Famciclovir: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Famciclovir is an antiviral medicine and a prodrug of penciclovir, used to help control herpes virus infections. It is most commonly prescribed for recurrent genital herpes, cold sores, or shingles in adults. Famciclovir tablets require a prescription in the United Kingdom, and a generic version has been available since 2007-08-24.

Famciclovir is used in adults with recurrent cold sores, also called herpes labialis. It is also used for recurrent episodes of genital herpes and for suppressive treatment of recurrent genital herpes. In addition, it treats shingles, also called herpes zoster.

In adults living with HIV, famciclovir is used for recurrent episodes of oral or genital herpes. The label does not establish its safety and effectiveness for a first episode of genital herpes, eye shingles, or immunocompromised patients outside the stated HIV-related use.

It is also not established for recurrent genital herpes in Black and African American patients. Treatment for recurrent genital herpes or cold sores is most useful when started at the first signs or symptoms, while shingles treatment should begin as soon as it is diagnosed.

Famciclovir is an antiviral medicine. It is converted in the body into penciclovir, the active drug. Penciclovir blocks a viral DNA polymerase, an enzyme that herpes viruses need to copy their genetic material.

By slowing this copying process, famciclovir can limit the growth of the virus during an outbreak. This can help shorten or control episodes of cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. Suppressive treatment reduces viral activity between recurrent genital herpes episodes.

The medicine does not remove the virus from the body, so herpes infections can still recur. It also does not prevent every possible transmission of herpes infection.

The label lists 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg film-coated tablets for oral use. Famciclovir tablets may be taken with or without food.

The label lists 1500 mg as a single dose for recurrent cold sores in immunocompetent adults. The label lists 1000 mg twice daily for 1 day for recurrent genital herpes. The label lists 250 mg twice daily for suppressive treatment of recurrent genital herpes.

The label lists 500 mg every 8 hours for 7 days for shingles. The label lists 500 mg twice daily for 7 days for recurrent oral or genital herpes in HIV-infected adults.

The label lists dose adjustment based on creatinine clearance for renal impairment. The label lists different adjusted regimens according to renal function and dialysis status.

A missed dose means a scheduled dose was not taken at the intended time. General pharmacy advice is to take the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. If the next dose is due soon, the missed dose is usually omitted and the regular schedule is resumed.

A double dose should not be used to make up for a missed dose. Advice from a pharmacist or prescriber is appropriate if several doses are missed or uncertainty remains.

Available pharmacovigilance reports have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Untreated herpes simplex virus during pregnancy can pose risks to the fetus, so the need for treatment should be discussed with a doctor.

There are no data on famciclovir or penciclovir in human milk, or on effects on the breastfed infant or milk production. Breastfeeding benefits should be considered alongside the mother’s clinical need and possible effects on the infant.

Store famciclovir tablets at 20°C to 25°C, as stated on the label. Keep the tablets in their original packaging, protected from moisture and out of reach of children. Follow the label instructions to maintain quality.