Famvir is an antiviral drug used to treat symptoms caused by viral herpes. Famvir can treat cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. Famciclovir is the generic form of this drug. This medication works by stopping the spread of the virus within the body, lowering the chance of spreading the virus to others.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Take this drug by mouth with or without food, 2 to 3 times a day.
• This drug works best when taken at evenly times intervals, so take at the same time each day.
• Take this drug at the first sign of a herpes outbreak for the best results.
• Continue to take your prescription until your dose is finished.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you have a medical history of kidney problems.
• If you frequently consume marijuana and alcohol because it can make you dizzy or drowsy.
• If you have an allergy to lactose.
• If you do not have a vaccination against the varicella virus.

You should also know:

• Store this drug at room temperature away from light and moisture.
• Keep this drug away from children and pets.

Common side effects of Famvir include but are not limited to:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of Famvir:

• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Kidney problems, like changes in the amount of urine
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Can this drug protect against passing herpes to others?

This drug does not protect against the spread of genital herpes. You may spread genital herpes even if you are not having an outbreak. It is important to practice safe sex with a condom or barrier method to prevent spreading this virus to others.