What is famciclovir used for?

Famciclovir is an antiviral used to treat shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores, and recurrent genital herpes in adults. It can also be prescribed to suppress recurrent genital herpes outbreaks. It helps sores heal faster and eases symptoms but does not cure herpes infections.

Is famciclovir the same as Famvir?

Yes. Famciclovir is the generic name for the brand-name medication Famvir. Both contain the same active ingredient and are FDA-approved for the same uses.

Do I need a prescription for famciclovir?

Yes, famciclovir is a prescription-only medication in the United States. A licensed healthcare provider must review your health information and determine that it is appropriate for you before it can be dispensed.

How does ordering and shipping work?

After you complete a brief health questionnaire, a licensed provider reviews your information and, if appropriate, issues a prescription. Your medication is then filled and shipped directly to you from a licensed U.S. pharmacy.

How quickly does famciclovir work?

Famciclovir works best when started as early as possible — within 72 hours of a shingles rash or at the first sign of a cold sore or genital herpes outbreak. Many people notice symptoms begin to improve within a few days, though results vary.

Does famciclovir cure herpes?

No. Famciclovir treats outbreaks and can reduce their frequency when used for suppression, but it does not eliminate the virus from the body. It also does not fully prevent spreading herpes to others, so continue to follow your provider's prevention guidance.

What are the most common side effects of famciclovir?

The most commonly reported side effects are headache and nausea. Diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, and itching can also occur. Contact your provider if side effects are severe or do not go away.

Famciclovir 500mg

Name: Famciclovir 500mg
Brand: All Family Pharmacy
SKU: famciclovir-500mg
Availability: InStock

Generic For: Famvir

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Famciclovir is a prescription antiviral medication used to treat shingles (herpes zoster), cold sores, and recurrent genital herpes outbreaks. The 500mg tablet is the generic form of Famvir. After a licensed provider reviews your information and issues a prescription, your medication ships from a licensed U.S. pharmacy.

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Famciclovir (Famvir) — an antiviral tablet for shingles, cold sores, and genital herpes

Medically reviewed by David Paul Mackarey, RPh, Pharmacist-in-Charge

Famciclovir 500mg Quick Facts

Drug class	Antiviral (nucleoside analogue)
Treats	Shingles, cold sores, genital herpes
Form	Tablet
Typical dosing	Take 1 tablet by mouth every 8 hours for 7 days. Start within 72 hours of the rash. Complete the full course.
Prescription required	Yes — prescription only

What Is Famciclovir 500mg?

Famciclovir is an oral antiviral medicine that works against herpes viruses. In the body it is converted to penciclovir, which blocks the virus from copying itself, helping sores heal faster and reducing pain and other symptoms. It is the generic equivalent of the brand-name drug Famvir. Famciclovir manages outbreaks but does not cure herpes infections or prevent transmission to others.

What Does Famciclovir 500mg Treat?

Shingles (herpes zoster) in adults
Cold sores (recurrent herpes labialis) in adults
Recurrent genital herpes outbreaks
Suppression of recurrent genital herpes
Recurrent orolabial or genital herpes in HIV-infected adults

Famciclovir 500mg Dosage

Shingles: 500 mg by mouth every 8 hours for 7 days
Cold sores: 1500 mg by mouth as a single dose
Recurrent genital herpes: 1000 mg by mouth twice daily for 1 day

Your prescriber will determine the dose and duration that are right for you. Always follow the directions on your prescription label.

Famciclovir 500mg Side Effects

Common side effects

Headache
Nausea
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Vomiting
Dizziness
Itching (pruritus)

Serious side effects

Stop taking this medication and seek medical attention right away if you experience:

Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing)
Confusion, hallucinations, or agitation (especially in older adults)
Signs of kidney problems (decreased urination, swelling)
Unusual bruising, bleeding, or signs of low blood counts

Warnings & Interactions

Do not use if allergic to famciclovir, penciclovir, or Denavir cream
Dose adjustment required in patients with reduced kidney function
Acute kidney injury reported when dosing is not adjusted for renal impairment
Tablets contain lactose; not suitable for galactose intolerance or Lapp lactase deficiency
Efficacy not established for initial-episode genital herpes or in immunocompromised patients other than HIV-infected adults
Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
Does not cure herpes or eliminate the risk of spreading it to others

Tell your prescriber about all medications, supplements, and health conditions before starting famciclovir 500mg.