Famvir

Famvir is an antiviral medication used to treat herpes simplex viruses, including genital herpes (herpes simplex strain 2, HSV-2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV, herpes zoster), which causes shingles and ophthalmic zoster (shingles in the eye).

You can use this medication to prevent outbreaks and also to relieve symptoms. If you start taking the pills as soon as you notice symptoms, you can significantly reduce the time it takes for the infection to go away, often within 1-2 days.

It is an oral prescription in the form of capsules that can offer relief from unpleasant blisters within 24 hours as well as significantly reduce the duration of your outbreak. Treatment is most effective when used at the first sign of infection.

Famvir is available in three different doses (125, 250 and 500mg) at HealthExpress for the treatment of genital herpes and shingles.

The active ingredient in Famvir is famciclovir, which belongs to a group of drugs known as 'prodrugs'. Prodrugs are drugs designed to improve absorption into the body once the medication has been ingested.

In this case, once you take a famciclovir tablet, it is converted into the active ingredient penciclovir which prevents the viral cells from multiplying. It does this by stopping the viral cells from producing a certain enzyme needed for reproduction. This allows your body to more easily fight off the infection and force the virus into an inactive state in your body.

You should always follow the advice of your doctor. Comprehensive instructions are also detailed in the patient information leaflet (PIL).

It’s recommended that you drink plenty of fluids whilst taking this medication to avoid dehydration, especially if you're elderly.

Doses should be taken at the same time every day for the whole prescribed course, do not stop taking Famvir even if your condition appears better.

If you miss a dose, do not take two tablets at once. Continue as normal until the treatment finishes, or if you remember shortly after the missed pill, take it ASAP.

The recommended dosage will depend on what you're using Famvir for as shingles and genital herpes require different dosages. Your doctor may also adjust your dose if you have kidney or liver problems.

Shingles

The 500mg Famvir tablets are typically prescribed for shingles treatment. The dosages are the following:

• if you have a healthy immune system - you should take one 500mg tablet 3 times a day for 7 days

Genital herpes

The 125, 250 and 500mg Famvir tablets are typically prescribed for genital herpes treatment and prevention. The dosages are the following:

• for initial infection - take one 250mg tablet 3 times a day for 5 days
• for a recurrent infection - take one 125mg tablet twice daily for 5 days or two 500mg tablets for 1 day only
• for preventing an infection - take 250mg twice daily for 6-12 months under a doctor’s supervision

Your course of treatment may be extended if new blisters appear or your original blisters don’t heal by the time your course ends.

There is always a risk of adverse effects when taking prescription medication, however even those classed as ‘common’ are unlikely to occur. If they do occur, they are often mild and go away in a couple of days.

The most common side effects include:

• abdominal pain
• diarrhoea
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• skin reactions
• vomiting

If you experience any more serious side effects, stop taking the medication immediately, and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you believe you are suffering an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling on the neck, lips and throat and skin reactions.

For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet which is available to download on this page and will be in the box with your medication.

You should always tell whoever is prescribing you if you have any preexisting conditions or take any other medications. This is because you may be more likely to develop adverse effects from treatment.

You should be particularly cautious when taking Famvir if you have:

• kidney issues (decreased kidney function)
• an uncontrolled liver disease
• a severe lactase deficiency or galactose intolerance

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before starting this treatment. It is not known whether or not the active ingredient can transfer in breast milk.

You should also inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking before you decide to buy Famvir. If you take the following medications you should especially take caution:

• probenecid - to treat gout or high uric acid levels in the blood
• raloxifene - to treat and prevent osteoporosis postmenopause

Once contracted, the herpes virus does not leave your body and can be transferred to partners at any time. Refraining from sex during outbreaks and making sure you are containing the virus is essential.

Shingles can also be passed onto others who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, so you should also take care to spread the varicella zoster virus to others.

Famvir can also make you dehydrated, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids whilst taking it, especially if you are more at risk of side effects.

You can purchase 125, 250 or 500mg Famvir tablets here at HealthExpress for the treatment of shingles and genital herpes. All you have to do is complete a quick, confidential medical questionnaire which is reviewed by one of our registered doctors. Once they find you suitable for treatment, your medication will be dispatched discreetly directly to your front door the following day.