✅ “FERAVIR 800 mg Tablets (Famciclovir) – Effective Antiviral for Herpes Treatment”

🔬 What is FERAVIR 800 mg?

FERAVIR 800 mg is an oral antiviral medication that contains Famciclovir, primarily used to treat herpes virus infections. These include:

• Herpes zoster (shingles)
• Genital herpes
• Herpes labialis (cold sores)
• Recurrent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in HIV-infected patients

It works by stopping the virus from multiplying in the body, helping to relieve symptoms, speed up healing, and reduce transmission.

⚙️ Mechanism of Action

Famciclovir is a prodrug that is rapidly converted in the body to penciclovir, which:

• Inhibits viral DNA polymerase
• Prevents viral replication
• Does not cure herpes infections but helps control outbreaks

Famciclovir is selective for virus-infected cells, making it effective with fewer side effects.

💡 Indications (Uses)

FERAVIR 800 mg is indicated for:

• Treatment of shingles (herpes zoster)
• Initial and recurrent episodes of genital herpes
• Suppression of recurrent genital herpes
• Herpes simplex infections in people with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV)
• Cold sores (in some treatment protocols)

📏 Dosage and Administration

✅ Typical Dosing Guidelines:

For Herpes Zoster (Shingles):

• 800 mg three times daily for 7 days

For Genital Herpes:

• Initial episode: 250 mg three times daily for 7–10 days
• Recurrent outbreak: 1,000 mg twice in one day
• Suppressive therapy: 250 mg twice daily

Always follow your doctor’s exact instructions. Dosage may vary based on condition and patient health.

🧑‍⚕️ Administration Tips:

• Take orally with or without food
• Swallow tablet whole with water
• Start treatment as soon as symptoms appear (within 48 hours for best effect)
• Maintain hydration

🚫 Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to famciclovir or penciclovir
• Severe renal impairment (without dosage adjustment)

⚠️ Precautions and Warnings

• Adjust dose in kidney disease
• Not a cure for herpes; it reduces outbreaks and symptoms
• May not prevent viral transmission during asymptomatic shedding
• Use with caution in elderly patients and those with immune suppression

💢 Possible Side Effects

Common:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness

Less Common:

• Abdominal pain
• Skin rash or itching
• Flatulence
• Confusion (especially in elderly)

Rare but Serious:

• Hallucinations
• Severe allergic reactions
• Changes in urine output (renal issues)

Most side effects are mild and resolve after stopping treatment.

🤰 Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed and prescribed
• Breastfeeding: Caution is advised—consult your doctor

🔄 Drug Interactions

• Probenecid and other drugs affecting renal function may alter famciclovir levels
• No major interactions, but always inform your doctor of all medications

📦 Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature (15°C–30°C or 59°F–86°F)
• Keep away from moisture and light
• Keep out of reach of children