Famciclovir (Famvir) Drug for Shingles: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Famciclovir
(Famvir, Canada)

Use:

Famciclovir or Famvir is used for shingles and genital herpes.

How It Works:

Famciclovir or Famvir is an antiviral drug which is actually the pro drug of penciclovir meaning that once in the body Famciclovir or Famvir is converted to the active penciclovir.
Famciclovir or Famvir inactivates viral DNA, meaning that the virus is not able to reproduce. It is effective against herpes viruses, specifically herpes zoster which causes shingles and herpes simplex which causes genital herpes.
Famciclovir or Famvir seems to be as effective as acyclovir, another antiviral drug, but it is more convenient to take - twice daily as opposed to four times daily.

Side Effects:

Famciclovir or Famvir is generally well tolerated with headache, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea being the most often occurring side effects.

Cautions for People:

Older people are as able to use Famciclovir or Famvir as younger people, but pregnant women should attempt to avoid it because its effects on the developing baby are not known.

Drug Interactions:

No clinically significant drug interactions have been reported with Famciclovir or Famvir.

Further Reading:

Drugs 1995;50:396
Med Letter 1994;36:97

Added to Virtual Drugstore August 1996.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.