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Famciclovir Coupon - Famciclovir 500mg tablet

famciclovir

Generic Famvir
Used for Shingles, Herpes, Cold Sores
Used for Shingles, Herpes, Cold Sores

Famciclovir is an antiviral medication used for the treatment of cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles. It works best if it's taken at the first sign of an outbreak.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 11, 2020
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Famciclovir?

What is Famciclovir used for?

  • Cold sores (herpes labialis)

  • Genital herpes

  • Shingles (herpes zoster)

How Famciclovir works

Famciclovir is converted in the body to an active, antiviral medication called penciclovir. Penciclovir prevents the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) from making copies of itself, which helps treat viral herpes outbreaks.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsFamvir (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassAntiviral
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Famciclovir?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Headache (up to 39%)
  • Nausea (up to 13%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 9%)
  • Stomach pain (up to 8%)

Other Side Effects

  • Menstrual cramps (females)
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Migraine
  • Dizziness
  • Gas
  • Itchiness
  • Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reactions

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Black, tarry stools

bleeding gums

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

blood in urine or stools

chills

clay-colored stools

cough

dark urine

dizziness

fever

joint or muscle pain

loss of appetite

pinpoint red spots on the skin

red, irritated eyes

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

unpleasant breath odor

unusual bleeding or bruising

vomiting of blood

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Cramps

diarrhea

headache

heavy bleeding

nausea

stomach pain

Less common

Bloated, full feeling

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feeling

confusion as to time, place, or person

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

hives or welts

holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact

itching skin

mood or mental changes

passing gas

rash

redness of skin

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Incidence not known

Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Famciclovir

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Pros

Can be taken with or without food

Only needs to be taken for one day to treat cold sores and genital herpes in adults without HIV

Works well for most people to shorten the duration of herpes outbreaks

Available as a generic, which can be more affordable

thumbs-down

Cons

Not a cure for HSV and VZV infections; only controls the outbreak

Needs to be taken at the first sign of an outbreak

Unknown if taking famciclovir can lower your risk of transmitting HSV to someone else

Can't be used in people younger than 18 years of age

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Famciclovir

pharmacist

  • Famciclovir works best if it's started at the first sign of an outbreak. For people taking it for recurring herpes outbreaks, it can be helpful to have a prescription available at the pharmacy or a course of medication at home.

    • Famciclovir should be started within 72 hours of the first appearance of a shingles-related rash.

      • Famciclovir isn't a cure for viral infections, but it can help control infection breakouts and shorten healing time. Continue to follow safe sex practices like using condoms.

        • Talk to your healthcare provider if you have an outbreak while you're pregnant or think you may be pregnant. They will instruct you on the best treatment options.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Famciclovir

          When should I take famciclovir?
          Famciclovir works best when it's taken at the first sign of an outbreak. It can be taken any time of the day, with or without food.
          How long does it take for famciclovir to work for cold sores?
          In clinical trials, the average time for cold sores to improve with famciclovir treatment was 4 days.
          Can famciclovir cure herpes?
          No, there is currently no cure for herpes. Famciclovir and other antiviral medications can only treat outbreaks.
          How often can you take famciclovir?
          Famciclovir can be taken when you have a herpes outbreak or flare. Talk to your provider if you think you are having too many outbreaks; they may recommend a lower dose that you can take every day to prevent outbreaks.
          Is famciclovir discontinued?
          The manufacturer stopped making the brand Famvir, but the generic version of the medication is still available.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Famciclovir?

          Famciclovir can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          KIDNEY PROBLEMS

          • Risk factors: History of kidney damage

            Worsening kidney problems have happened in people taking famciclovir who currently have or have had kidney problems. If you have a history of kidney problems, your provider will likely lower your dose of famciclovir to prevent further kidney damage. Make sure you get your blood labs drawn regularly so your provider can monitor how well your kidneys are working.

            risk-warning

            SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS

            • Risk factors: Allergy or intolerance to lactose

              Famciclovir tablets contain lactose. Tell your provider before starting this medication if you have a severe allergy or intolerance to lactose. If you experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, rash, or swelling of your face, lips, or throat, get medical help right away.

              dosage

              Famciclovir dosage forms

              The average cost for 21 tablets of 500mg of Famciclovir is $18.48 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 89.58% off the average retail price of $177.38.
              tablet
              Tablet
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              125mg30 tablets$10.50$0.35
              250mg60 tablets$27.60$0.46
              500mg21 tablets$18.48$0.88

              Typical dosing for Famciclovir

              • Cold sores: The typical dose is 1,500 mg by mouth for one dose.

              • Genital herpes: The typical dose is 1 gram by mouth twice daily for 1 day. To keep genital herpes from coming back (suppressive therapy), the dose is 250 mg twice daily.

