Patient leaflet - FAMCICLOVIR 500 MG FILM-COATED TABLETS
Famciclovir 125 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg Film-coated Tablets
Package leaflet: Information for the patient
280 mm ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
; ; i<------- 37 mm ------->*<----- 33,825 mm
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
can affect your kidneys. =
Famciclovir with food _
You can take Famciclovir with or without food.
<-- 27 mm -->
What is in this leaflet
1. What Famciclovir is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take Famciclovir
3. How to take Famciclovir
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Famciclovir
6. Contents of the pack and other information
-
k1 |
What Famciclovir is and what it is used for
Famciclovir is an antiviral medicine. It stops the infecting virus from reproducing. Since the virus reproduces very early in the infection, you will benefit most from treatment if you take Famciclovir as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Famciclovir is used to treat two types of viral infections in adults:
- Shingles (herpes zoster), which is a viral infection caused by a virus called varicella zoster (the same virus that causes chickenpox). Famciclovir stops the virus from spreading in the body so that healing can occur faster
- Famciclovir is also used for the treatment of shingles in the area around the eye or of the eye itself (ophthalmic zoster)
- Genital herpes. Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2. It is normally spread by sexual contact. It causes blisters and burning or itching around the genitals, which may be painful. Famciclovir is used to treat genital herpes infections in adults. People who have frequent episodes of genital herpes can also take Famciclovir to help to prevent the attacks.
What you need to know before you take Famciclovir
Do not take Famciclovir
- If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to famciclovir, to any of the other ingredients of this medicine ( listed in section 6), or to penciclovir (the active metabolite of famciclovir and an ingredient of some other medicines)
Ask your doctor for advice if you think you may be allergic.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor before taking Famciclovir
- If you have kidney problems (or have had them before). Your doctor may decide to give you a lower dose of Famciclovir
- If you have problems with your body’s immune system
- If you have liver problems.
If any of these applies to you, tell your doctor before you take Famciclovir.
Children and adolescents (below the age of 18 years) Famciclovir is not recommended for use in children and adolescents.
Prevent passing genital herpes to others
If you are taking Famciclovir to treat or to suppress genital herpes, or you have had genital herpes in the past, you should still practise safe sex, including the use of condoms. This is important to prevent you passing the infection on to others.You should not have sex if you have genital sores or blisters.
Other medicines and Famciclovir
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
It is especially important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- Raloxifene (used to prevent and treat osteoporosis)
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.
Famciclovir is not to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding unless clearly necessary. Your doctor will discuss with you the potential risks of taking Famciclovir during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Driving and using machines In rare cases Famciclovir can cause dizziness, drowsiness or confusion. Do not drive or use machines if you have any of these symptoms while taking Famciclovir.
Famciclovir contains sodium
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per film-coated tablet, that is to say essentially “sodium-free”
How to take Famciclovir
hO
□□EiThTEi-EE-TIE
F
E hO A3a E
□□SiThTEi-EE-TIE
__________k
hO A3id □□SiThTEi-EE-TIE
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
- The daily dose and length of treatment will depend on the type of viral infection you have – see below.Your doctor will prescribe the correct dose for you
- For the best results start the medicine as soon as possible after the first signs and symptoms appear
- Do not have sexual contact with anyone if you have symptoms of genital herpes – even if you have started treatment with Famciclovir. This is because you could pass the herpes infection to your partner
- If you have or have had kidney problems, your doctor may decide to give you a lower dose of Famciclovir.
Dose for shingles
If you have a normal immune system, the recommended dose is:
- 500 mg, three times a day, for seven days.
If you have a reduced immune system, the recommended dose is:
- 500 mg three times a day, for ten days.
Dose for genital herpes
The dose depends on the state of your immune system, and the stage of your infection.
If you have a normal immune system, the doses are as follows:
For the first outbreak , the recommended dose is:
- 250 mg three times a day, for five days.
