Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: FAMCICLOVIR - ORAL TABLET (fam-SYE-klo-veer)
BRAND NAME(S): Famvir
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is an antiviral used in the treatment of shingles or in certain cases, genital herpes.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly as prescribed. This medication is most effective if taken as soon as herpes is noticed. For best results, space the doses at equal intervals throughout the day (and night if directed by your doctor). This will help ensure an even level of drug in the body at all times. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. Your condition will not improve faster but the risk of side effects may be increased. Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, diarrhea and fatigue are most common the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: vomiting, skin rash, confusion, stiffness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, allergies. Caution is advised in the elderly. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication may appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: probenecid, digoxin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Shingles - Read about shingles symptoms (contagious rash), vaccine, causes (chickenpox [varicella] virus, stress), treatment, how it's transmitted and postherpetic neuralgia.
- acyclovir, Zovirax - Explains the medication acyclovir (Zovirax), a drug used to treat initial genital herpes infections and to treat patients with recurrent severe genital herpes.
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