              • Cold sores or genital herpes in adults with HIV: The typical dose is 500 mg by mouth twice daily for 7 days.

              • Shingles: The typical dose is 500 mg by mouth every 8 hours (3 times daily) for 7 days.

              Your dose may differ if you have kidney problems. Ask your provider to see what dose is right for you.

              interactions

              Interactions between Famciclovir and other drugs

              Famciclovir may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Famciclovir. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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              How much does Famciclovir cost?

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              contraindications-icon

              Famciclovir contraindications

              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Famciclovir will not be safe for you to take.

              • Allergy to Denavir (penciclovir) cream

              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Famciclovir?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Famciclovir. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Famciclovir
              Used for:

              • Cold sores (herpes labialis)

              • Genital herpes

              • Shingles (herpes zoster)

              $10.50 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
              Used for:
              $18.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Acyclovir (Zovirax)
              Used for:

              • Oral capsule, tablet, and suspension:

              • Buccal tablet (Sitavig):

              • Ointment:

              • Cream

              $10.50 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              latest news

              What is the latest news about Famciclovir?

              If your partner has herpes, will you definitely get it? Not necessarily. Learn about genital herpes transmission rates and how you can prevent passing the virus.

              What Are the Chances of Getting Herpes From an Infected Partner?

              If your partner has herpes, will you definitely get it? Not necessarily. Learn about genital herpes transmission rates and how you can prevent passing the virus.
              What’s the quickest way to kill a cold sore? Can using salt or Lysine knock it out? Our experts share their go-to treatments and remedies for cold sores.

              What Are Cold Sores, and How Can You Get Rid of Them? Causes, Treatments, and Pictures

              What’s the quickest way to kill a cold sore? Can using salt or Lysine knock it out? Our experts share their go-to treatments and remedies for cold sores.
              There’s no cure for shingles. However, there are treatment options to help manage pain, itching, and other symptoms. Here’s what you need to know.

              How to Treat Shingles: Medication, Pain Relief, Home Remedies and More

              There’s no cure for shingles. However, there are treatment options to help manage pain, itching, and other symptoms. Here’s what you need to know.
              Read on for answers to common questions about famciclovir (Famvir) interactions.

              6 Common Questions About Famciclovir (Famvir) Interactions

              Read on for answers to common questions about famciclovir (Famvir) interactions.
              Read on for famciclovir (Famvir) side effects to know about, from common to rare, and when to reach out to your healthcare team for further guidance.

              8 Famciclovir (Famvir) Side Effects You Should Know About

              Read on for famciclovir (Famvir) side effects to know about, from common to rare, and when to reach out to your healthcare team for further guidance.
              Famvir is an oral medication for infections caused by the herpes virus. Follow our famciclovir dosage guide to learn how to take it and when adjustments may be needed.

              Famciclovir (Famvir) Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

              Famvir is an oral medication for infections caused by the herpes virus. Follow our famciclovir dosage guide to learn how to take it and when adjustments may be needed.
              Famvir (famciclovir) and Valtrex (valacyclovir) are antivirals that treat cold sores and herpes. Which is more effective? Compare strength and side effects here.

              8 Things to Know About Famciclovir (Famvir) vs. Valacyclovir (Valtrex) for Treating Cold Sores

              Famvir (famciclovir) and Valtrex (valacyclovir) are antivirals that treat cold sores and herpes. Which is more effective? Compare strength and side effects here.
              Bothersome cold sores can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications. Learn how to treat cold sores and which medicines may work best for you.

              A Guide to Cold Sore Medicines (Prescription and OTC)

              Bothersome cold sores can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications. Learn how to treat cold sores and which medicines may work best for you.
              You can treat cold sores (oral herpes) with the right topicals. Explore prescription and over-the-counter herpes creams, including Abreva and Zovirax.

              Your Guide to Herpes Creams: Over-the-Counter and Prescription

              You can treat cold sores (oral herpes) with the right topicals. Explore prescription and over-the-counter herpes creams, including Abreva and Zovirax.
              If you’ve had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains inactive in your body. The virus can reactivate later, causing shingles – a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Learn more about shingles, including what causes it and when you should get the shingles vaccine.

              What Is Shingles, and How Do You Get It?

              If you’ve had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains inactive in your body. The virus can reactivate later, causing shingles – a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Learn more about shingles, including what causes it and when you should get the shingles vaccine.
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              Famciclovir images

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              White Oval I And 48 - Famciclovir 500mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "48" And "I".White Oval I And 48 - Famciclovir 500mg Tablet
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              This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Apo" And "Fam500".White Oval Fam500 And Apo - Famciclovir 500mg Tablet

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