Famvir

Overview

About Famvir

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 Famvir

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).

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.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

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.

CHILDREN

Safety and effectiveness in children under the age of 18 have not been established.