Penta (other name Famvir)

Product Description

Common use
Famciclovir is used to treat the symptoms of herpes zoster (also known as shingles), a herpes virus infection of the skin. It is used to treat and suppress herpes labialis (cold sores) and recurrent episodes of genital herpes infection. This medicine is also used to treat recurrent herpes virus infections of the mucous membranes (lips and mouth) and genitals in HIV-infected patients. Although famciclovir will not cure genital herpes or herpes zoster, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and helps the sores heal faster.

Dosage and direction

Famciclovir is best used within 48 hours after the symptoms of shingles (for example, pain, burning, blisters) begin to appear, or within 6 hours after the symptoms of recurrent genital herpes (for example, pain, blisters) begin to appear.
Famciclovir may be taken with or without food.
To help clear up your herpes infection, keep taking famciclovir for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. Do not miss any doses and do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Safety information

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of famciclovir in children under 18 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of famciclovir in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney disease, which may require an adjustment of dose in patients receiving this medicine.

Pregnancy Category Explanation
All Trimesters B Animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus.

Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Galactose intolerance or
Glucose-galactose malabsorption or
Severe lactase deficiency—Should not use in patients with these conditions.
Kidney disease—Use with caution.
The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.

Possible side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
Black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
blood in urine or stools
chills
clay-colored stools
cough
dark urine
dizziness
fever
joint or muscle pain
loss of appetite
pinpoint red spots on the skin
red, irritated eyes
sore throat
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
unpleasant breath odor
unusual bleeding or bruising
vomiting of blood
yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Cramps
diarrhea
headache
heavy bleeding
nausea
stomach pain
Less common
Bloated, full feeling
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feeling
confusion as to time, place, or person
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
hives or welts
holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
itching skin
mood or mental changes
passing gas
rash
redness of skin
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
Incidence not known
Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.