Proper Use of This Medicine

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 meals.

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 . However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered .

Dosing—The dose of famciclovir will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of famciclovir. Your dose may be different if you have kidney disease. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For treatment of shingles:
    • Adults—500 milligrams (mg) every eight hours for seven days.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For suppression of recurrent genital herpes:
    • Adults—250 mg two times a day for up to one year.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For treatment of recurrent genital herpes:
    • Adults—125 mg two times a day for five days.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For treatment of recurrent herpes virus infections of the mucous membranes (lips and mouth) and genitals in HIV-infected patients:
    • Adults—500 mg two times a day for seven days.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—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—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the tablets in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.