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Famvir is an antiviral medication that slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus, and shortens the length of time symptoms are present. Famvir is indicated for treatment and suppression of recurrent genital herpes, as well as for treatment of recurrent herpes simplex virus infections (genital herpes and cold sores) in HIV-infected patients. Famvir can be used in three ways: for episodic treatment - treating an outbreak of genital herpes as it occurs; for suppressive treatment - in cases of frequent or severe outbreaks; and in patients with HIV - Famvir is the only prescription oral drug indicated for treating genital or orolabial herpes in people infected with HIV.

Famvir treatment should be started as soon as possible after symptoms appear. Each dose should be taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, but taking famciclovir with food may help avoid stomach upset. Symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated. You should take all of the Famvir prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. The usual dosage in episodic treatment (treating an outbreak of genital herpes as it occurs) is one 125-mg pill, twice a day, for 5 days. In suppressive treatment (for frequent or severe outbreaks), the recommended dose is one 250-mg pill, twice a day, for up to 1 yea. This should suppress the virus and help to prevent further outbreaks. In patients with herpes simplex and HIV, the recommended dose of Famvir is 500 mg, twice a day, for 7 days. Take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your physicain. Tell your physicain about any other prescription or non-prescription drugs you are taking.

Store away from heat, direct light, heat, and dampness or moisture. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that all medicine and discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Take the missed dose as soon as possible; but if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled. Never take take a double dose of Famvir unless specifically directed to do so by your physicain.

Some possible side effects of Famvir are nausea or vomiting, a headache, diarrhea, dizziness, tingling in your hands or feet, or itching. Consult with your physicain if the symptoms persist, seem unusual, or become bothersome. Stop taking Famvir and seek immediate medical help if you experience an allergic reaction (the symptoms of which are difficulty breathing, closing of your throat, swelling of your lips, tongue, or face, or hives).

Probenecid (Benemid) may increase the effects of Famvir, leading to dangerous side effects. Consult with a physicain if you are taking probenecid: you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during Famvir treatment. Other drugs may also interact with famciclovir. Talk to your physicain and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including natural/herbal products.

Do not take Famvir if you are allergic to penciclovir (Denavir) without first talking to your physicain. Tell your physicain if you have kidney disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your Famvir treatment. Pregnant women should not take Famvir without first consulting with a physicain. It is not known whether Famvir passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding women should not take Famvir without first consulting with a physicain. Famvir has not been approved for children under 18 years. Herpes infections are contagious even during treatment; Famvir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission.

Novartis is a global company that develops and markets health products. Its core businesses are in pharmaceuticals, consumer health, generics, eye-care, and animal health. Novartis was created in 1996 from the merger of the Swiss companies Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz.