Famciclovir
INFORMATION ABOUT FAMCICLOVIR
Famciclovir Uses
Famciclovir is used in the treatment of herpes labialis, genital herpes infection, shingles, chickenpox, herpes simplex virus infections, eye infections by Herpes simplex virus and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
How Famciclovir works
Famciclovir is an antiviral medication. It prevents the multiplication of virus in human cells. This stops the virus from producing new viruses and clears up your infection.
Common side effects of Famciclovir
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Headache, Dizziness, Nausea, Rash, Abdominal pain, Itching, Abnormal liver function tests, Increased lipase in the blood, Elevated levels of serum amylase
CONTENT DETAILS
Last updated
24 Jul 2025 | 08:53 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands for Famciclovir
Expert advice for Famciclovir
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
 - Drink plenty of water while on treatment with this medicine. This helps to prevent dehydration and kidney damage.
 - If you have genital herpes, use barrier methods (condoms) for contraception and avoid sexual contact while the sores are present.
 - Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
 
Frequently asked questions for Famciclovir
No, you can infect other people, even while you are being treated with Famciclovir. Herpes infections are contagious, so avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching your eyes after touching an infected area. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmitting the infection to others. You should practice safe sex by using condoms. You should not have sex if you have genital sores or blisters.
Famciclovir is effective if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you see improvement in your condition. If you stop using Famciclovir too early, the symptoms may return or worsen.
No, do not stop taking Famciclovir without consulting your doctor even if you are feeling better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Therefore, for better and complete treatment, it is advised to continue your treatment for the prescribed duration.
Before starting treatment with Famciclovir, tell your doctor if you have any other health problems, like kidney or liver-related issues. This is because certain medical conditions may affect your treatment and you may even need dose modifications. Let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are planning a baby, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Serious side effects are rare, but if you experience them, you should seek medical advice right away. These rare side effects include hives, blistering or peeling rash, yellow skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, loss of consciousness, fits, difficulty in breathing, hallucinations and swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat.
Older adults (over age 65 years) tend to experience more side effects when taking Famciclovir. The reason being, their kidneys do not flush the drug out of their system as quickly as a younger person’s kidneys would do. Elderly patients should drink plenty of water while taking Famciclovir, and their kidney function should be monitored. These patients should be given a lower dose and should be monitored for neurological problems.
If you forget a dose of Famciclovir, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.
Accidental, repeated overdoses of oral Famciclovir over several days have resulted in nausea, vomiting, confusion and headache. Consult your doctor in case of overdose.
Patients with advanced HIV disease or patients with an impaired immunity have reported resistance to Famciclovir. If you are not responding to Famciclovir, the possibility of drug resistance should be checked.