What is/are Famvir Tablets?

FAMCICLOVIR is an antiviral. It works by blocking reproduction of the virus. It is used to treat infections caused by a virus, like herpes and shingles. It is also used to prevent herpes outbreaks. This medicine will not cure herpes infections. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to famciclovir, penciclovir, other medicines, food, dyes, or preservatives
• galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose absorption problems
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

What may interact with this medicine?

No specific interactions with Famvir are known at this time.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
• confusion, hallucinations, disorientation
• red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea
• headache
• gas
• tiredness
• vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve. This medicine works best when started very early in the course of an infection. Begin treatment at the first signs of infection.

Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water or fluids every day while you are taking this medicine. This will help prevent side effects.

You can still pass the shingles or herpes to another person even while you are taking this medicine. Avoid contact with others as directed. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. Talk to your doctor about how to stop the spread of infection.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Store at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children and away from pets.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.