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What is this Drug
Famvir is most effective if started within the first 48 hours after shingles first appears; treatment should be started at the first sign or symptom of genital herpes. Famvir treatment may not be effe
ctive if it is delayed more than 72 hours after the herpes zoster rash first appears or more than 6 hours after genital herpes becomes evident. Thus, it is important to see your doctor as soon as poss
ible after symptoms appear.
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What special precautions should I follow?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to famciclovir.
Do not have sexual intercourse when you can see the
genital herpes lesions. However, genital herpes can be spread even when there are no symptoms.
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Side Effects of This Medicine
More common side effects may include:
Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting
Less common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, back pain,
chills and fever, gas, indigestion, injury, insomnia, irritated sinuses, itching, joint pain, loss of appetite, pain, prickling or burning sensation of the skin, sleepiness, sore throat, upper respir
atory infection
There have been infrequent cases of hallucinations, hives, and rash, and some people---especially older adults---may experience confusion, including delirium and disorientati
on.
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Proper Use of This Medicine
Famciclovir comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day) for 7 days to treat shingles. To treat genital herpes it is usually taken twice a day for 5 days.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take famciclovir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less
of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Use this medication as soon as possible after symptoms appear.
Continue to take famciclovir even if you feel well. Do not stop taki
ng famciclovir without talking to your doctor.
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Other medical problems
Older adults¡XFamciclovir has been used in the elderly and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
Probenecid (Benemid) may increase the effects of Famvir ( Famciclovir )and lead to dangerous side effects. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking pro
benecid.
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