What is Famvir and what are its uses?

Famvir is an antiviral medication, which slows down the growth and reduces the severity of herpes virus. While this medication is very effective in treating the herpes virus infection by reducing the severity of the symptoms, it does not cure it. The same virus also causes various other health conditions such as chickenpox, genital herpes, cold sores and shingles. Take this medication for the entire course as prescribed by your doctor. Sometimes, your symptoms may get better even prior to completion of the whole course, even then don't stop using the drug. For best results, you should start taking this medication within the first few hours of the outbreak.

People with an infection can pass it on to other people. Even if you are using Valtrex, you can infect other people. Stay at a safe distance from everyone if you are infected. Touching an infected area can be worse. Wash your hands frequently so that you do not pass this infection to other people.

When you should not take it?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. If you are suffering from any kind of kidney disease, galactose intolerance or glucose malabsorption, you should tell your doctor about it. This will help your doctor to prescribe a proper dose to you.

Though this medication does not harm the unborn baby, it is advisable that a pregnant woman should not take it. A woman who is breastfeeding should also avoid it as this drug may pass into breast milk. Never take this medication without consulting a doctor, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and do not give this medication to children who are younger than 18 years of age.

Dosage

The dose of this drug depends on the severity of the symptoms and the health of the patient. You may be prescribed Famvir 125mg, which is a white coloured film-coated tablet. Never take this tablet on your own. Always consult a doctor before doing so.

Take it with a glass of water, before or after food. Taking this drug will also help you decrease stomach upset. Do not stop taking it till the infection is completely treated. Do not take this medication is larger amounts. If you miss a dose, you should carry on with the new dose. Never double dose to catch up with the cycle. It does not treat common cold or flu. Store it at room temperature and keep it away from children and animals.

Infections caused by herpes virus are contagious and you should avoid touching other people who are infected with the virus. You can get infected if you touch an infected person, especially the infected area. Do not touch the infected area and if you do so by chance, wash your hands thoroughly. Famvir helps in treatment of genital herpes, and not in preventing their spread. Avoid sexual intercourse and if at all you wish to do it, use a latex condom of good quality so that the infection is not spread to the other person.