To treat further outbreaks , the recommended dose is:
- 125 mg twice a day, for five days.
To prevent future outbreaks, the recommended dose is:
- 250 mg twice a day.
Your doctor will tell you how long you need to continue taking your tablets.
| Length: 345 mm Width: 280 mm | |||
| Colours Used: | PANTONE® GREEN C | ||
| BLACK | 1 | ||
| Template | |||
| ZINC Ref: EAS4579a LEA FAMCICLOVIR 125MG 250MG 500MG FC TAB TUK FrCAN | Version: 3 7 July 2020 |
teva
280 mm
37 mm
345 mm
If you have a reduced immune system, the doses are as follows: To treat the current outbreak , the recommended dose is:
- 500 mg twice a day, for seven days.
To prevent future outbreaks, the dose is
- 500 mg twice a day.
Your doctor will tell you how long you need to continue taking your tablets.
If you take more Famciclovir than you should
If you have taken more tablets than you have been told to take, or if someone else accidentally takes your medicine, go to your doctor or hospital for advice immediately. Show them your pack of tablets.
Taking too much Famciclovir may affect the kidneys. In people who already have kidney problems it may, rarely, lead to kidney failure if their dose is not correctly lowered.
If you forget to take Famciclovir If you forget to take a dose of Famciclovir, you should take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose as scheduled. However, do not take two doses within a time interval of less than 1 hour, in that case you should skip the missed dose. Furthermore, do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
^4 Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Serious side effects of Famciclovir are: Most of these side effects are rare or uncommon (they affect between 1 to 100 in every 10,000 patients).
- Severe blistering of the skin or mucous membranes of the lips, eyes, mouth, nasal passages or genitals (these could be signs of a serious allergic skin reaction)
- Unexplained bruising, reddish or purplish patches on the skin or nosebleeds (these could be signs of a decrease in the number of blood platelets).
- Swelling below the surface of the skin (e.g. facial swelling, swelling around eye, eyelid swelling, throat swelling).
- Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (signs of jaundice).
The frequency of the following side effects is not known (cannot be estimated from the available data):
- Purple skin patches, itching, burning (signs of inflamed blood vessels).
- Seizures or fits.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing. Rash, itching, hives, wheezing or coughing, light- headedness, dizziness, changes in levels of consciousness. Hypotension, with or without generalised itching, skin reddening, facial/throat swelling, blue discoloration of the lips, tongue or skin (signs of severe allergic reaction).
Contact a doctor or go to the emergency department at your nearest hospital straight away if you get any of these effects.
Very common side effects (these side effects affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Headache.
Common side effects (these side effects affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Itching
- Liver function test giving abnormal results.
Uncommon side effects (these side effects affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- Confusion (usually in the elderly)
- Drowsiness (usually in the elderly)
- Itchy rash (urticaria)
Rare side effects (these side effects affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there) Palpitations (signs of abnormal heart-beat)
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
^5| how to store famciclovir
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister after „EXP“ The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Keep the blister in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
Do not use Famciclovir if you notice the pack is damaged or shows signs of tampering.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
^6| contents of the pack and other information
What Famciclovir Film-coated tablets contain
The active substance is famciclovir. One tablet contains 125 mg, 250 mg or 500 mg of famciclovir.
The other ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose E460, sodium starch glycolate (Type A), colloidal anhydrous silica E551, low substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium stearyl fumarate, titanium dioxide E 171, polydextrose, hypromellose, triacetin and macrogol.
