Famciclovir

Famciclovir is used for:

Treating herpes zoster infection (shingles). It is also used to treat recurring herpes skin infections in patients who also have HIV infection. Famciclovir is also used to treat recurring cold sores and to treat or suppress recurring genital herpes. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Famciclovir is an antiviral. It works by blocking reproduction of the virus.

                    Use Famciclovir as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

    * Take Famciclovir by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

    * If you are treating genital herpes or cold sores, start using Famciclovir at the first sign of an outbreak or cold sore as directed by your doctor.

    * If you are treating shingles, cold sores, genital herpes, or herpes skin infection, take Famciclovir for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.

    * If you are using Famciclovir to suppress genital herpes, continue to take Famciclovir even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

    * If you miss a dose of Famciclovir , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Famciclovir

                    .    * Famciclovir may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Famciclovir with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

    * Genital herpes patients - Famciclovir is not a cure for genital herpes. It will not prevent the infection from spreading the virus to others. To decrease the chance of infecting your partner, do not have sexual intercourse when sores are present. It may also be possible to spread the virus even if you do not currently have signs or symptoms of herpes. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

    * Use Famciclovir with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially delirium, disorientation, and confusion.

    * Famciclovir should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

    * PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Famciclovir while you are pregnant. It is not known if Famciclovir is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Famciclovir , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

                           Store Famciclovir at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Famciclovir out of the reach of children and away from pets.