Information
About Famvir
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your
physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the
drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before using this drug.
FAMCICLOVIR (Famvir(reg)) is an antiviral agent. Famciclovir
relieves the symptoms of herpes zoster infection (shingles)
or genital herpes infection. Famciclovir will not cure
shingles or genital herpes; it will help the blisters
heal faster and reduce the duration of pain and discomfort.
Famciclovir is also used to reduce the number of episodes
of genital herpes infection. Generic famciclovir tablets
are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before
I take famciclovir?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:;
kidney disease; an unusual or allergic reaction to famciclovir,
acyclovir, ganciclovir, valacyclovir, valganciclovir,
other medicines, food, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant
or trying to get pregnant; breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take famciclovir tablets by mouth. Follow the directions
on the prescription label. Take the tablets with a full
glass of water. Famciclovir may be taken with food or
without food. Take your doses at regular intervals.
Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber
or health care professional even if you think your condition
is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's
advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional
regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special
care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it
is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose.
Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with famciclovir?; probenecid
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about
all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription
medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care
professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with
caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal
drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works.
Check with your health care professional before stopping
or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking famciclovir?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber
or health care professional as soon as possible:; confusion;
skin rash, itiching , hives
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention
(report to your prescriber or health care professional
if they continue or are bothersome):; diarrhea; dizziness;
headache; tiredness; nausea, vomiting
What should I watch for while taking famciclovir?
If famciclovir is used to treat (rather than prevent)
an infection, it should be taken when you first notice
symptoms of infection, such as tingling, itching, or
pain in the affected area. Tell your prescriber or health
care professional if your symptoms do not improve within
a few days of starting famciclovir.
Drink several glasses of water a day while taking this
medicine.
Keep affected area of blisters as clean and dry as
possible. Wear loose-fitting clothing, and do not cover
the area with an occlusive (plastic or waterproof) dressing.
Famciclovir does not prevent the spread of genital
herpes infection to others. Genital herpes is transmitted
by sexual contact. You should avoid sex when lesions
are present to avoid infecting your partner. Genital
herpes can also be spread when symptoms are not present.
Therefore, latex condoms should be used at all times
during sexual intercourse.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that
small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15-30 degrees C (59-86
degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the
expiration date.
NOTES: Do not share this product with
others. This drug information is for your information
purposes only, it is not intended that this information
covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions,
or adverse effects of your medication. This is only
general information, and should not be relied on for
any purpose. It should not be construed as containing
specific instructions for any particular patient. We
disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability
of this information, and/or any consequences arising
from the use of this information, including damage or
adverse consequences to persons or property, however
such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either
expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.
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