Famvir

What is it?

A preparation which interferes with the manufacture of DNA within cells infected by a virus and is a nucleoside (guanine) analogue produced in the form of film-coated, white tablets in 3 different strengths containing 250mg, 500mg or 750mg of famciclovir.

Medical Uses

Infections caused by herpes zoster virus in patients with a weak and ineffective immune system, or immunocompromised. Also, acute genital herpes, prevention of recurrence in patients with weak, ineffective immune system or who are immunocompromised.

Dosage

Adults, lx 750mg strength tablet once each day for 1 week taken at same time each day; or, 250mg strength 3 times each day for 1 week. In immunocompromised patients, use 500mg strength tablets 3 times each day for 10 days. Treatment should begin as soon as rash appears. Genital herpes, treatment of first occurrence, use 250mg tablets and take 3 times each day for 5 days, beginning as soon as possible after lesions appear. In immunocompromised patients, use 500mg tablets taken twice each day for 1 week, starting as soon as possible after lesions appear or beforehand, if condition is stongly suspected. Immunosuppressed patients, 250mg twice each day; HIV patients, 500mg twice each day. Treatment should be stopped and effectiveness reassessed every 6 months to 1 year.

Special Care

Pregnancy, brenstfeeding, kidney disease.

Avoid Use

Children.

Known Side Effects

Nausea, headache.

Manufacturer

Novartis.