An Overview of Famvir and Pregnancy
Famvir® (
famciclovir) is a prescription antiviral medication that is used to treat
shingles,
cold sores, and
genital herpes. It is generally considered safe for women who are pregnant. In previous animal studies involving Famvir and pregnancy, the drug did not cause any problems.
Famvir and Pregnancy Category B
The U.
S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category B is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but seem to be safe in animal pregnancy studies.
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines in the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category B medicine should be given to a pregnant woman only if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Famvir, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider the benefits and risks of using the medication during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.