What Famciclovir Film-coated tablets look like and contents of the pack
Famciclovir 125 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg Film-coated Tablets
Package leaflet: Information for the patient
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
What is in this leaflet
1. What Famciclovir is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take Famciclovir
3. How to take Famciclovir
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Famciclovir
6. Contents of the pack and other information
l) What Famciclovir is and what it is used for
Famciclovir is an antiviral medicine. It stops the infecting virus from reproducing. Since the virus reproduces very early in the infection, you will benefit most from treatment if you take Famciclovir as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Famciclovir is used to treat two types of viral infections in adults:
- Shingles (herpes zoster), which is a viral infection caused by a virus called varicella zoster (the same virus that causes chickenpox). Famciclovir stops the virus from spreading in the body so that healing can occur faster
- Famciclovir is also used for the treatment of shingles in the area around the eye or of the eye itself (ophthalmic zoster)
- Genital herpes. Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2. It is normally spread by sexual contact. It causes blisters and burning or itching around the genitals, which may be painful. Famciclovir is used to treat genital herpes infections in adults. People who have frequent episodes of genital herpes can also take Famciclovir to help to prevent the attacks.
What you need to know before you take Famciclovir
Do not take Famciclovir
- If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to famciclovir, to any of the other ingredients of this medicine ( listed in section 6), or to penciclovir (the active metabolite of famciclovir and an ingredient of some other medicines)
Ask your doctor for advice if you think you may be allergic.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor before taking Famciclovir
- If you have kidney problems (or have had them before). Your doctor may decide to give you a lower dose of Famciclovir
- If you have problems with your body’s immune system
- If you have liver problems.
If any of these applies to you, tell your doctor before you take Famciclovir.
Children and adolescents (below the age of 18 years)
Famciclovir is not recommended for use in children and adolescents.
- Raloxifene (used to prevent and treat osteoporosis)
- Probenecid (used to treat high blood levels of uric acid associated with gout and to increase blood levels of — penicillin type __
antibiotics), or any other = medicine that can affect ™ your kidneys. “
Famciclovir with food
You can take Famciclovir with or without food.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.
Famciclovir is not to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding unless clearly necessary. Your doctor will discuss with you the potential risks of taking Famciclovir during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Driving and using machines
In rare cases Famciclovir can cause dizziness, drowsiness or confusion. Do not drive or use machines if you have any of these symptoms while taking Famciclovir.
Famciclovir contains sodium
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per film-coated tablet, that is to say essentially “sodium-free”
[3) How to take Famciclovir
<-- 27 mm -->
hO
□□EiThTEi-EE-TIE
E hO A3a E
□ □SiTtiTEi-EE-TIE __________k
hO A3id □□SiThTEi-EE-TIE
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
- The daily dose and length of treatment will depend on the type of viral infection you have – see below.Your doctor will prescribe the correct dose for you
- For the best results start the medicine as soon as possible after the first signs and symptoms appear
- Do not have sexual contact with anyone if you have symptoms of genital herpes – even if you have started treatment with Famciclovir. This is because you could pass the herpes infection to your partner
- If you have or have had kidney problems, your doctor may decide to give you a lower dose of Famciclovir.
Dose for shingles
If you have a normal immune system, the recommended dose is:
- 500 mg, three times a day, for seven days.
If you have a reduced immune system, the recommended dose is:
- 500 mg three times a day, for ten days.
Dose for genital herpes
The dose depends on the state of your immune system, and the stage of your infection.
Prevent passing genital herpes to others
If you are taking Famciclovir to treat or to suppress genital herpes, or you have had genital herpes in the past, you should still practise safe sex, including the use of condoms. This is important to prevent you passing the infection on to others.You should not have sex if you have genital sores or blisters.
Other medicines and Famciclovir
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
It is especially important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:
If you have a normal immune system, the doses are as follows: For the first outbreak , the recommended dose is:
- 250 mg three times a day, for five days.
To treat further outbreaks , the recommended dose is:
- 125 mg twice a day, for five days.
To prevent future outbreaks , the recommended dose is:
- 250 mg twice a day.
