Famvir

Famvir is an antiviral medication used to treat herpes simplex viruses, including genital herpes (herpes simplex strain 2, HSV-2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV, herpes zoster), which causes shingles and ophthalmic zoster (shingles in the eye).

You can use this medication to prevent outbreaks and also to relieve symptoms. If you start taking the pills as soon as you notice symptoms, you can significantly reduce the time it takes for the infection to go away, often within 1-2 days.

It is an oral prescription medicine in the form of capsules that can offer relief from unpleasant blisters within 24 hours as well as significantly reduce the duration of your outbreak. Treatment is most effective when used at the first sign of herpes infection.

Famvir is available on prescription in 125, 250 and 500 mg capsules to treat genital herpes and shingles at euroClinix. Famvir is not used to treat cold sores (herpes simplex strain1, HSV-1). If you require treatment for cold sores, Aciclovir (acyclovir) and valaciclovir (sold under the brand name Valtrex) are available to purchase at euroClinix.

The main ingredient of Famvir is famciclovir. Famciclovir is a prodrug meaning it is designed to improve absorption into the body once it has been ingested.

In the case of famciclovir, once ingested, it becomes the active ingredient penciclovir triphosphate. It works by blocking the actions of the enzymes responsible for the duplication of viral cells which prevents the viral cells from multiplying and spreading from one healthy cell to another.

This allows your body’s natural defences to more easily fight off the infection and force the virus into an inactive state in your body.

Although most people can take Famvir tablets safely, there are conditions and medications with which this medication cannot be taken. You should mention to your prescriber if you have any of the following:

• kidney problems
• an uncontrolled liver disease
• a severe lactose intolerance (lactase deficiency) or galactose intolerance

If you are over 65 years of age, immunocompromised, pregnant or breastfeeding you should also speak to your doctor before taking this medication.

In addition, you should always inform whoever is prescribing you if you take any other medications including prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as any herbal supplements. This is because Famvir has also been known to interact with certain medications. If you are taking any of the following medication please consult your doctor before taking this medication:

• probenecid - to treat gout or high uric acid levels in the blood
• raloxifene - to treat and prevent osteoporosis postmenopause

If you’re not sure if you fall under any of these groups or if you take any of these medications, please consult a healthcare professional before taking Famvir.

You should always follow the advice of your doctor as well as the instructions in patient information leaflet when taking Famvir.

Doses should be taken at the same time each day for the duration of treatment to effectively treat the virus. If you miss a dose, do not take two tablets at once. If you remember soon after your scheduled dose, take it and then take your next dose at your usual time. If it is almost time for your next dose however, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

The dosage that you will need to buy will depend on your condition, but the sooner you take it, the faster you will be able to see results. Dosage will also depend on whether you are treating symptoms or using it for suppressive therapy (to prevent outbreaks).

Genital Herpes

The typical prescribed dosages of genital herpes are the following:

• for an initial infection - take one 250 mg tablet 3 times a day for 5 days
• for recurrent episodes - take one 250 mg tablet twice daily for 5 days or two 500 mg tablets for 1 day only
• for suppression of recurrent genital herpes - take 250 mg twice daily for 6-12 months under a doctor’s supervision

Your course of treatment may be extended if new lesions appear or your original blisters don’t heal by the time your course ends.

Shingles

The 500 mg dose of famciclovir is typically prescribed for the treatment of herpes zoster. The recommended dosages are the following:

• if you have a healthy immune system - you should take one 500 mg tablet 3 times a day for 7 days
• if you are an immunocompetent patient - you should take one 500 mg tablet 3 times a day for 10 days

It’s important to note that this medicine will not prevent the spread of herpes. You should refrain from having sex, use a condom during outbreaks and make sure you contain the virus to prevent spreading it.

Shingles can also be passed onto those who have not had chickenpox or have not received a chicken pox vaccine, so caution should still be taken to not spread the varicella zoster virus.

Famvir can also make you dehydrated so ensure you drink plenty of fluids whilst taking this medication, especially if you are more at risk of side effects.

Like all prescription medications, Famvir can cause some side effects. Fortunately, most common side effects are mild and go away by themself. Some common side effects of famciclovir include:

Serious side effects are rare but if you experience severe blistering or swelling (could be a sign of an allergic reaction), unexplained bruising or skin/eye yellowing (jaundice) then seek immediate medical advice.

You can buy Famvir 250 and 500mg tablets safely and securely online from euroClinix to help manage the symptoms of herpes virus. All you will have to do is fill out a confidential online consultation when you order. Our doctors will then use this consultation to form a diagnosis and if the dosage you have chosen is safe for you to use, they will issue a prescription. All orders are delivered discreetly from our UK registered pharmacy via our next-day delivery service.