Description
Virovir 250 mg containing active ingredient Famciclovir is US FDA approved drug used for the treatment of Herpes. It reduces the rate of growth of the Herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. Famciclovir is prescribed for the treatment of infections caused by herpes viruses in adults and children such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox. This medicine, however, will not cure the body of the virus. It will only reduce the symptoms of the infection. It is approved for the treatment of two types of HSV infections in healthy adults which includes Cold sores and Genital herpes. Your doctor may also prescribe it to treat or prevent opportunistic diseases like HIV. Famciclovir directly attacks the replication mechanism of the virus. It is a prodrug of Penciclovir that is known to inhibit the working of replication enzyme, DNA polymerase. This nucleoside analogue of DNA polymerase inhibitor drug thus prevents the increase in the number of infectious virus in the body.
Product Description
You must use a proper barrier contraceptive method while taking Famciclovir and for at least 12 weeks following the end of your treatment. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug. Ask your doctor to get the full list of the medications needed to be avoided while taking the medication as they may interfere it and can worsen the situation. Your doctor is fully aware of the drug to be avoided. Also tell him about the herbal or OTC medicine that you are taking, or you have been taking. Never start a new medication without the information of the doctor. You can get life-threatening side effects if you take Famciclovir with Alfuzosin, Amiodarone, Lovastatin, Midazolam, Quinidine, Pimozide, Rifampin, Sildenafil, Simvastatin, St. John’s Wort, Triazolam, or an ergot medicine like Dihydroergotamine, Ergonovine, Ergotamine, or Methylergonovine.
Side Effects
Famciclovir can lead to severe psychiatric problems such as severe depression, confusion, suicidal thoughts, aggression, extreme fear, hallucinations, or unusual behaviour. Inform you, doctor, right away if you get any of these side effects while taking Famciclovir, even if you have had them before. Also, tell your doctor if you notice muscle pain, diarrhea, stuffy nose, vision changes, skin rashes, tiredness, itching, joint pain, or unexplained weight loss.
How to Use
The dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, sex, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your doctor will determine your dosage after examining you properly. The usual dose is one 250/500 mg tablet once in a day. However, the dose strength will depend upon the condition of the patient, that is whether the drug is being given incompetent adult patients or HIV infected adult patients. Swallow the tablet with one glass full of water. Do not break the tablet. Take the drug exactly as directed. You can consume it with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. HIV is usually treated with a combination of drugs. Always take the prescribed medications as directed by your doctor. This antiviral drug controls the multiplication of HIV but does not cure the problem. Take the drugs as long as your doctor recommends you to take it.