Your session is about to expire
What is Famciclovir
FamciclovirThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryFamciclovir, also known by the brand name Famvir, is a special type of medicine used to treat infections caused by the herpes virus. It is most often used to treat shingles, an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Famciclovir is a form of penciclovir that is more easily absorbed by the body when taken orally.
Famviris the brand name
Famciclovir Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Famvir
Famciclovir
1994
77
Effectiveness
How Famciclovir Affects PatientsFamciclovir is a medicine that is changed in the body to penciclovir, an antiviral drug. Penciclovir can stop the growth of three different types of viruses: herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, and varicella zoster virus. This stops the virus from making copies of itself, helping to reduce the amount of virus in the body.
How Famciclovir works in the bodyFamciclovir is changed in the body to an active form called penciclovir, which stops the spread of HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV. Penciclovir is changed to a monophosphate form by viral thymidine kinase, and then to a triphosphate form by cellular kinases. Penciclovir triphosphate blocks HSV-2 DNA polymerase from making more HSV-2 DNA, and thus stops the virus from replicating.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Famciclovir is contingent upon the diagnosed affliction, including Genital Herpes, Recurrent Herpes Labialis and HIV Positive. The amount of dosage fluctuates, based on the delivery approach (e.g. Tablet or Oral) specified in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Genital Herpes
125.0 mg, , 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet
HIV Positive
125.0 mg, , 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet
Shingles
125.0 mg, , 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet
Recurrent Herpes Labialis
125.0 mg, , 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet
Warnings
There are 12 known major drug interactions with Famciclovir.Common Famciclovir Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Adenovirus type 7 vaccine live
Moderate
The therapeutic efficacy of Adenovirus type 7 vaccine live can be decreased when used in combination with Famciclovir.
Anthrax vaccine
Moderate
The therapeutic efficacy of Anthrax vaccine can be decreased when used in combination with Famciclovir.
BCG vaccine
Moderate
The therapeutic efficacy of BCG vaccine can be decreased when used in combination with Famciclovir.
Bacillus calmette-guerin substrain connaught live antigen
Moderate
The therapeutic efficacy of Bacillus calmette-guerin substrain connaught live antigen can be decreased when used in combination with Famciclovir.
Bacillus calmette-guerin substrain russian BCG-I live antigen
Moderate
The therapeutic efficacy of Bacillus calmette-guerin substrain russian BCG-I live antigen can be decreased when used in combination with Famciclovir.
Famciclovir Toxicity & Overdose RiskOverdosing on Aspirin can cause constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, tiredness, fever, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
Famciclovir Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Famciclovir?
14 active studies are currently being conducted to assess the efficacy of Famciclovir in combating Recurrent Herpes Labialis, non-immunocompromised Patients and Shingles.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
HIV Positive
0 Actively Recruiting
Shingles
14 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Not Applicable
Genital Herpes
0 Actively Recruiting
Recurrent Herpes Labialis
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Famciclovir Reviews: What are patients saying about Famciclovir?
5Patient Review
11/12/2015 I was a little nervous to take this drug after reading some of the reviews, but I'm glad I did. Within just two days of taking it, my shingles pain had subsided significantly and it was completely gone within six days. I'm lucky that my infection wasn't too severe to begin with.
5Patient Review
9/10/2016 I've been outbreak free for five years now, thanks to this medication.
5Patient Review
9/14/2019 I was given this drug very soon after I developed symptoms, which my doctor said was strange because it only occurred on one foot. It stopped the outbreak within two days and had few side effects, which was great.
4.7Patient Review
8/3/2017 I've had cold sores and shingles on and off for the past decade. I recently learned that if I get a cold sore, there's a high chance that my back nerves will flare up and cause me a lot of pain. So, now whenever I feel that telltale tingle in my mouth, I take this medication and it has prevented any further issues 100% of the time.
4.7Patient Review
11/5/2021 I feel for everyone who suffers from this condition. I've had outbreaks on my lips since I was a kid, and I know how painful and inconvenient they can be. This medication is key to keeping them at bay, but you have to catch it early. If you don't, you're in for a week or two of misery.
4Patient Review
11/11/2015 This medicine provides relief from the itching, stinging and pain. It also stopped the blister from appearing. I didn't like the side effects of sleepyness and fatigue. It also caused some stomach issues and pain urinating....I am not sure if I would take this again or not
4Patient Review
3/9/2020 I often don't realize I have a cold sore until after 1 or 2 small bumps appear on my lip.I take the 3 blister sealed pills and then 3 more pills 12 hrs later. After 2-3 hours of first dose I feel dizzy a bit and have rapid heart rate. I am ok with this side effect if it halts the cold sore from developing. I find it dries it up within 3-4 days usually.
4Patient Review
2/24/2014 I've been taking Famvir for thirteen years now, ever since my specialist recommended it following the removal of my labia majora.
4Patient Review
1/20/2016 The effects of this treatment were very helpful in managing my shingles, though the side effects were incredibly unpleasant.
3.3Patient Review
1/9/2015 I found that I could avoid getting headaches if I took this medicine with food.
3Patient Review
12/7/2013 I started taking this medication a mere six hours after the rash first appeared. Three days later, the rash is visibly drying up--though it never did blister. However, my stomach has been in terrible shape ever since I started taking the pills; it hurts terribly whenever I move around. I've stopped taking the medication for now, but if there's no improvement soon, I'll have to consult my doctor about other options.
2.3Patient Review
8/6/2013 Unfortunately, this medication made my heart rate skyrocket and I felt weak and breathless. I was only taking it for shingles.
2.3Patient Review
3/20/2016 The acid reflux was so bad that I had to stop taking this medication. Will call the doctor to continue with another treatment to finish.
2Patient Review
11/27/2013 I experienced severe cramping and diarrhea after the eighth dose of this drug, which led to expulsion of blood. Gastric bleeding? I took it as directed, with food, on a scheduled basis. I will never take this again.
2Patient Review
9/8/2014 I'm still waiting for this to work.
Patient Q&A Section about famciclovir
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.How long does famciclovir take to work?
"The recommended dosage of Famvir is 250 mg three times daily for seven days. Treatment should be started as soon as possible after herpes zoster is diagnosed. Studies have shown Famvir to have the greatest benefit if it is started within 48 hours of the onset of rash."
Answered by AI
How effective is famciclovir for shingles?
"The text is saying that famciclovir 500 mg is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for acute herpes zoster, and is the only oral antiviral agent proven to reduce the duration of PHN when administered during acute zoster infection."
Answered by AI
What is the difference between acyclovir and famciclovir?
"Famvir can be used to treat the same viruses as acyclovir, but it lasts longer so it can be taken less often. Famvir does not cure herpes infections or prevent them from spreading. Famvir relieves pain, burning, itching, and tingling, and also heals and prevents sores associated with herpes infections."
Answered by AI
Is famciclovir an antibiotic?
"It may also help the sores heal faster.
Famciclovir is an antiviral drug that is not a cure for virus infections. The viruses that cause these infections continue to live in the body even between outbreaks, but famciclovir can help to decrease the severity and length of these outbreaks. It may also help the sores heal faster."
Answered by AI