Your doctor will tell you how long you need to continue taking your tablets.
| ZINC Ref: EAS4807c LEA FAMCICLOVIR 125MG 250MG 500MG FC TAB TUK (BRS ULM) FrCAN | Version:2 | 14 July 2020 | |||
| te^a
| Length: 345 mm Width: 280 mm | Colours Used: | ■PANTONE®GREENU ^^bbbac^^m Template | ||
280 mm
37 mm
345 mm
If you have a reduced immune system, the doses are as follows: To treat the current outbreak , the recommended dose is:
- 500 mg twice a day, for seven days.
To prevent future outbreaks , the dose is
- 500 mg twice a day.
Your doctor will tell you how long you need to continue taking your tablets.
If you take more Famciclovir than you should
If you have taken more tablets than you have been told to take, or if someone else accidentally takes your medicine, go to your doctor or hospital for advice immediately. Show them your pack of tablets.
Taking too much Famciclovir may affect the kidneys. In people who already have kidney problems it may, rarely, lead to kidney failure if their dose is not correctly lowered.
If you forget to take Famciclovir
If you forget to take a dose of Famciclovir, you should take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose as scheduled. However, do not take two doses within a time interval of less than 1 hour, in that case you should skip the missed dose. Furthermore, do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Serious side effects of Famciclovir are:
Most of these side effects are rare or uncommon (they affect between 1 to 100 in every 10,000 patients).
- Severe blistering of the skin or mucous membranes of the lips, eyes, mouth, nasal passages or genitals (these could be signs of a serious allergic skin reaction)
- Unexplained bruising, reddish or purplish patches on the skin or nosebleeds (these could be signs of a decrease in the number of blood platelets).
- Swelling below the surface of the skin (e.g. facial swelling, swelling around eye, eyelid swelling, throat swelling).
- Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (signs of jaundice).
The frequency of the following side effects is not known (cannot be estimated from the available data):
- Purple skin patches, itching, burning (signs of inflamed blood vessels).
- Seizures or fits.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing. Rash, itching, hives, wheezing or coughing, light- headedness, dizziness, changes in levels of consciousness. Hypotension, with or without generalised itching, skin reddening, facial/throat swelling, blue discoloration of the lips, tongue or skin (signs of severe allergic reaction).
Contact a doctor or go to the emergency department at your nearest hospital straight away if you get any of these effects.
Very common side effects (these side effects affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Headache.
Common side effects (these side effects affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Itching
- Liver function test giving abnormal results.
Uncommon side effects (these side effects affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- Confusion (usually in the elderly)
- Drowsiness (usually in the elderly)
- Itchy rash (urticaria)
Rare side effects (these side effects affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there) Palpitations (signs of abnormal heart-beat)
How to store Famciclovir
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister after „EXP“ The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Keep the blister in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
Do not use Famciclovir if you notice the pack is damaged or shows signs of tampering.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Famciclovir Film-coated tablets contain
The active substance is famciclovir. One tablet contains 125 mg, 250 mg or 500 mg of famciclovir.
The other ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose E460, sodium starch glycolate (Type A), colloidal anhydrous silica E551, low substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, croscarmellose sodium, sodium stearyl fumarate, titanium dioxide E 171, polydextrose, hypromellose, triacetin and macrogol.
What Famciclovir Film-coated tablets look like and contents of the pack
Famciclovir comes in 3 different strengths of tablets which can be identified by their inscription:125 mg: White to off-white, round, film-coated tablets, engraved 8117 on one side and 93 on the other side.
250 mg: White to off-white, round, film-coated tablets, engraved 8118 on one side and 93 on the other side.
500 mg: White capsule shaped film-coated tablets, engraved 93 on one side and 8119 on the other side
The 125 mg tablets come in packs of: 1, 10, 21 & 30 film-coated tablets. Hospital packs of 50 (50 × 1) film-coated tablets.
