Why is this medication prescribed?
Famciclovir is used to treat herpes
zoster (shingles) and genital herpes. It does not
cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching,
helps sores to heal, and prevents new ones from forming.
This medication is sometimes prescribed
for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for
more information.
How should this medicine be used? Famciclovir
comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually
taken every 8 hours (three times a day) for 7 days
to treat shingles. To treat genital herpes it is usually
taken twice a day for 5 days. Follow the directions
on your prescription label carefully, and ask your
doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take famciclovir exactly as directed.
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor. Use this medication
as soon as possible after symptoms appear.
Continue to take famciclovir even
if you feel well. Do not stop taking famciclovir without
talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow? Before
taking famciclovir,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic
to famciclovir, acyclovir (Zovirax), or any other
drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription
and nonprescription medications you are taking,
especially digoxin (Lanoxin), probenecid (Benemid),
and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had
kidney or liver disease, problems with your immune
system, human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV),
or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to
become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become
pregnant while taking famciclovir, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Famciclovir may cause an upset
stomach. Take famciclovir with food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a dose? Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember it, and take
any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced
intervals. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular
dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from famciclovir
are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if
any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea or loose stools
If you experience any of the following
side effects, call your doctor immediately:
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container
it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
Store it at room temperature and away from excess
heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal
of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose In
case of overdose, call your local poison control center
at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or
is not breathing, call local emergency services at
911.
What other information should I know? Keep
all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check
your response to famciclovir.
Do not have sexual intercourse
when you can see the genital herpes lesions. However,
genital herpes can be spread even when there are no
symptoms.
Do not let anyone else take your
medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you
have about refilling your prescription. If you still
have symptoms of infection after you finish the famciclovir,
call your doctor.
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