INDICATIONS

Famciclovir is used to treat the symptoms of herpes zoster (also known as shingles), a herpes virus infection of the skin. It is used to treat and suppress herpes labialis (cold sores) and recurrent episodes of genital herpes infection. This medicine is also used to treat recurrent herpes virus infections of the mucous membranes (lips and mouth) and genitals in HIV-infected patients. Although famciclovir will not cure genital herpes or herpes zoster, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and helps the sores heal faster.

INSTRUCTIONS

Famciclovir is best used within 48 hours after the symptoms of shingles (for example, pain, burning, blisters) begin to appear, or within 6 hours after the symptoms of recurrent genital herpes (for example, pain, blisters) begin to appear.

Famciclovir may be taken with or without food.

To help clear up your herpes infection, keep taking famciclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Do not miss any doses and do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

DOSAGE

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For oral dosage form (tablets):

• For treatment of shingles:

Adults—500 milligrams (mg) every eight hours for seven days.
Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. begin to appear, or within 6 hours after the symptoms of recurrent genital herpes (for example, pain, blisters) begin to appear.

Famciclovir may be taken with or without food.

To help clear up your herpes infection, keep taking famciclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Do not miss any doses and do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

DOSAGE

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For oral dosage form (tablets):

• For treatment of shingles:

Adults
Children—

• For suppression of recurrent genital herpes: 

Adults—250 milligrams (mg) two times a day for up to one year.
Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

• For treatment of recurrent genital herpes: 

Adults—1000 milligrams (mg) two times a day for one day.
Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

• For treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores):

Adults—1500 milligrams (mg) as a single dose.
Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

• For treatment of recurrent herpes infections in HIV-infected patients: 

Adults—500 milligrams (mg) two times a day for seven days.
Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

STORAGE

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you

SAFETY INFORMATION

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of famciclovir in children under 18 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of famciclovir in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney disease, which may require an adjustment of dose in patients receiving this medicine.
Pregnancy Pregnancy Category Explanation
All Trimesters B Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Galactose intolerance or
• Glucose-galactose malabsorption or
• Severe lactase deficiency—Should not use in patients with these conditions.
• Kidney disease—Use with caution.

The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.

SIDE EFFECTS

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Incidence not known 

Black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
blood in urine or stools
chills
clay-colored stools
cough
dark urine
dizziness
fever
joint or muscle pain
loss of appetite
pinpoint red spots on the skin
red, irritated eyes
sore throat
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
unpleasant breath odor
unusual bleeding or bruising
vomiting of blood
yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• More common 

Cramps
diarrhea
headache
heavy bleeding
nausea
stomach pain

• Less common 

Bloated, full feeling
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feeling
confusion as to time, place, or person
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
hives or welts
holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
itching skin
mood or mental changes
passing gas
rash
redness of skin
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting

• Incidence not known 

Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.