The 250 mg tablets come in packs of: 1, 12, 14, 15, 20, 21, 30, 56 & 60 film-coated tablets. Hospital packs of 50 (50 × 1) film-coated tablets. The 500 mg tablets come in packs of: 1, 10, 14, 15, 20, 21, 30, 56 & 60 film-coated tablets. Hospital packs of 50 (50 × 1) film-coated tablets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
TEVA UK Limited, Eastbourne, BN22 9AG.
Company responsible for manufacture
TEVA UK Limited, Eastbourne, BN22 9AG.
This leaflet was last revised:
July 2020
PL 00289/0975–7
‘ZZZU
TEVA UK LIMITED
EAS4579a a
| ZINC Ref: EAS4807c LEA FAMCICLOVIR 125MG 250MG 500MG FC TAB TUK (BRS ULM) FrCAN | Version: 2 14 July 2020 |
teva
Length:
Width:
Depth:
345 mm
280 mm
Colours Used:
PANTONE® GREEN C
BLACK
Template
280 mm ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
; ; i<------- 37 mm ------->*<----- 33,825 mm
345 mm
Famciclovir 125 mg, 250 mg and 500 mg Film-coated Tablets
Package leaflet: Information for the patient
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
What is in this leaflet
-
1. What Famciclovir is and what it is used for
-
2. What you need to know before you take Famciclovir
-
3. How to take Famciclovir
-
4. Possible side effects
-
5. How to store Famciclovir
-
6. Contents of the pack and other information
l) What Famciclovir is and what it is used for
Famciclovir is an antiviral medicine. It stops the infecting virus from reproducing. Since the virus reproduces very early in the infection, you will benefit most from treatment if you take Famciclovir as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Famciclovir is used to treat two types of viral infections in adults:
- Shingles (herpes zoster), which is a viral infection caused by a virus called varicella zoster (the same virus that causes chickenpox). Famciclovir stops the virus from spreading in the body so that healing can occur faster
- Famciclovir is also used for the treatment of shingles in the area around the eye or of the eye itself (ophthalmic zoster)
- Genital herpes. Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2. It is normally spread by sexual contact. It causes blisters and burning or itching around the genitals, which may be painful. Famciclovir is used to treat genital herpes infections in adults. People who have frequent episodes of genital herpes can also take Famciclovir to help to prevent the attacks.
What you need to know before you take Famciclovir
Do not take Famciclovir
- If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to famciclovir, to any of the other ingredients of this medicine ( listed in section 6), or to penciclovir (the active metabolite of famciclovir and an ingredient of some other medicines)
Ask your doctor for advice if you think you may be allergic.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor before taking Famciclovir
- If you have kidney problems (or have had them before). Your doctor may decide to give you a lower dose of Famciclovir
- If you have problems with your body’s immune system
- If you have liver problems.
If any of these applies to you, tell your doctor before you take Famciclovir.
Children and adolescents (below the age of 18 years)
Famciclovir is not recommended for use in children and adolescents.
- Raloxifene (used to prevent and treat osteoporosis)
- Probenecid (used to treat high blood levels of uric acid associated with gout and to increase blood levels of — penicillin type __
antibiotics), or any other = medicine that can affect ™ your kidneys. “
Famciclovir with food
You can take Famciclovir with or without food.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.
Famciclovir is not to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding unless clearly necessary. Your doctor will discuss with you the potential risks of taking Famciclovir during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Driving and using machines
In rare cases Famciclovir can cause dizziness, drowsiness or confusion. Do not drive or use machines if you have any of these symptoms while taking Famciclovir.
Famciclovir contains sodium
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per film-coated tablet, that is to say essentially “sodium-free”
[3) How to take Famciclovir
<-- 27 mm -->
hO
□□EiThTEi-EE-TIE
E hO A3a E
□ □SiTtiTEi-EE-TIE __________k
hO A3id □□SiThTEi-EE-TIE
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
- The daily dose and length of treatment will depend on the type of viral infection you have – see below.Your doctor will prescribe the correct dose for you
- For the best results start the medicine as soon as possible after the first signs and symptoms appear
- Do not have sexual contact with anyone if you have symptoms of genital herpes – even if you have started treatment with Famciclovir. This is because you could pass the herpes infection to your partner
- If you have or have had kidney problems, your doctor may decide to give you a lower dose of Famciclovir.
