What Is Famciclovir Used For? (Cont.)

 
Famciclovir for Herpes in People With Weak Immune Systems
Famciclovir can be especially useful for treating herpes simplex infections (such as cold sores or genital herpes) in people with HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system. Because a healthy immune system is needed to fight off infections, herpes simplex infections can spread throughout the body and can last a long time in people with weak immune systems.
 
Famciclovir is approved to treat herpes simplex infections, particularly those that affect the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth), in people with HIV or other immune system problems.
 

How Does Famciclovir Work?

Shingles, genital herpes, cold sores, and mucocutaneous herpes are caused by viruses. Once a person has been infected with one of these viruses, the virus never goes away. It remains inactive in certain nerve cells of the body, waiting to become active again. Famciclovir is an antiviral medication that helps the body fight the infection. It does this by preventing the virus from multiplying.
 

Famciclovir Uses in Children

Famciclovir is not approved for use in children. Talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using famciclovir in children.
 

Off-Label Famciclovir Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend famciclovir for treating something other than the conditions listed in this article. Among these potential off-label famciclovir uses is the treatment of other types of viral infections, including chickenpox.

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;