Before taking herpes medication Famvir (famciclovir)

Famvir (famciclovir) is an antiviral medication used to stop/minimize the symptoms of recurrent genital herpes. It is also used to minimize the outbreaks of genital herpes, cold sores, and the rash and pain of shingles (herpes zoster).

Before taking Famvir - famciclovir

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric - No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of famciclovir in children under 18 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric - Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of famciclovir in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney disease, which may require an adjustment of dose in patients receiving this medicine.

Drug interactions - Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other interactions - Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

* Galactose intolerance or
* Glucose-galactose malabsorption or
* Severe lactase deficiency—Should not use in patients with these conditions
* Kidney disease—Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding - Famvir is in pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.