The following information is based on the information supplied by
Novartis. Theis is guidelines only and you should always follow your
doctors advice.

What Is Famvir?

Famvir is the brandname for Famciclovir, manufactured by Novartis.
Famciclovir is a prodrug of the antiviral agent Penciclovir. Penciclovir
doesn't absorb well orally. Famciclovir will convert into Penciclovir
once absorbed in the body which will then act as an antiviral agent.
Famciclovir is a tablet used to treat Herpes Simplex 2 (Genital Herpes)
and shingles, caused Varicella Herpes Zoster. It remains in the body
longer than other antiviral agents such as Acyclovir which means
that you don't have to take it so often and that the effects wil be
longer lasting. This means that in the long run the risk of developing
resistance to Famciclovir / Penciclovir is reduced.

What Does Famciclovir Do?

Famciclovir can't cure Herpes but it can treat the symptoms or
suppress Herpes Simplex 2 so that it remains latent as lonng as possible.
When used as an episodic treatment for shingles or Genital Herpes it
will reduce the severity, duration and for Genital Hereps frequency
of outbreaks as well as reduce the risk os spreading. When used as
a suppressive treatment of Genital Herpes it will reduce the frequency
of outbreaks as well as reduce the risk os spreading. It will also
reduce the severity and duration of the outbreaks that you may
experience in spite of the suppressive treatment.

Formulas

• 125 mg, round tablets in bottles of 30 tablets
• 250 mg, round tablets in bottles of 30 tablets
• 500 mg, oval tablets in bottles of 30 tablets and Single Unit
  Package of 50

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Ingredients

• Active ingredient: Penciclovir
• Inactive ingredients:
• Hydroxypropyl cellulose
• Hydro-propyl methylcellulose
• Lactose
• Magnesium stearate
• Polyethylene glycols
• Sodium starch glycolate
• Titanium dioxide

Dosage

Shingles, caused by Varicella Herpes Zoster: 500 mg every 8 hours
for 7 days. Treatment should be started as early as possible.

Genital Herpes (Herpes Simplex 2): Episodic treatment: 125 mg twice
daily for 5 days. Treatment should be started as ealry as possible.
Suppressive treatment: 250 mg twice daily for up to 1 year.

Precautions

There are no particular precautions when taking Famvir. If you
are pregnant, breastfeeding, have illnesses other than Herpes, take
other medications or you have any drug allergies you should tell
your doctor before you get a prescription for Famvir.

Side Effects

There are no particular side effects of taking Famvir but the
following have been reported:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Skin rash

If you experience any side effects you should contact your doctor.

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