Famciclovir
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Sagar PatilFamciclovir
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Sagar PatilFamciclovir is a guanosine analogue antiviral drug used for the treatment of
various herpesvirus infections, most commonly for herpes zoster (shingles). It is a prodrug form
of penciclovir with improved oral bioavailability. Famciclovir is marketed under the trade
name Famvir (Novartis).
Famciclovir was patented in 1983 and approved for medical use in 1994.[2][3] In 2007, the United
States Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic version of famciclovir. Generic
tablets are manufactured by TEVA Pharmaceuticals and Mylan Pharmaceuticals.[4][5]
Medical uses[edit]
Famciclovir is indicated for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles),[6] treatment of herpes
simplex virus 2 (genital herpes),[7] herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunocompetent patients[8] and
for the suppression of recurring episodes of herpes simplex virus 2. It is also indicated for
treatment of recurrent episodes of herpes simplex in HIV patients.[citation needed]
Adverse effects[edit]
Side effects: mild to extreme stomach upset, headaches, mild fever.
Herpes[edit]
Early treatment[edit]
Several studies in humans and mice provide evidence that early treatment with famciclovir soon
after the first infection with herpes can significantly lower the chance of future outbreaks. Use of
famciclovir in this manner has been shown to reduce the amount of latent virus in the neural
ganglia compared to no treatment or treatment with valaciclovir.[9][10][11] A review of human subjects
treated for five days with famciclovir 250 mg three times daily during their first herpes episode
found that only 4.2 percent experienced a recurrence within six months after the first outbreak, a
fivefold decrease compared to the 19 percent recurrence in acyclovir-treated patients.[12] Neither
drug affected latency if treatment was delayed for several months.[13]