Famvir

Famvir has always been known as a great drug for shingles. Learn more about this medicine and how you can benefit from it. Be acquainted with the proper ways of administering this drug.

Famvir is actually short for Famciclovir – the active component found in it. It is used as an effective treatment for herpes zoster otherwise called shingles. Shingles is a disorder or reactivation of VZV or varicella zoster virus in the body’s spinal cord. This major infection could further result to chickenpox. In other countries such as Malta and Italy, herpes zoster is called St. Anthony’s fire. This virus is said to belong to a group called Herpesviridae. Few of its symptoms include painful and undesirable blisters on the dermatome – a specific area of the skin.

The occurrence of this disease is found mostly in patients aged 60 years old and above. It is also high in patients who are immunosuppressed – a deficiency of the immune system. Reports show that one million Americans suffer from this viral infection.

Famvir has also shown medical efficiency in treating genital herpes. Further more, it also used as a drug for herpes infection on the mouth or lips. It should not be confused as well that Famvir is not administered to heal herpes zoster or genital herpes. But it’s a good drug to ease and lessen the excruciating effects of herpes sores.

Before taking Famvir, your doctor needs to check on your condition. For people with minor and grave allergies, the doctor will consider your delicate reaction to certain drugs, food, preservatives, sulfites and other substances. The effects of Famvir whether harmful or beneficial have not been closely monitored on pregnant women, so it is best to inform your doctor about your present pregnancy state or if you are planning to get pregnant. There has not been a study also conducted to trace the effects of the drug in a mother’s milk or breast, so inform your doctor as well if you are currently breast feeding.

In if the case that you are using other drugs, discuss with your doctor about that present medication. Certain drug interaction may affect the efficiency of Famvir in your condition. If situation does not call to halting your other medication, the doctor may adjust, reduce or cancel your prescription of Famvir. Non-prescribed drugs can also cause drug interaction. An example of a drug that interacts with Famciclovir is probenecid.

The doctor will also need to check diseases or disorders you may be suffering from. Kidney problems may worsen the side effects of Famvir in your body.

When receiving a prescription of Famvir from your doctor, make sure you are oriented with the appropriate ways of administering the medicine. Doctors will often recommend Famvir intake during the first 48 hours after the occurrence of herpes zoster or shingles symptoms. Some of the symptoms are burning, blistering and pain. For genital herpes, Famvir intake must be done during the first 48 hours after the occurrence of the symptoms such as blistering and pain.

Ask you doctor if you can take Famvir without food. Usually though, Famvir is taken with your regular meal.

Always follow the instruction of your doctor. This will help you improve your condition and heal the sores brought about by the infection. Do not change your Famvir dosage even if you feel that the symptoms seem to be subsiding.

Famvir side effects include those that are more common and rare. Headache is said to be a more common side effect while less common ones are nausea, tiredness, vomiting and dizziness. You may experience other undesirable side effects of Famvir during the first few days of treatment. Make it a point to inform your doctor of any of these side effects.

Efficiency always depends on the consistency and promptness of your dosing. Cooperate with your doctor and take regular visits. Keep Famvir tablets away from the children’s reach. Store it in dry places with temperature not more than 30 degrees Celsius.