genital herpes.
During all sexual activities always use an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condoms/ dental dams).Consult your doctor for more details.
Famciclovir should only be used if it is absolutely necessary during pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor the risks and the benefits involved.
Consult your doctor before nursing as Femciclovir passes into breast milk. However the effects on a nursing infant are unknown.
About other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Taking Famciclovir together with certain medicines or products may cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
Side Effects of Famciclovir (Generic Famivir)
Famciclovir may have unwanted side effects in some people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Tell your pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Famciclovir.
headache
diarrhea
nausea
Inform your doctor if you experience any of the serious side effects.
dizziness
mental / mood changes (hallucinations, slowed thinking, agitation, confusion)
signs of kidney problems (change in the amount of urine)
yellowing skin/eyes
easy bleeding/bruising
A serious allergic reaction is extremely rare with Famciclovir. In case you show the following symptoms get to the emergency clinic immediately.
itching
trouble breathing
swelling in the face, throat, tongue, throat
rash - itching
severe dizziness
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare. Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients. Do not be alarmed by the lists of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.
Interaction with Famciclovir (Generic Famivir)
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies. Do not start, stop and change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's permission.
Also tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:
probenecid (Benemid)
other medications you use to treat herpes outbreaks eg: acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex)
This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with Famciclovir. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
Storage of Famciclovir (Generic Famivir)
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store at 15°C - 30°C (59°F - 77°F); protect drug from excessive light, humidity, and temperature over 30°C (86°F)
Keep Famciclovir tablets in the container that they came in and keep the container tightly closed.
Throw away capsules that are no longer needed or expired (out of date).
Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help to protect the environment.
Famciclovir should not be used after the given expiration date.
Scientific Information about Famciclovir or Generic Famivir
Formula: Famciclovir | C14H19N5O4
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