(fam-SYE-kloe-veer)
NEWLY DISCOVERED USES (OFF-LABEL)
Hepatitis B, polyarteritis nodosa
ORIGINAL USES (ON-LABEL)
Acute herpes zoster (shingles) and recurrent episodes of genital herpes, treatment of recurrent herpes simplex in immunocompetent patients
BRAND NAME
Famvir
DRUG CLASS
Antiviral
DESCRIPTION
Famciclovir is changed in the body to its active compound, penciclovir triphosphate, which interferes with an enzyme responsible for the production of herpes simplex virus-2.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS
Fatigue, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, painful menstruation, flatulence, migraine, itching, rash, sinus inflammation, sore throat.
CAUTIONS
- Dosage needs to be adjusted if you have kidney problems and in some patients with liver disease.
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in children less than 18 years of age.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Cimetidine, digoxin, probenecid, theophylline
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Unknown
HERBAL INTERACTIONS
Unknown
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING CAUTIONS
FDA Pregnancy Risk Category B. Excretion in breast milk is not known, but it is suspected to pass into the breast milk. Do not take during breast-feeding.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
Therapy is most effective when therapy is started within 72 hours after the appearance of the first lesion (herpes infections).
This information pertains to the prescription products only.
To browse our Alphabetic Index, click on a letter:
Please enter a search term to begin your search.