Famvir
Famciclovir tablets for shingles and cold sores. It becomes active inside infected cells to stop the virus multiplying.
- Category
- Antivirals
- Active ingredient
- Famciclovir
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet
- Strengths
- 250mg · 500mg
Famvir is the reference name. You receive a generic with the same active ingredient and strength.
No prescription needed: we place your order for Famvir on your behalf.
- Conditions
- Herpes Zoster · Herpes Simplex Virus Infections · Varicella
- Alternative names
- famciclovir
- Therapeutic class
- Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor
- Pharmacological class
- Antiviral Agent
- Contraindications
- severe hypersensitivity to famciclovir; severe hypersensitivity to penciclovir
- Minor side effects
- headache; nausea; vomiting
- Moderate side effects
- diarrhoea; drowsiness; elevated liver enzymes
- Dosage forms
- Tablet
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Originator
- Novartis
- Onset Time
- 24–48 hours
- Duration
- 8–12 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- Probenecid; Tenofovir
- Age restrictions
- Approved for adults and adolescent populations.
Serious side effects
acute kidney injury, requires immediate medical attention; severe confusion, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Famciclovir tablets for shingles and cold sores. It becomes active inside infected cells to stop the virus multiplying.
Mechanism of action
Rapidly biotransforms into penciclovir, which selectively blocks viral DNA polymerase, halting viral chain growth.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Suitability during pregnancy depends on the specific medicine and individual circumstances. Confirm with a qualified clinician or pharmacist before use. Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor.
Is the Famvir on Direct Meds a generic?
Yes, you receive a generic. Famvir is the original brand, made by Novartis, and Direct Meds uses the name to identify the medicine; the generic has the same active ingredient (famciclovir) at the strength you choose. The generic brand and manufacturer depend on available stock.
How much does Famvir cost in South Africa?
The price varies with strength and pack size. Famvir comes in 250mg and 500mg strengths, in packs of 30 to 60 tablets, and the price of every option is shown above in rand, converted from US dollars. Larger packs cost less per tablet.
Payment and prices →What is Famvir used for?
Famvir contains famciclovir, used for herpes zoster, herpes simplex virus infections and varicella.
How quickly does Famvir work?
Famciclovir usually starts to work within 24 to 48 hours, and its effect lasts about 8 to 12 hours. How quickly it works can differ from one person to another.
Does Famvir have side effects?
Yes. The common side effects of famciclovir are headache, nausea and vomiting. Less common ones include diarrhoea, drowsiness and elevated liver enzymes. Serious but less common side effects include acute kidney injury and severe confusion, which need urgent medical attention.
Which medicines interact with Famvir?
Famciclovir can interact with probenecid and tenofovir. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take before you start taking Famvir.
Can I buy Famvir over the counter in South Africa?
Online, yes: Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order Famvir. 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 Famvir 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 →What you will receive
Famvir names the medicine you are looking for. What ships is a generic version of it.
- A generic containing Famciclovir at the strength you pick.
- Which generic brand and maker ships depends on stock and destination.
- Check the active ingredient, strength, form, pack, seal, batch and expiry when it arrives.