Famciclovir is an antiviral drug used to treat herpes virus infections, including herpes zoster or herpes simplex.
Famciclovir works by inhibiting the multiplication or replication of the herpes virus. That way, the immune system can work more optimally to deal with herpes virus infections.
Keep in mind that these medications cannot cure herpes virus infections, but they can help symptoms subside more quickly, reduce the frequency of recurrences of the infection, and speed up recovery time.
Famciclovir trademark: Famvir
What is Famciclovir
| group | Prescription drug |
| Category | Anti virus |
| Benefit | Treating herpes . |
| Consumed by | Adults aged ≥18 years |
| Famciclovir for pregnant and lactating women |
Category B: Animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.
It is not known whether Famciclovir is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not take this drug without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Famciclovir
Famciclovir should not be used carelessly and must be according to a doctor's prescription. Some things to consider before taking this drug are:
- Do not take famciclovir if you are allergic to it, the drugs penciclovir, or acyclovir. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or currently have kidney disease, liver disease, lactose intolerance , impaired glucose-galactose absorption, or have a condition that weakens the immune system, such as having HIV/AIDS , or have recently had a bone marrow transplant.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
- Immediately consult a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction , overdose, or serious side effects after taking famciclovir.
Dosage and Rules for Use Famciclovir
The dose of famciclovir given by doctors to each patient can vary, depending on the patient's condition and the patient's response to treatment.
In general, the following are amciclovir doses for adults divided by their intended use:
Purpose: Treat shingles
The dose is 500 mg, 3 times a day, for 7 days. For patients with a weakened immune system, the dose is 500 mg, taken 3 times a day, for 10 days.
Purpose: Treating genital herpes
For treating genital or genital herpes that occurs for the first time, the dose is 250 mg, 3 times a day, for 5 days. For treating recurrent genital herpes, the dose is 125 mg, twice daily, for 5 days, or 1,000 mg, for 1 day.
In HIV/AIDS patients who have genital herpes, the dose is 500 mg, consumed 2 times a day, for 7 days.
How to Take Famciclovir Correctly
Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the information printed on the drug packaging label before taking famciclovir. Do not increase or decrease your dose, and take famciclovir more often than your doctor advises.
Famciclovir tablets can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the medication whole with a glass of water.
Famciclovir is more effective when used as soon as symptoms appear. Therefore, do not delay treatment so that complaints can be resolved quickly. Continue to take this drug according to the doctor's instructions even though the symptoms have disappeared after a few days. Do not stop medication, except on doctor's orders.
It is recommended to take famciclovir regularly at the same time every day for maximum treatment effect. If you forget to take famciclovir, consume it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Store famciclovir tablets in a closed container in a cool room. Protect this drug from direct sunlight, and keep the drug out of the reach of children.
Famciclovir Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of famciclovir with other drugs can cause several drug interaction effects, namely:
- Increased blood levels of famciclovir, which can increase the risk of side effects such as headache or nausea, if used with probenecid
- Decreased effectiveness of famciclovir when used with raloxifene
Side Effects and Dangers of Famciclovir
There are several side effects that commonly occur after taking famciclovir, namely headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse.
You should see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Confusion, hallucinations, or agitation
- Jaundice
- Infrequent urination or very little urine output