Famciclovir
Famciclovir, sold as Famvir, is an antiviral used to treat shingles and recurrent cold sores. The listing covers 250 mg and 500 mg film-coated tablets.
Key points
- Penciclovir is the active form: famciclovir converts to it in the body, where it stops herpesvirus DNA from replicating.
- Famvir is the brand-name version of famciclovir, marketed by Novartis, and the only product listed here.
- Kidney function affects how much penciclovir stays in the body, so impaired kidneys can require a different dose.
How does famciclovir work?
Famciclovir is a prodrug, meaning it is inactive until the body converts it to penciclovir. Penciclovir then enters infected cells and blocks the enzyme herpesvirus needs to copy its DNA. Without that copy step, the virus cannot make new copies of itself.
Famvir is listed for Herpes Zoster, Herpes Simplex Virus Infections, and varicella, within the Antivirals category.
Further reading
What is famciclovir used for?
Famciclovir is used to treat shingles and recurrent cold sores. It is also used for herpes zoster, herpes simplex virus infections, and varicella.
What does famciclovir do in the body?
Famciclovir is a prodrug that is inactive until the body converts it to penciclovir. Penciclovir enters infected cells and blocks the enzyme herpesvirus needs to copy its DNA, so the virus cannot make new copies of itself.
How long does famciclovir take to work?
Famciclovir usually starts to work within 24 to 48 hours.
What are the side effects of famciclovir?
Common side effects include headache, nausea and vomiting, and some people get diarrhoea, drowsiness or raised liver enzymes. Serious side effects include acute kidney injury and severe confusion, which need immediate medical attention. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any side effects.
Can famciclovir be taken with other medicines?
Famciclovir interacts with probenecid and tenofovir. If you take other medicines, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
What famciclovir products are available?
On Direct Meds, famciclovir comes as Famvir. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
How much does famciclovir cost in South Africa?
Compare the rand prices for each product, strength and pack above. Prices are converted from US dollars. Larger packs usually cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →Is famciclovir available over the counter in South Africa?
Yes, online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order famciclovir. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I buy famciclovir online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →