Famciclovir

Famciclovir is a prescription medicine that is used for treating cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. The antiviral medication is typically used at the first signs of an outbreak to help reduce symptoms and to prevent outbreaks from occurring again. Depending on the condition being treated, famciclovir tablets can be taken every day, for just one day, or for a week. Side effects of famciclovir may include headaches, vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea.

 

What Is Famciclovir?

Famciclovir (Famvir®) is a prescription antiviral medication used to treat the following conditions:
 
  • Shingles in people with normal immune systems
     
  • Recurring genital herpes in people with normal immune systems
     
  • Recurring cold sores in people with normal immune systems
     
  • Herpes simplex infections (including cold sores and genital herpes) in people with HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system.
     
(Click What Is Famciclovir Used For? for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Famciclovir: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking famciclovir if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Very severe lactose intolerance
  • Galactose intolerance
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Famciclovir to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
  
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;