Famciclovir

Other Names: Famvir

Commonly Prescribed For: Famciclovir is prescribed for the treatment of shingles, and is also used for treating recurring cold sores or genital herpes. It should not be prescribed for people who have severe lactase deficiency, galactose intolerance or galactose absorption problems.

How to Take It: For the treatment of shingles, Famciclovir should be taken orally usually every eight hours for seven days. It is usually taken twice a day for five days for treatment of genital herpes. It comes in the form of a tablet and should be taken with food or milk as it can cause an upset stomach.

How It Works: Famciclovir is an antiviral medication and works by blocking the virus’s ability to reproduce. This results in there being lower levels of the virus in the blood. Famciclovir will not cure genital herpes and the infection can still be spread from person to person contact so it is advisable to abstain from sexual intercourse while the sores are there.

Some Side Effects: Side effects of Famciclovir can include weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, and wind. Signs of an allergic reaction to the drug can include rash; trouble breathing; swelling of face, mouth or tongue; or, tightness in the chest. Other serious side effects can include hallucinations; unusual bleeding or bruising; confusion; delirium; or, yellowing of eyes or skin.