Famvir (Famciclovir)

Generic Famvir (Famciclovir) overview

Famciclovir is a chemical substance, reproducing the guanosine, which has an antiviral effect in human body. The medication based on Famciclovir is used as a first-line treatment for herpes simplex virus, which is genital herpes, and herpes zoster, which is shingles. Several other conditions, such as cold sores, having the same viral origin, can be treated by Famciclovir as well. The medication is available in form of Famciclovir 750 mg, 500 mg, 250 mg tablets, and is taken orally.

Famciclovir was marketed by Novartis under the brand name of Famvir. Price of Famvir is still very high, even after the introduction of generic medications, approved by FDA in 2007. Today, there is a diversity of generic Famvir (Famciclovir) analogues, having the same effect on herpes virus, and reducing the average cost of Famvir (Famciclovir) so that all patients who require it, can afford the therapy. The medication requires prescription in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and most other developed countries, which may be very expensive to get.

Famciclovir usage

The main indications for Famciclovir usage include various forms of herpes. The drug is often used in HIV-positive patients, particularly in case of recurrent genital herpes manifestations. Famciclovir is especially effective if the therapy has started within the five days from the infection; in this case, the recurrence of the disease is very rare. It is possible to use Famciclovir for cats, but it is beyond the subject of this article.

The medication is taken orally, while the dosing is dependent on type of infection, patient's health conditions, and the time passed since the infection or symptoms' manifestation. The earlier the therapy is administered, the better are the results.

Commonly, Famvir or its generic analogues are used to treat herpes zoster and cold sores. In this case, self-medication is possible, if the patient is fully aware of the precautions, dosage and side effects of the drug. However, it's rather complicated to buy cheap Famvir (Famciclovir) tablets online without prescription in the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, India and other countries, where the drug is most popular.

Treatment of herpes simplex virus, or the genital form of herpes, requires attention of medical care specialist. In this case, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor before starting the therapy, in accordance with the precautions and instructions, included in the Famvir package. Individual dose adjustment may be required in this case, while regular monitoring of the therapy outcome prevents the viral infection from recurrence.

Famciclovir dosage

Typical Famciclovir dosage depends on type of infection, though it is approximately the same for all immunocompetent patients. There are Famciclovir 750 mg, 500 mg, 250 mg tablets and it's easy to control the dose of this drug.

For herpes zoster (shingles), the usual dose in adults is two Famciclovir 250 mg tablets (one Famciclovir 500 mg tablet) taken orally three times a day (preferably every 8 hours) for at least 7 days in a row. Cold sores (herpes labialis) require a massive intake of two 750 mg tablets or three 500 mg tablets, once (total dose of 1500 mg of Famciclovir).

Herpes simplex virus infection (genital herpes) requires professional medical advice, though usual dose of Famvir in case of such infection is equal to 500 mg of the medication twice a day for 5 days in a row.

The drug should be taken together with food or milk, regularly. Do not miss a dose, do not take double dose, if you have missed one. Continue treatment for the full course, independently of the symptoms. It is useless and dangerous to overdose the medication, and it's recommended to consult a doctor before trying to self-medicate.

Precautions and contraindications

Famciclovir is relatively safe and does not have many serious side effects. However, patients allergic to the drug or its components, should not take the medication. There are no known drug interactions with Famvir, yet it is necessary to inform the doctor about all the drugs you have been taken recently. Patients with kidney or liver problems should be especially careful taking Famvir. Medication is not recommended to pregnant, breast-feeding women, or those who plan to become pregnant.

Adverse effects of Famvir

There are no known side effects of Famvir except for moderate headaches, mild fever and possibly upset stomach. To avoid extreme stomach upset, it is recommended to take Famvir with sufficient amounts of food. Strictly following the precautions usually reduces the risk of adverse effects' manifestations to minimum.

How to order Famvir (Famciclovir) medication with no prescription

It is problematic to buy Famvir Australia over the counter, and it's even harder to find the prescription-only drug sold over the counter in the United States or the UK. Brand drug is way too expensive: price of Famciclovir at Walgreens makes patients look for a generic drug, and possibly without prescription. In this case, the best way is to find Famvir (Famciclovir) no prescription online pharmacy, where the medication is much cheaper and the purchase does not require additional expenses or visiting the doctor. Nevertheless, timely and thorough consultation with a medical care specialist is highly recommended, because it makes the treatment safe and effective.