Famciclovir

Famciclovir is a prescription-only antiviral medication that is used to treat viruses in the herpes family, including:

• herpes zoster which causes shingles (a painful rash on the body)
• herpes simplex which causes infections around the mouth (cold sores) and the anus and genitals (genital herpes)

Famciclovir doesn’t cure herpes infections (there is no cure for herpes), instead it can improve the symptoms and help them clear up quicker. In people who have regular outbreaks of symptoms, it can also reduce how often these outbreaks happen.

Famciclovir works by stopping the herpes virus from multiplying inside your body. Stopping a virus multiplying prevents it from spreading and makes it easier for your immune system to fight it.

How long does famciclovir take to work?

Studies show that famciclovir can help your herpes sores clear up in as little as 4 days. This is around 2 days faster than without any treatment. It can also make the pain and discomfort of the sores go away around 1 day faster too. Even so, it can take up to 10 days for herpes symptoms to clear up even when taking medication.

Once you have a prescription for famciclovir, you can get it filled at most pharmacies in the UK. Some online doctor services like ZAVA can help you order famciclovir online.

Can I buy famciclovir online?

Yes, you can buy famciclovir online from licensed online doctors and pharmacy services such as ZAVA. To buy Famciclovir with ZAVA, all you need to do is fill in a brief online questionnaire. Our team of UK-registered doctors will review your answers and prescribe famciclovir if it’s suitable for you. Your medication will then be sent to an address of your choice via our discreet delivery service.

Can you get famciclovir over-the-counter?

No, famciclovir is only available with a prescription. You can’t get prescription herpes treatment over-the-counter. If you’re not sure about getting a prescription, you could use ZAVA to order your treatment online.

Famciclovir tablets should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food. Always take your famciclovir tablets as advised by your doctor. For more information, check the information leaflet that comes with your medication.

For genital herpes, famciclovir works best in the first 48 hours after you get symptoms. So you should always take it as soon as you can after you notice the symptoms of a herpes outbreak. If you take it after the first 48 hours, it may take longer to work.

Famciclovir tablets come in:

• 125mg
• 250mg
• 500mg
• 750mg
• 1000mg

The dose you’re prescribed and how often you’re meant to take it depends on:

• what you’re taking famciclovir for
• whether or not it’s your first herpes outbreak
• your current health status

Because a doctor takes all these into account when they prescribe famciclovir, it’s important to stick to the dose they prescribe.

125mg

This dose can be taken 2 times a day for 5 days for people who are having a repeat outbreak of genital herpes and who don’t have any extra health considerations.

250mg

This dose is taken twice a day for 6-12 months in a row to help avoid genital herpes outbreaks. This is known as a herpes suppression treatment and is usually prescribed if you get recurrent outbreaks. It can also be taken 3 times a day for 5 days when someone is having their first ever outbreak.

500mg

This dose has the most use-cases for people who have a weak immune system for treating and preventing outbreaks of herpes, and for treating cold sores and shingles. The number of tablets taken daily and the length of treatment varies based on what’s being treated.

750mg

This is only used 1 to 2 times a day for 7 days as an alternative dosing schedule for treating shingles.

1000mg or 1g

This is taken twice a day for just one day as an alternative option for treating repeat herpes outbreaks.

Headaches are the most common side effect, affecting over 10% of people who take famciclovir.

Common famciclovir side effects that up to 10% of people get, include:

• nausea (feeling sick)
• diarrhoea
• stomach pain
• dizziness

These are usually mild and not serious, but if they continue for a long time or get worse, speak to a doctor.

Less common famciclovir side effects that up to 1% of people get, include:

• mental changes or changes in mood, like confusion, agitation, dizziness or drowsiness
• somnolence (feeling very tired and ready to fall asleep)
• angioedema (swelling on your face and neck)

Rare famciclovir side effects that only affect up to 1 in every 1000 people, include:

• thrombocytopaenia (a purplish rash or blotches on the skin)
• hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there)
• palpitations (fast or irregular heart rate)
• cholestatic jaundice (yellowing or itching of the skin)
• anaphylactic shock, which is a severe allergic reaction that presents as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and neck, skin rash, vomiting, fainting, dizziness and fast heart rate (this is an emergency and you need to call an ambulance)
• seizures (fits)
• serious skin reactions

If you have any of these symptoms, get medical help from your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider right away.

Famciclovir may not be safe for some people. Your doctor will ask you some questions before prescribing famciclovir tablets. You should tell your doctor if you:

• are allergic to famciclovir, penciclovir or any other antiviral medication
• have a history of kidney problems
• have liver problems
• are under 18
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Famciclovir does not normally react with other medications, but be sure to tell your doctor about any other treatments you are taking, including herbal remedies and supplements. It’s a good idea not to drink alcohol or use marijuana (weed) while taking famciclovir, since this can make some of the side effects worse.

As well as famciclovir, there are other antiviral medications available that work in a similar way, including:

• aciclovir (Zovirax)
• valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Both of these are very similar to famciclovir and work in similar ways, but they can cause slightly different side effects. In cases of severe herpes outbreaks, or for immunocompromised patients, aciclovir might be given via IV (into your vein). Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is best for you.

Is famciclovir better than valaciclovir?

A review of famciclovir vs valaciclovir shows that herpes might come back slightly faster with famciclovir.

Even so, all 3 antiviral medications (aciclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir) are highly effective in treating herpes symptoms. Your doctor will decide which one is right for you based on your symptoms, immune system, lifestyle, and overall health.