Famvir Information |
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 Famvir
information section contains essential Famvir facts which to help you
gain useful information about the benefits of Famvir. The following information is a summary
about Famvir. It is not intended to replace a doctors instructions.
IMPORTANT NOTE
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise
and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should
not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for
you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
FAMVIR INFORMATION
Brand Name: Famvir®
Generic Name: Famciclovir
WHY IS THIS DRUG PRESCRIBED ?
Famvir tablets are used to treat herpes zoster, commonly referred to as "shingles", in
adults. Shingles is a painful rash with raised, red pimples on the trunk of the body, usually
the back. Because it is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, only people who have
had chickenpox can get shingles. When prescribed for shingles, Famvir works best in people age
50 or over.
Famvir is also prescribed to treat attacks of genital herpes and to prevent future flare-ups.
For people with HIV infections, it is used as a treatment for both genital and oral herpes.
Contact your doctor for further information if you have any questions or concerns about using
this medication.
MOST IMPORTANT FACT ABOUT THIS DRUG
Famvir is most effective if started within the first 48 hours after shingles first appears;
treatment should be started at the first sign or symptom of genital herpes. Famvir treatment
may not be effective if it is delayed more than 72 hours after the herpes zoster rash first
appears or more than 6 hours after genital herpes becomes evident. Thus, it is important to see
your doctor as soon as possible after symptoms appear.
HOW SHOULD YOU TAKE THIS MEDICATION ?
For maximum benefit, take Famvir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin
to clear up. Do not, however, take Famvir more often or for a longer time than your doctor
directs.
You may take Famvir with meals or in between.
Contact your doctor for
further information if you have any questions or concerns about using this medication.
WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY OCCUR ?
Famvir Side Effects - See Here
WHY SHOULD FAMVIR NOT BE PRESCRIBED ?
Do not take Famvir if you are sensitive to it or have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
Also avoid Famvir if you are sensitive to Denavir (penciclovir cream). Contact your doctor
for further information if you have any questions or concerns about using this medication.
SPECIAL WARNINGS ABOUT FAMVIR
Famvir speeds healing of shingles and genital herpes, but it is not a cure. It may not prevent
transmission of genital herpes to others, so you should avoid sexual intercourse whenever you
have symptoms of the disease.
If you have any kidney problems, be sure your doctor knows about them before prescribing
Famvir for you.
POSSIBLE FOOD AND DRUG INTERACTIONS WHEN TAKING THIS MEDICATION
If Famvir is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased,
decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining
Famvir with probenecid (Benemid), a drug used to treat gout (a type of arthritis). Consult
your physician or pharmacist for further information.
SPECIAL INFORMATION IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING
The effects of Famvir during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Famvir should be used during
pregnancy only when the benefit to the mother clearly outweighs the potential risk to the
baby. Famvir may appear in breast milk, and could affect a nursing infant. If this drug is
essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your
treatment with Famvir is finished.
Contact your doctor for further information if you
have any questions or concerns about using this medication.
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE
Herpes Zoster
The usual adult dose is 500 milligrams every 8 hours for 7 days.
Recurrent Genital Herpes Treatment
The usual dose is 125 milligrams twice a day for 5 days.
Recurrent Genital Herpes
Prevention
The usual dose is 250 milligrams twice a day for up to one year. Famvir
therapy to prevent genital herpes has not been tested for periods exceeding one year.
Recurrent Oral or Genital Herpes in HIV-infected Individuals
The usual dose is
500 milligrams twice a day for 7 days. Smaller doses are prescribed for people with damaged
kidneys.
FAMVIR AND CHILDREN
Safety and effectiveness in children under the age of 18 have not been established.
FAMVIR MISSED DOSE AND OVERDOSE
Famvir Missed Dose :
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Never take two doses at the same time.
Famvir Overdose :
Any medication taken in excess can have serious
consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
FAMVIR STORAGE
Store this medication at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 to 25 degrees C)
away from heat and light. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
COMMON MISSPELLINGS OF FAMVIR
Famvir is often misspelled, as many people hear the word verbally and write it down or
spell it the incorrect way. Here are a few of the most common misspellings for Famvir :
Farmvir, Famrvir, Fomvir, Phamvir, Famver, Famveer, Fanvir, Famwir and Famvyr. Full
correct name of this drug is "Famvir".
MORE FAMVIR INFORMATION SITES
Additional Famvir Information Sites :
Famvir Information at RXlist
Famvir Information at National Library of Medicine
Famvir Information at Ahealthyme Drug Database
Famvir FAQ at Druginfonet
Famvir Information at Yahoo Health
Famvir Information at Drugs.com
FAMVIR MANUFACTURER
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Contact Information :
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
P.O. Box 1090 North Wales PA, 19454-1090
Phone :
+41 61 324 11 11
Fax :
+41 61 324 80 01 |
Famvir® is
manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, the US affiliate of Swiss-based
Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS), a world leader in health care, with core businesses in
pharmaceuticals, consumer health, generics, eye care and animal health. Operating in more
than 140 countries, Novartis Group employs approximately 70,000 people around the world.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals also markets : Fioricet®, Lamisil®, Voltaren®,
and Fiorinal®.
Web site :
http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/ |
Famvir Information
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