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Famciclovir - Learn about Famciclovir Side Effects and Precautions

Famciclovir Information

The pharmacology action of Famciclovir is that it converts to penciclovir, which inhibits viral DNA replication by interfering with viral DNA polymerase.

Famciclovir is used in treatment of acute herpes zoster; treatment or suppression of recurrent genital herpes in immunocompetent patients; treatment of recurrent mucocutaneous herpes simplex infections in HIV-infected patients.

Interaction and Contraindication of Famciclovir

Interaction of Famciclovir - Digoxin:  Famciclovir may increase digoxin serum concentration.
Probenecid or other drugs significantly eliminated by active renal tubular secretion:  May increase famciclovir (penciclovir) serum concentrations

Contraindication of Famciclovir - Hypersensitivity to famciclovir, other components of the formulation, or penciclovir cream

Side Effects of Famciclovir

Here are the list of some common side effects of Famciclovir :

• Headache (39%); paresthesia, migraine (3%); confusion, delirium, disorientation, confusional state (postmarketing).
• Pruritus (4%); rash (3%); urticaria (postmarketing).
• Nausea (13%); diarrhea (9%); abdominal pain (8%); vomiting, flatulence (5%).
• Anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia (postmarketing
• Fatigue

Precaution and Warning while taking Famciclovir

The precaution and warnings of Famciclovir drug is as follows:

• Review dose and appropriate dosing schedule depending on condition being treated (shingles, cold sores, or recurrent genital herpes). Instruct patient to take medication exactly as prescribed and not to stop taking or change the dose unless advised by health care provider.
• Advise patient that medication can be taken without regard to meals but to take with food if stomach upset occurs.
• Remind patient using medication for recurrent episodes of genital herpes to initiate therapy at the first sign or symptom or recurrence and that medication may not be effective if started more than 6 hr after onset of signs or symptoms of recurrence.
• Advise patient with genital herpes that this drug is not a cure for genital herpes and does not prevent transmission of virus. Instruct patient to avoid sexual intercourse when lesions and/or symptoms are present to avoid infecting partner.
• Advise patient to contact health care provider if medication does not seem to be controlling lesions and/or symptoms or if intolerable side effects develop.
• Advise women to notify health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How to store Famciclovir

• Administer prescribed dose without regard to meals. Administer with food if GI upset occurs.
• Dose and duration of therapy is dependent on condition being treated.
• Store tablets at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F).