Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: FAMCICLOVIR (fam-SYE-kloe-vir)
This medicine is an antiviral used for treating herpes zoster infection (shingles). It is also used to treat recurring herpes skin infections in patients who also have HIV infection. This medicine is also used to treat recurring cold sores and to treat or suppress recurring genital herpes. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose absorption problems. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. IF YOU ARE TREATING GENITAL HERPES OR COLD SORES, start using this medicine at the first sign of an outbreak or cold sore as directed by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. IF YOU ARE TREATING SHINGLES, COLD SORES, GENITAL HERPES, OR HERPES SKIN INFECTION, take this medicine for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days. IF YOU ARE USING THIS MEDICINE TO SUPPRESS genital herpes, continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to penciclovir. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS OR DIZZINESS. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use this medicine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. GENITAL HERPES PATIENTS: THIS MEDICINE IS NOT A CURE for genital herpes. It will not prevent the infection from spreading the virus to others. To decrease the chance of infecting your partner, do not have sexual intercourse when sores are present. It may also be possible to spread the virus even if you do not currently have signs or symptoms of herpes. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. Use this medicine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially delirium, disorientation, and confusion. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU BECOME PREGNANT, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS FOUND in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you use this medicine, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include diarrhea, gas, headache, nausea, stomach pain, tiredness, or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience change in the amount of urine produced; confusion; delirium; disorientation; hallucinations; red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin; unusual bruising or bleeding; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling or the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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