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FAMVIR^®
(Fam'-veer)
(famciclovir) Tablets

Read this Patient Information before you start taking FAMVIR and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.

What is FAMVIR?

Famvir is a prescription antiviral medicine used to:

• treat outbreaks of cold sores (fever blisters) in healthy adults
• treat outbreaks of genital herpes in healthy adults
• decrease the number of outbreaks of genital herpes in healthy adults
• treat outbreaks of herpes simplex lesions in or around the mouth, genitals, and anal area in people infected with HIV
• treat shingles (herpes zoster) in adults with normal immune system

It is not known if FAMVIR is safe and effective in children younger than 18 years of age.

FAMVIR is not a cure for herpes. It is not known if FAMVIR can stop the spread of herpes to others. If you are sexually active, you can pass herpes to your partner even if you are taking FAMVIR. Herpes can be transmitted even if you do not have active symptoms. You should continue to practice safer sex to lower the chances of spreading genital herpes to others. Do not have sexual contact with your partner during an outbreak of genital herpes or if you have any symptoms of genital herpes. Use a condom made of latex or polyurethane when you have a sexual contact. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about safer sex practices.

Who should not take FAMVIR?

Do not take FAMVIR if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or to Denavir® (penciclovir cream). See the end of this Patient Information leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in FAMVIR.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking FAMVIR?

Before you start taking FAMVIR, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• have kidney or liver problems
• have a rare genetic problem with galactose intolerance, a severe lactase deficiency or you do not absorb glucose-galactose (malabsorption)
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if FAMVIR will harm your unborn baby
• Pregnancy Exposure Reporting: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation collects pregnancy reports which are reported on a voluntary basis. In case of pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider about reporting your pregnancy.
• are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:

• any other medicines and products you use to treat herpes outbreaks
• probenecid (Probalan)

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them with you to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist every time you get a new medicine.

How should I take FAMVIR?

• Take FAMVIR exactly as prescribed
• Your healthcare provider will tell you how many FAMVIR to take and when to take them. Your dose of FAMVIR and how often you take it may be different depending on your condition
• FAMVIR can be taken with or without food
• It is important for you to finish all of the medicine as prescribed, even if you begin to feel better
• Your symptoms may continue even after you finish all of your FAMVIR. This does not mean that you need more medicine, since you have already finished a full course of FAMVIR and it will continue to work in your body. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about your condition and your treatment

What are the possible side effects of FAMVIR?

The most common side effects of FAMVIR include:

• headache
• nausea

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of FAMVIR. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store FAMVIR?

• Store FAMVIR at room temperature between 59° and 86°F (15° to 30°C).

Keep FAMVIR and all medicines out of reach from children.

General information about FAMVIR

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in Patient Information leaflets. Do not use FAMVIR for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give FAMVIR to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

This leaflet summarizes the most important information about FAMVIR. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can give you information about FAMVIR that is written for health professionals. For more information, go to www.FAMVIR.com or call 1-888-669-6682.

What are the ingredients in FAMVIR?

Active ingredient: famciclovir

Inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycols, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide

Last reviewed on RxList: 2/16/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.