Famciclovir

Genital Herpes, Herpes Labialis, HIV Positive + 1 more

Treatment

4 Active Studies for Famciclovir

Treatment for

Genital Herpes

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

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Famciclovir Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Famvir

Famciclovir

1994

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

Shingles

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

Genital Herpes

125.0 mg, , 250.0 mg, 500.0 mg

, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet

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.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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

Herpes Labialis

0 Actively Recruiting

Genital Herpes

0 Actively Recruiting

Shingles

4 Actively Recruiting

Phase 2, Phase 1

HIV Positive

0 Actively Recruiting

Famciclovir Reviews: What are patients saying about Famciclovir?

5Patient Review

11/12/2015

Famciclovir for Shingles

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

Famciclovir for Genital Herpes

I've been outbreak free for five years now, thanks to this medication.

5Patient Review

9/14/2019

Famciclovir for Shingles

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

Famciclovir for Shingles

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

Famciclovir for Recurrent Cold Sore

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.

View All Reviews

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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