Famvir (Cont.)

 
Shingles
In previous studies that looked at using Famvir for shingles, Famvir helped shingles lesions heal faster and helped reduce pain. The medication also helped to prevent nerve pain associated with shingles. Studies have also suggested that Famvir is more effective when started within the first 48 hours after symptoms appear, and that it works better in people over 50 years old.
 
Genital Herpes
Previous studies have also evaluated Famvir for treating recurring genital herpes in people who experience more than six outbreaks per year. In these studies, taking Famvir at the first signs of a genital herpes outbreak decreased the time until the lesions were healed and decreased the time until all of the symptoms were gone.
 
Studies have also shown that taking Famvir every day can help prevent recurring genital herpes outbreaks. One study in people with six or more genital herpes outbreaks per year showed that after one year, 29 percent of people had not experienced a single outbreak, compared to only 6 percent of those not taking Famvir.
 
Cold Sores
In previous studies, taking Famvir within one hour of the onset of cold sore symptoms helped cold sores heal faster and decreased the time people experienced pain and tenderness.
 
Herpes in People With HIV
One study compared Famvir to oral acyclovir (Zovirax®) for treating herpes simplex infections (such as cold sores or genital herpes) in people with HIV. This study showed that Famvir is just as good as acyclovir for treating these conditions.
 

When and How to Take Famvir

Some general considerations for when and how to take Famvir include:
 
  • Famvir comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth. For some uses, it is taken every day; for other uses, it is taken just for a day or for a week.
     
  • Famvir can be taken with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Make sure to take Famvir as your healthcare provider prescribes.
     
(Famvir Continued: Page 3)
Pages:

Previous 1   2   3   4   5 Next

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;