Login to your account
14,410 Patient reviews
Famvir is an antiviral medication primarily used to treat oral and genital herpes- conditions caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is also effective against shingles (herpes zoster), which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
When taken at the first sign of an outbreak, Famvir works quickly to ease symptoms like itchy blisters and resolve the infection. It can also be taken daily to prevent herpes outbreaks before they happen.
It first received marketing authorisation in the 1990s. Since then, it has been widely used across Europe to treat many conditions caused by the herpes virus.
At euroClinix, we can prescribe it to treat genital herpes after a quick consultation with one of our doctors.
Famvir contains the active ingredient famciclovir. This works by stopping the herpes virus from replicating. By limiting its spread, Famvir allows your immune system to control the infection and prevent symptoms from worsening.
Once ingested, famciclovir is converted into penciclovir - its active form. This substance targets the herpes simplex virus (responsible for oral and genital herpes) and the varicella-zoster virus (responsible for shingles).
While this helps breakouts heal faster and reduces symptoms caused by the herpes virus, it does not cure the condition for good. The virus remains dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate later when we experience high stress or a weakened immune system, causing future outbreaks
Taking Famvir for your condition offers many health benefits, including:
effectively eases symptoms such as pain, itching, and discomfort caused by cold sores.
effective against both oral and genital herpes, as well as shingles.
clinical studies have found that Famciclovir can reduce the duration of an outbreak by approximately two days.
clinical research also shows that this treatment can prevent the development of new sores.
less likely to pass the virus on to somebody else, although the risk is not mitigated completely.
77% of the drug is converted to the active ingredient, meaning less is needed for it to be effective.
the half-life of this drug is 9-10 hours when treating shingles and 10-20 hours when treating oral or genital herpes.
can be taken long-term for recurrent outbreaks or daily as a preventative treatment.
*If you experience more than 6 herpes attacks a year, you may benefit from preventative treatment to suppress your condition.
Clinical studies have found Famvir to be highly effective in the treatment of herpes.
One study found that generic Famciclovir was significantly more effective than a placebo at treating genital herpes, while another study showed it was effective at preventing outbreaks. Most significantly, treatment with twice-daily Famciclovir:
Famciclovir clinical effectiveness
Famciclovir vs placebo in the treatment of genital herpes
Average time to heal
4.3 days
vs. 6.1 days
44% better
Outbreaks per year
1 outbreak
vs. 5 outbreaks
80% better
Both treatments are highly effective in healing sores caused by the herpes virus.
If treating genital herpes, one may be more suitable for you, even if they are similarly effective for most people. Choose whichever one suits your needs best.
Famvir is a versatile medicine that can be used to treat many conditions caused by the herpes virus.
To be prescribed this treatment from euroClinix, you must be over the age of 18 and diagnosed with genital herpes. It can also be taken to suppress the virus if you suffer from recurrent outbreaks.
Do not take Famvir if you are allergic to famciclovir or any other ingredient in this medication.
In addition to this, there are some instances where the safety of Famvir will need to be determined in your consultation. Tell our doctors if you have:
Please disclose your health status during your online consultation with euroClinix. Our medical team will evaluate whether a treatment is suitable for you and may adjust your medications if needed.
To use your tablets correctly, follow the dosage and treatment course our medical team prescribes. This ensures the drug's effectiveness and helps avoid side effects.
When taking your tablets, make sure to swallow them whole with a glass of water. If you split or crush your tablets, it may interfere with the absorption of the medicine. You can take it with or without food.
The dosage prescribed varies depending on your condition. It is important to never take more than what is prescribed, as doing so can pose a serious danger to your health. If you take more than you should, immediately go to your nearest emergency room.
If you have a normal immune system
When you get symptoms for the first time
250 mg 3 times a day
for 5 days
For later outbreaks
125 mg 2 times a day
for 5 days
To prevent outbreaks
250 mg 2 times a day
as your doctor advises
If you have a weakened immune system
When you get symptoms
500 mg 2 times a day
for 7 days
To prevent outbreaks
500 mg 2 times a day
as your doctor advises
For best results, start your treatment as soon as symptoms appear.
If you have to take your tablets twice a day, take one in the morning after you wake up and one in the evening before you go to bed. If you have to take them three times a day, also take one around lunchtime.
Taking your tablets at these times makes it easier to remember and ensures a steady flow of the medicine in your bloodstream.
