Famciclovir (Famvir)

Famciclovir is an antiviral drug used to treat infections caused by the herpes virus. This includes conditions such as genital herpes (caused by the herpes simplex virus, HSV), and shingles (caused by the varicella zoster virus, VZV, or herpes zoster). It can also treat shingles infections in the eye (ophthalmic zoster).

Famciclovir does not cure herpes infections however, it helps to prevent outbreaks and reduce symptoms such as pain, burning, tingling, tenderness, and itching.

Is there a difference between Famvir and Famciclovir?

Famciclovir is a generic medicine but it is also available under the brand name Famvir. Both medicines contain the same active ingredient Famciclovir, and work in the same way to treat viral infections.

Branded medicines are generally more expensive than generics. There may also be small differences in the inactive ingredients between the two.

Famciclovir is known as a prodrug. This means that once inside the body, it is rapidly converted into the active drug Penciclovir.

Penciclovir is active against herpes simplex (HSV types 1 and 2) and varicella zoster (VZV). It stops the replication of viral DNA. This stops the virus from reproducing and prevents the spread of the herpes virus in the body.

Since the virus reproduces very early in the infection, you will benefit the most if you take Famciclovir as soon as the first symptoms start.

How effective is it?

Studies have shown that Famciclovir is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for suppressing genital HSV infections in patients who get these infections often.

In these studies, about 79% to 86% of patients taking Famciclovir remained free of HSV recurrences after 6 months, compared to only 27% of patients taking a placebo. This means patients on Famciclovir were roughly three times more likely to stay free of HSV outbreaks.

How long does it take for Famciclovir to work?

This medicine is rapidly absorbed into the body. Once absorbed, it usually starts working immediately. However, it may take a couple of days to notice an effect.

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. If you are unsure how to take this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also consult the patient information leaflet for more information.

The daily dose and length of treatment will depend on the type of viral infection you have.

Shingles

If you have a normal immune system:

• Take 500mg 3 times a day, for 7 days

If you have a reduced immune system (immunocompromised):

• Take 500mg 3 times a day, for 10 days

Genital herpes

If you have a normal immune system, the Famciclovir doses for genital herpes are as follows:

For the first outbreak:

• Take 250mg 3 times a day, for 5 days

To treat further outbreaks of genital herpes:

• Take 125mg twice a day, for 5 days; OR
• Take 1g twice daily for 1 day

To prevent future outbreaks:

• Take 250mg twice a day for 6-12 months under a doctor’s supervision

If you have a reduced immune system, the doses are as follows:

For the first outbreak:

• Take 500mg twice daily for 10 days.

To treat future outbreaks:

• Take 500mg twice daily for 5–10 days.

To prevent future outbreaks:

• Take 500mg twice a day.

Your doctor will tell you how long you need to continue taking this medication. For the best results start the medicine as soon as possible after the first signs and symptoms appear.

You can take Famciclovir with or without food. Take the tablets with a glass of water and continue to drink plenty of water while taking this medicine to keep your kidneys working well.

If you forget to take a dose of Famciclovir, you should take it as soon as you remember, then take your next dose as scheduled. However, if it’s nearly time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose.

Famciclovir is available on prescription in 125mg, 250mg and 500mg strengths to treat genital herpes and shingles. At euroClinix, we currently only stock the 125mg strength.

This medicine should only be used to treat Herpes Zoster (Shingles) or Genital Herpes in adults. It can also treat and prevent herpes simplex infections in people with weakened immune systems.

Who cannot use it?

Although most people can take Famciclovir safely, there are conditions and medications with which this medication cannot be taken. Do not take this medicine if you:

• are allergic to Famciclovir, Penciclovir or any other ingredients in this medicine

Speak to your doctor if you:

• have or have had liver or kidney problems
• have problems with your immune system
• are over the age of 65
• are currently pregnant or breastfeeding

Are there any interactions?

You should always tell your doctor about any other medications you take including prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as any herbal supplements. This is because Famciclovir has also been known to interact with certain medications.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially if you are taking any of the following:

• raloxifene (for osteoporosis)
• probenecid (for high blood uric acid levels)
• any medicine that can affect your kidneys

For more information about this medicine, consult the safety advice table below:

There are certain lifestyle changes you can implement if you have genital herpes or shingles.

To reduce pain during a genital herpes outbreak:

• Sit in warm water for about 20 minutes
• Keep your genital area clean and dry
• Avoid tight-fitting clothes

It’s important to use a condom each time you have sexual intercourse. A condom may protect you from the herpes virus if it covers the infected area.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

To manage shingles:

• Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton or linen
• Cover the rash
• Avoid touching and scratching the area
• Wash your hands after touching the rash

Store this medicine at room temperature, in its original package to protect it from moisture. Do not store it above 30°C. Ensure it is kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton. Bring any unused or expired medicine you no longer need to your local pharmacy.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Famciclovir’s side effects are usually mild to moderate and resolve with time. The most common adverse effects can be found below.

Serious side effects are rare however, if you experience any of the following, contact a doctor and seek immediate medical help:

• signs of an allergic reaction e.g. severe blistering of the skin, lips, eyes, mouth, inside of the nose or on the genitals
• swelling of the face, around the eye(s) or eyelid(s), or the throat
• unexplained bruising, reddish or purplish patches on the skin or nosebleeds
• signs of jaundice e.g. yellowing of the skin and/or eyes

For more information on the price of this medication, consult the price table below:

You can buy Famvir 125 mg tablets safely and securely online from euroClinix to help manage the symptoms of the herpes virus.

First, you will have to fill out a confidential online consultation form. Our doctors will then assess your consultation form and if the treatment you have chosen is safe for you to use, they will issue a prescription.

All orders are delivered discreetly from our UK-registered pharmacy via our next-day delivery service.