Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Famciclovir is an antiviral drug which is
active against the Herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores
and genital herpes) and varicella-zoster (shingles and
chickenpox). It belongs
to a class of drugs called nucleoside analogs that mimic one of the building
blocks of DNA. It stops the spread of herpes virus in the body by preventing the
replication of viral DNA that is necessary for viruses to multiply. Other drugs
in the same class include acyclovir (Zovirax) and valacyclovir (Valtrex).
Famciclovir is actually a "prodrug," that is, not active directly against
viruses. Instead, famciclovir is converted to penciclovir in the body, and it is
the penciclovir that is active against the viruses. Famciclovir is active
against the same viruses as acyclovir but has a longer duration of action.
Therefore, it can be taken fewer times each day. Famciclovir does not cure or
stop the spread of herpes infections. Famciclovir relieves pain, burning,
itching, tingling, and heals and prevents sores associated with herpes
infections. Famciclovir was approved for use by the FDA in June 1994.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 125, 250, 500 mg
STORAGE: Famciclovir should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C
(59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Famciclovir is used for the treatment of
genital
herpes and cold sores in patients with normal immune systems and
HIV-infected
individuals. It also is used for treating shingles. To be most effective,
famciclovir should be started as soon as possible after the diagnosis of a
herpes infection.
DOSING: Famciclovir may be taken with or without food. The recommended
doses are outlined below:
Recurrent genital herpes: 1,000 mg twice daily for 1 day.
Recurrent cold
sores: 1,500 mg as a single dose.
Suppression of recurrent genital herpes: 250
mg twice daily for up to 1 year.
Shingles: 500 mg every 8 hours for 7 days.
HIV-infected patients (cold sores or genital herpes): 500 mg twice daily for
5-10 days.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:Probenecid (Benemid) may reduce the kidney's
removal of famciclovir leading to higher concentrations of famciclovir in the
blood. This may lead to side effects from famciclovir.
PREGNANCY: Famciclovir has not been adequately studied in
pregnant
women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if famciclovir is excreted into human
breast milk. Women may wish to consider an alternative to
breastfeeding if
famciclovir is taken while nursing.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects associated with the use of
famciclovir are headache, fatigue, nausea,
vomiting, rash, diarrhea and
flatulence. Serious but rare side effects include serious skin reactions, and
reduced white blood cells (neutropenia) or platelets (thrombocytopenia).
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Under certain circumstances, such as emotional stress, immune deficiency, or with cancer, the virus re-activates causing shingles. Shingles are catching and can spread from an infected person to others who have not had chickenpox. There are a variety of treatments for shingles.
Herpes simplex infections are common and when they appear around the mouth and lips, people often refer to them as "cold sores" and "fever blisters." Canker sores are different than cold sores. Air droplets can spread the virus, as can direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. Cold sore treatment include over-the-counter medication as well as prescription medications.
Genital herpes, a viral infection by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is transmitted during sexual contact with the mucous-covered linings of the mouth, vagina, or the genital skin. A typical outbreak begins with an itching or tingling sensation followed by redness of the skin and blister formation. The blisters and ulcers that form when the blisters break are painful to the touch, and last from 7 days to 2 weeks. Though there is no cure for herpes, there are ways to treat outbreaks.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs,
are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure,
including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual
devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any
type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and
the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are
usually incurable, such as those caused by HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
Chickenpox (chicken pox) is a contagious childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms have an incubation period of 14 to 16 days and include a couple days of mild fever, weakness, and red, raised rash that progresses to blisters that eventually burst and crust over. Complications include bacterial infection of the open sores, scarring, encephalitis, nerve palsies, and Reye's syndrome.
Pityriasis rosea is a rash that begins with a large pink patch with well-defined scaly borders on the back, chest, or neck. In one to two weeks, the person will develop many smaller pink patches on his or her trunk, arms, and legs. Symptoms include mild itching and possible sore throat, fatigue, nausea, aching, and decreased appetite. Pityriasis rosea typically resolves on its own and symptoms may be treated with topical steroid creams and oral antihistamines.
Ramsay Hunt syndrome is an infection of a facial nerve that causes a red painful rash with blisters and facial paralysis. The herpes zoster virus causes the infection. The infection is treated with antiviral agents, steroids, and pain medications.
Becoming infected with chickenpox during pregnancy could cause birth defects in your unborn child. Likewise, shingles could also cause problems for your unborn child. If you are pregnant and haven't had chickenpox, avoid exposure to infected people. Zostavax, the shingles vaccine, can reduce the incidence of shingles by half. Women should wait at least three months after receiving the vaccine before trying to get pregnant.
When you are pregnant, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be especially harmful to you and your baby. These STDs include herpes, HIV/AIDS, genital warts (HPV), hepatitis B, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Symptoms include bumps, sores, warts, swelling, itching, or redness in the genital region. Treatment of STDs while pregnant depends on how far along you are in the pregnancy and the progression of the infection.
Infections, bites and stings, infestations, chronic diseases, sun exposure, and dry skin are among the numerous causes of itching.
Anti-itch creams and lotions containing camphor, menthol, phenol,
pramoxine (Caladryl, Tronolane), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or benzocaine can bring relief.
Some cases of itching will respond to corticosteroid medications.
It is best to avoid scratching and itch when possible to avoid worsening of the condition and disruption of the skin that could lead to bacterial infection.
If itching persists with time or worsens, or is associated with skin lesions, consulting a health-care practitioner is advisable.
What is an itch?
Itch is an irritation in the skin that elicits an urge to scratch. Itches are a common problem and can be localized (limited to one area of the bo...
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