Famciclovir (fam-SYE-kloe-veer) COMMON USES
This medicine is an antiviral used to treat herpes zoster (shingles) and genital herpes. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
return to top
BEFORE USING
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking probenecid. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose absorption problems. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
return to top
DIRECTIONS
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment, even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.
return to top
CAUTIONS
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE IS NOT A CURE FOR GENITAL HERPES and will not prevent you from spreading genital herpes to others through sexual contact. If you have any questions concerning how to prevent the spreading of genital herpes, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine especially mental or mood changes, confusion, or disorientation. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
return to top
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or tiredness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience hallucinations, disorientation, or confusion. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
return to top
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
return to top
IF YOU TAKE TOO MUCH
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
return to top
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out. |