Dose for shingles
If you have a normal immune system, the recommended dose is:
- 500 mg, three times a day, for seven days.
If you have a reduced immune system, the recommended dose is:
- 500 mg three times a day, for ten days.
Dose for genital herpes
The dose depends on the state of your immune system, and the stage of your infection.
Prevent passing genital herpes to others
If you are taking Famciclovir to treat or to suppress genital herpes, or you have had genital herpes in the past, you should still practise safe sex, including the use of condoms. This is important to prevent you passing the infection on to others.You should not have sex if you have genital sores or blisters.
Other medicines and Famciclovir
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
It is especially important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:
If you have a normal immune system, the doses are as follows: For the first outbreak , the recommended dose is:
- 250 mg three times a day, for five days.
To treat further outbreaks , the recommended dose is:
- 125 mg twice a day, for five days.
To prevent future outbreaks , the recommended dose is:
- 250 mg twice a day.
Your doctor will tell you how long you need to continue taking your tablets.
| ZINC Ref: EAS4807c LEA FAMCICLOVIR 125MG 250MG 500MG FC TAB TUK (BRS ULM) FrCAN | Version:2 | 14 July 2020 | |||
| te^a
| Length: 345 mm Width: 280 mm | Colours Used: | ■PANTONE®GREENU ^^bbbac^^m Template | ||
280 mm
37 mm
345 mm
If you have a reduced immune system, the doses are as follows: To treat the current outbreak , the recommended dose is:
- 500 mg twice a day, for seven days.
To prevent future outbreaks , the dose is
- 500 mg twice a day.
Your doctor will tell you how long you need to continue taking your tablets.
If you take more Famciclovir than you should
If you have taken more tablets than you have been told to take, or if someone else accidentally takes your medicine, go to your doctor or hospital for advice immediately. Show them your pack of tablets.
Taking too much Famciclovir may affect the kidneys. In people who already have kidney problems it may, rarely, lead to kidney failure if their dose is not correctly lowered.
If you forget to take Famciclovir
If you forget to take a dose of Famciclovir, you should take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose as scheduled. However, do not take two doses within a time interval of less than 1 hour, in that case you should skip the missed dose. Furthermore, do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Serious side effects of Famciclovir are:
Most of these side effects are rare or uncommon (they affect between 1 to 100 in every 10,000 patients).
- Severe blistering of the skin or mucous membranes of the lips, eyes, mouth, nasal passages or genitals (these could be signs of a serious allergic skin reaction)
- Unexplained bruising, reddish or purplish patches on the skin or nosebleeds (these could be signs of a decrease in the number of blood platelets).
- Swelling below the surface of the skin (e.g. facial swelling, swelling around eye, eyelid swelling, throat swelling).
- Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (signs of jaundice).
The frequency of the following side effects is not known (cannot be estimated from the available data):
- Purple skin patches, itching, burning (signs of inflamed blood vessels).
- Seizures or fits.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing. Rash, itching, hives, wheezing or coughing, light- headedness, dizziness, changes in levels of consciousness. Hypotension, with or without generalised itching, skin reddening, facial/throat swelling, blue discoloration of the lips, tongue or skin (signs of severe allergic reaction).
Contact a doctor or go to the emergency department at your nearest hospital straight away if you get any of these effects.
Very common side effects (these side effects affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- Headache.
Common side effects (these side effects affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Itching
- Liver function test giving abnormal results.
Uncommon side effects (these side effects affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- Confusion (usually in the elderly)
- Drowsiness (usually in the elderly)
- Itchy rash (urticaria)
Rare side effects (these side effects affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there) Palpitations (signs of abnormal heart-beat)