Famciclovir

Generic name: famciclovir [ fam-SYE-klo-veer ]
Brand name: Famvir
Dosage form: oral tablet (125 mg; 250 mg; 500 mg)
Drug class:Purine nucleosides

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 3, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is famciclovir?

Famciclovir is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses, including genital herpes, cold sores, and shingles.

Famciclovir is sometimes used in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who develop herpes outbreaks around the mouth, genitals, or anal area.

Famciclovir may not be effective in treating your first episode of genital herpes, but may help prevent future episodes. Famciclovir also may not be effective in Black or African-American people with genital herpes, and may not be effective in any person with shingles (herpes zoster) affecting the eyes.

There is no cure for herpes and famciclovir will not prevent you from developing symptoms in the future.

Famciclovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use famciclovir if you are allergic to famciclovir or penciclovir cream (Denavir).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• kidney dise...