Sign inBefore taking famciclovir
Before taking famciclovir make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have kidney problems.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take famciclovir
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take famciclovir exactly as directed by your doctor. You may take it before or after food.
- Try to take famciclovir at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. Spread your doses out evenly during the day.
- You must complete the course of famciclovir, otherwise your infection may return.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you have been prescribed famciclovir for genital herpes, it is recommended that you wear a condom during sexual contact to prevent spreading the infection, even if treatment with famciclovir has begun. You should not have sex however, if you have sores or blisters.
- If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking famciclovir.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with famciclovir.
Can famciclovir cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick, stomach ache | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Itching and/or rash | If this becomes a problem, speak with your doctor |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues speak with your doctor |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids |
| Tiredness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store famciclovir
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Famciclovir Tablets®, Winthrop Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2009, accessed January 2011.
- British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.