If you forget to take one of your tablets, take it as soon as you remember, provided your next scheduled dose is more than one hour away. Take your next dose at the regular time, and do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.
Famvir typically begins to work within 1-2 days, with most patients experiencing noticeable relief from symptoms during this time.
On average, it should reduce the duration of an outbreak by two days, with most patients finding their sores reduced significantly within a week.
However, the time it takes to work can vary. Generally, treatment is more effective when started earlier, but outbreaks may last longer if your immune health is compromised.
Outbreaks vary in length, with some lasting a few days and others lasting a few weeks. There is no real way to predict how long any given outbreak will last.
Here is the typical timeline for different conditions:
Here are some things you can do alongside treatment to heal herpes sores faster:
Taking Famvir can produce unwanted side effects, although not every patient will experience them.
The most common side effect of Famciclovir is headache, affecting more than 1 in 10 people who take it. Here are the other side effects.
|
|
|
|
While most side effects are rarely a cause for concern, the following can be a sign of something serious:
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
Most non-serious side effects can be managed by staying hydrated and taking your medicine with food. If side effects persist after a few days, consult your doctor for medical help.
For more detailed information, please refer to the patient information leaflet sent with your order.
Some medicines may affect how Famvir works or increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor about any other medicines you plan to take, including:
This list does not cover all possible interactions. For a comprehensive list, please use the drug interactions checker on Drugs.com.
Category | Safety | Advice |
---|---|---|
Alcohol | Caution | While not prohibited, excessive intake of alcohol may worsen side effects. Exercise caution. |
Pregnancy | Consult your doctor | The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been properly established. Consult your doctor for personalised medical advice. |
Breastfeeding | Unsafe | Some data suggests the active ingredient can pass into breastmilk. You should not use this treatment unless a healthcare professional has deemed it necessary. |
Driving | Caution | This medicine can cause dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness in some people. Understand how you are affected before driving or operating machinery. |
Hydration | Important | Staying well-hydrated promotes kidney function and supports treatment. |
Lactose | Consult your doctor | This medicine contains lactose. Consult your doctor before use if you have an intolerance. |
To safely store your tablets, make sure to do the following:
Follow the storage and handling instructions provided by the manufacturer in the patient information leaflet.
Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste. Instead, take any unused medicines to your local pharmacy for disposal.
These measures ensure safety and help to protect the environment.
No, Famciclovir can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Prescriptions are necessary because they:
Ordering Famvir online from euroClinix is convenient.
Follow these simple steps:
Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK medical standards to keep your information confidential.
Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.
euroClinix is trusted by thousands of users in the UK for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:
Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.
The price of Famvir at euroClinix includes everything you need:
Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.
If one is not right for you, there are other antiviral treatments for herpes you can take to treat your condition.
Medication | Conditions treated | Form | Dosage | Advantage | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Famvir (Famciclovir) | Herpes viruses, shingles | Oral tablet | Up to three tablets daily | Lasts longer in the body, meaning less frequent dosing | - |
Aciclovir | Herpes viruses, shingles, chickenpox | Oral tablet, cream | Up to five tablets daily | Comes in different forms, including an injection for serious infections | - |
Valaciclovir | Herpes viruses | Oral tablet | Up to three tablets daily | High rate of absorption, meaning less frequent dosing | - |
Once you’ve looked through all antiviral medication alternatives and decided on a treatment, simply fill out a consultation form at the top of this page. Once approved, you can have your medicine delivered directly to your door.
Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.
Type of medicine | Antiviral |
Used for | Viral infections such as genital herpes or shingles |
Active ingredient(s) | Famciclovir |
Works by | Stopping the spread of the herpes virus, reducing symptoms and preventing future outbreaks |
Effective within | A few hours to a few days |
Available as | Tablets |
Available dosage(s) | 125 mg |
Usage instructions | Take one 125 mg tablet twice daily for five days |
Packaging | Blister pack containing 10 film-coated tablets |
Manufacturer | Various |
Generic available? | Yes (Famciclovir available as generic) |
Storage | Store below 25°C in its original packaging. Keep away from direct heat and moisture |
Prescription required? | Yes, get it with our FREE online consultation |
Who is suitable for an online consultation* | Adults with genital herpes |
*Note: Our medical team must review your online consultation before approving this treatment. They will determine if the requested treatment and quantity are safe, appropriate, and effective for you.
Select
medication
Fill out a short
medical form
Doctor issues
prescription
Medication sent
from pharmacy