Famvir

Genital Herpes, Recurrent Herpes Labialis, HIV Positive + 1 more
Treatment
14 Active Studies for Famvir

What is Famvir

FamciclovirThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryFamciclovir, sold under the brand name Famvir, is a drug that works against herpes virus infections. It is usually prescribed for the treatment of shingles, and it is more easily absorbed by the body when taken orally than its active ingredient, penciclovir.
Famviris the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Famvir Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Famvir
Famciclovir
1994
77

Effectiveness

How Famvir Affects PatientsFamciclovir is a drug that turns into penciclovir inside the body, which helps fight the herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 and the varicella zoster virus. Penciclovir prevents the viruses from copying themselves, which helps stop the spread of the virus.
How Famvir works in the bodyFamciclovir is a medication that is converted to penciclovir when it enters the body. Penciclovir is an antiviral compound that works against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, as well as varicella zoster virus. It does this by blocking the virus's ability to make its own DNA, which prevents it from replicating.

When to interrupt dosage

The advised measure of Famvir is contingent upon the determined illness, including Genital Herpes, Recurrent Herpes Labialis and HIV Positive. The quantity of dosage differs, as per the mode of delivery (e.g. Tablet or Oral) detailed 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
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
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 Famvir.
Common Famvir 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.
Famvir Toxicity & Overdose RiskOverdosing on ibuprofen can cause constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, tiredness, fever, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Famvir Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Famvir?

14 active clinical trials are in progress to assess the efficacy of Famvir in managing Recurrent Herpes Labialis, non-immunocompromised individuals 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

Famvir Reviews: What are patients saying about Famvir?

5Patient Review
8/14/2019
Famvir for Prevent Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection
I use Famvir to Supress Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection and it does a really great job. I made a mistake when choosing my reason for taking this medication, but everything else I said still applies.
5Patient Review
1/8/2014
Famvir for Cold Sore
This is my go-to for cold sores. If I take it at the first sign of a sore, it will completely prevent it from forming. Zovirax cream is also great, but this works better and faster in my opinion.
5Patient Review
2/8/2013
Famvir for Cold Sore
This drug is very effective, working within an hour for me. I've noticed that if I wait too long to take it, the results are less noticeable. However, when taken at the first sign of a cold sore, this drug has prevented them from developing 99% of the time.
5Patient Review
9/24/2012
Famvir for Genital Herpes
This medication is my go-to. It's always worked quickly and effectively for me, better than any other option I've tried.
5Patient Review
12/10/2010
Famvir for Cold Sore
4.7Patient Review
1/23/2011
Famvir for Genital Herpes
I've been dealing with this std since long before I even knew it existed, and unfortunately early treatments were mostly ineffective. Famvir has worked well for me when I catch the infection early enough; if not, it's just as if I hadn't taken the medication at all. On the whole, I'm pleased with it and haven't had any adverse effects.
4.7Patient Review
7/10/2014
Famvir for Shingles
This medication arrived quickly and really helped to lessen my symptoms. I did have some issues with nausea if I didn't eat beforehand, but that was manageable. Overall, I would definitely recommend this treatment.
4.7Patient Review
5/22/2012
Famvir for Recurrent Cold Sore
I've found that this treatment is most effective when taken as soon as I feel the tingle of a cold sore coming on. It really reduces the severity and duration of the sores. I always have some with me, just in case.
4.7Patient Review
1/4/2016
Famvir for Shingles
I got this medication within the ideal window for treatment and it really worked wonders. The shingles on my left temple, eyelid, and cheek cleared up within a week and the pain and itching was gone. I did suffer from some side effects like a headache, nausea, and fatigue, but it was worth it to get rid of the shingles so quickly!
4.3Patient Review
10/29/2015
Famvir for Shingles
On the first day of taking this medication, I had red bumps on my right shoulder blade and pain. By day three, the pain had lessened and the red bumps were already decreasing. I am currently on day four - still getting better but I have a constant headache and strong bouts of nausea from the meds.
4.3Patient Review
1/25/2015
Famvir for Shingles
It was a very easy process once I received the medication from the pharmacy. However, I was 1.5 days behind on my treatment because it took them that long to get the medication in. The pain and growth had already started by then.
4.3Patient Review
5/27/2016
Famvir for Shingles
I started this medication about three days after I first noticed a rash and swelling around my eye. While the first few days were tough - I had fatigue and a really bad sinus headache - by day four I was feeling much better. The rash hasn't spread and the swelling has gone down. There were some heart palpitations and moments of dizziness, but nothing that made me want to stop taking the drug. It seems to have stopped the virus from spreading, which is great.
4Patient Review
2/10/2016
Famvir for Shingles
I began taking this medication within one day of my diagnosis and it has helped immensely with the pain in my left shoulder blade, rib area, and breast. I was expecting to be tired from the meds, but I'm still able to work 40 hours a week. After four days of treatment, I feel much better but am still experiencing some fatigue, nausea, and headaches. Overall, I'm pleased with how this medication has worked for me.
3.7Patient Review
10/11/2011
Famvir for Shingles
I went to the doctor when my shingles infection was only five days old. It looked a lot like poison ivy. She prescribed Famvir, but within three days of taking the medication, the shingles had spread significantly. I'm almost done with the round of medication, but I'm worried I may need another one. The side effects haven't been great either; I've lost my appetite, experienced heart palpitations, and feel constantly tired. It's hard to tell if it's the drug or the virus causing these problems.
3.7Patient Review
11/2/2011
Famvir for Shingles
Is it normal to experience a rash after finishing this medication?
2.7Patient Review
4/5/2013
Famvir for Shingles
The side effects of this medication are incredibly debilitating, to the point where I had to stop taking it. I would rather deal with the discomfort of shingles than continue feeling nauseous and having headaches.
2.3Patient Review
1/11/2011
Famvir for Herpes Simplex Infection of Skin and Mucous Membranes
I've had HSV1 for over 30 years now, and this treatment did very little to stop new outbreaks from happening. I also got a headache from it, which was quite unpleasant.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about famvir

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Famvir an antibiotic?

"Famvir is an antiviral drug used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, which include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox."

Answered by AI

Why is Famvir discontinued?

"Novartis is discontinuing Famvir (famciclovir) due to reasons unrelated to manufacturing, product quality, safety or efficacy. The company has notified the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the discontinuation."

Answered by AI

What is the difference between Valtrex and Famvir?

"Famvir and Valtrex are both first-choice medications for controlling the symptoms of viral infections such as herpes, chickenpox, and shingles."

Answered by AI

What is Famvir used for?

"Famciclovir is used to treat the symptoms of herpes zoster (also known as shingles), a herpes virus infection of the skin. It is also used to treat and suppress herpes labialis (cold sores) and recurrent episodes of genital herpes."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Famvir

Have you considered Famvir clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Famvir, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Famvir clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Famvir, we think they might fit your search criteria.