Famvir

What is Famvir?

Famvir is an antiviral medication that treats genital herpes and shingles. Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: type 1 and type 2. Both types can cause painful blisters and ulcers during an active outbreak, but it often presents without any symptoms at all.

HSV-1 is usually the culprit for cold sores that appear around your mouth. It can also cause genital herpes. People who have genital herpes caused by HSV-1 don’t usually have frequent outbreaks. But genital herpes caused by HSV-2 often leads to recurrent outbreaks that happen more often.

Each type of genital herpes can be spread through sexual contact, but contact with bodily fluids and skin can also transmit the infection. There isn’t a cure for herpes, so if you have it you can’t get rid of it. Treatments like Famvir help to treat the symptoms and prevent you from transmitting it to someone else.

How does Famvir work?

Famvir prevents viruses like HSV from multiplying so that outbreaks are shorter and less severe. It may also reduce the unpleasant side effects from an outbreak like itching and burning. There’s no cure for HSV, but Famvir helps people manage their symptoms and prevents uncomfortable outbreaks.

What doses of Famvir are there?

You can get Famvir in three different doses: 125 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg. Each dose has a specific indication for treating genital herpes.

During your first outbreak, our clinician will normally prescribe 250 mg of Famvir three times a day for five days. Subsequent outbreaks can be treated with 125 mg of Famvir twice a day for five days. You may also be prescribed a treatment to prevent future outbreaks. In most cases, this is 250 mg twice a day. People who are immunocompromised will need 500 mg whether they’re treating an outbreak or trying to prevent outbreaks.

How to take Famvir

Famvir needs to be taken at specific intervals to provide adequate treatment for genital herpes. You should take it at the very first sign of an outbreak for best results. Taking it is convenient and easy. Simply swallow your pill whole with water. Don’t chew, crush, or split your pills.

If you are experiencing an outbreak of genital herpes, refrain from all sexual contact. You are much more likely to spread herpes during an outbreak.

How long does it take Famvir to work?

Your symptoms of genital herpes should improve within 72 hours of beginning Famvir treatment. If you’re not seeing an improvement in your condition by the end of your Famvir treatment, let our clinician know. There may be another medication that can help.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Famvir?

Forgetting to take Famvir can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Take your missed Famvir as soon as you remember it. Don’t take two doses within an hour, and avoid taking twice the amount to make up for a missed dose.

You should seek immediate medical treatment if you’ve taken too much Famvir. It can cause damage to your kidneys. People who have kidney issues are at increased risk of kidney failure if they take too much Famvir.

Medically reviewed by

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

on November 25, 2021.

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