Famciclovir is a medicine used to treat viral infections.
It is used to treat herpes infections such as herpes zoster (shingles) and herpes simplex (cold sores and genital herpes) by reducing the number of herpes viruses in your body. It does not cure herpes.
Take Famciclovir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take Famciclovir with or without food.
This medicine must be taken at regular intervals for it to be effective. Continue to take it even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course. If you don't, the infection will not clear completely.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction (breathlessness, rashes, swollen eyes) to similar antiviral medications as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This medicine cannot prevent you from passing herpes to other people.
If you are being treated with Famciclovir for herpes, you should follow your doctor's advice on ways to prevent passing the disease to others. You should avoid sexual contact until the doctor certifies that you are cleared of the infection.
Famciclovir may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, stomach wind and itch.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
-yellowing of the eyes and/or skin
-confusion and hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
-unusual bleeding or bruising
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Alert your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- probenecid (medicines for gout and hyperuricemia)
- raloxifene (medicines for weak and brittle bones)
- herpes zoster vaccine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Famciclovir.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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