Famvir

Famvir is an anti-viral medication which after transformation in human organism turns into penciclovir which is active against such viruses as Herpes simplex (types I and II), Varicella zoster, and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Penciclovir penetrates into the cells infected by virus where being subjected to treatment by viral ferments it turns into penciclovir-triphosphate which inhibits replication of viral DNA. The medication has not effect on the non-infected cells. Famvir is active against certain strains of Herpes simplex with changed DNA polymerase which are resistant to Acyclovir (Zovirax).

Famvir is administered to treat infections caused by Herpes simplex (types I and II): primal infection, aggravation of the chronic infection, prevention, shingles or chickenpox (Varicella zoster), postherpetic neuralgia, recurrent genital herpes. Dosage and directions Take Famvir with or without food. Take each dose with a glass of water. The recommended dose for treatment of recurrent genital herpes is 1,000 mg twice daily during one day. Recurrent cold sores should be treated by 1,500 mg taken as a single dose. To suppress recurrent genital herpes take 250 mg twice daily during 1 year. Treatment of shingles require 500 mg every eight hours for a week. In HIV-infected patients for treatment of cold sores and genital herpes 500 mg of Famvir is taken twice daily for 5-10 days. Do not take Famvir in larger amounts. Follow all recommendations of your doctor.

Precautions:
Do not allow contact of the affected areas with other people. Do not touch your eyes after you touched the affected areas. Wash your hand frequently to avoid spreading of the infection to others.

Contraindications:
Famvir is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the components of this medication, pregnant and breastfeeding women, children. Correction of the dose and certain cautiousness are needed in treatment of patients with kidney failure.

Possible side effect:
The most common side effects are headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, allergic reactions. Some adult patients experience mental confusion, hallucinations. In the patients with decreased immunity pain in the stomach, fever symptoms occur.