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FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS

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About the medicine

How to use FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS

Translated with AI

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication. Seek urgent medical care if symptoms are severe.

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Introduction

Package Leaflet: Information for the User

Famvir 500 mg film-coated tablets

Famciclovir

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.

  • Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again.
  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
  • If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Contents of the pack and other information

  1. What is Famvir and what is it used for
  2. What you need to know before you take Famvir
  3. How to take Famvir
  4. Possible side effects
  5. Storing Famvir
  6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What is Famvir and what is it used for

Famvir is an antiviral medicine. It stops the infecting virus from multiplying. Since the virus reproduces in a very early stage of infection, you will benefit more from treatment if you start taking Famvir after the first symptoms appear.

Famvir is used to treat two types of viral infections in adults:

  • Herpes zoster, a viral infection caused by a virus called varicella-zoster (the same virus that causes chickenpox). Famvir stops the virus from spreading in the body, so healing occurs more quickly.
  • Famvir is also used to treat herpes zoster in the area around the eye or even in the eye itself (herpes zoster ophthalmicus).
  • Genital herpes. Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2. It is usually spread by sexual contact. It causes blisters and a burning or itching sensation around the genitals, which can be painful. Famvir is used to treat genital herpes infections in adults. People who have frequent episodes of genital herpes can also take Famvir to help prevent their recurrence.
Doctor consultation

Not sure if this medicine is right for you?

Discuss your symptoms and treatment with a doctor online.

2. What you need to know before you take Famvir

Do not take Famvir

  • if you are allergic to famciclovir or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6), or to penciclovir (the active metabolite of famciclovir and an ingredient in some other medicines)

If you think you may be allergic, consult your doctor.

Warnings and precautions

Consult your doctor before taking Famvir

  • If you have any kidney disease (or have had it in the past). Your doctor may decide to give you a lower dose of Famvir.
  • If you have problems with your immune system.
  • If you have liver problems.

If any of these apply to you, consult your doctor before taking Famvir.

Children and adolescents (under 18 years)

Famvir is not recommended for use in children and adolescents.

Prevention of transmitting genital herpes to others

If you are taking Famvir to treat or suppress genital herpes, or if you have had genital herpes in the past, you can practice safe sex by using condoms. This is important to prevent infecting others. You should not have sex if you have pain or blisters on your genitals.

Taking Famvir with other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.

It is especially important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:

  • Raloxifene (used to prevent and treat osteoporosis).
  • Probenecid (used to treat high levels of uric acid associated with gout and to increase blood levels of penicillin-type antibiotics) or other medicines that may affect your kidneys.

Taking Famvir with food and drinks

You can take Famvir with or without food.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Famvir should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Your doctor will discuss with you the potential risks of taking Famvir during pregnancy.

Famvir should not be used during breastfeeding unless clearly necessary. Your doctor will discuss with you the potential risks of taking Famvir during breastfeeding.

Driving and using machines

Famvir may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Famvir, do not drive or use machines.

3. How to take Famvir

Follow the instructions for administration of this medicine exactly as told by your doctor.

If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.

  • The daily dose and duration of treatment will depend on the type of viral infection you have - see below. Your doctor will prescribe the correct dose for you.
  • To get the best results, start taking the medicine as soon as the first signs and symptoms appear.
  • Do not have sex with anyone if you have symptoms of genital herpes - even if you have started treatment with Famvir. This is because you can infect your partner with the herpes infection.
  • If you have or have had kidney problems, your doctor may decide to give you a lower dose of Famvir.

Dose for herpes zoster

If you have a normal immune system, the recommended dose is 500 mg three times a day, for seven days.

If you have a weakened immune system, the recommended dose is 500 mg three times a day, for ten days.

Dose for genital herpes

The dose depends on your immune system status and the stage of your infection.

If you have a normal immune system, the dose is as follows:

For the first episode, the recommended dose is 250 mg three times a day, for five days.

For treating new episodes, the recommended dose is 125 mg twice a day, for five days.

For preventing new episodes, the recommended dose is 250 mg twice a day.

Your doctor will tell you how long you need to keep taking your tablets.

If you have a weakened immune system, the dose is as follows:

For treating the current episode, the recommended dose is 500 mg twice a day, for seven days.

For preventing new episodes, the dose is 500 mg twice a day.

Your doctor will tell you how long you need to keep taking your tablets.

If you take more Famvir than you should

If you have taken more tablets than you should, or if someone else has taken your medicine by mistake, go to your doctor or hospital immediately. Show them your tablet pack. You can also call the Toxicology Information Service, telephone 91 562 04 20, stating the medicine and the amount taken.

Taking too much Famvir can harm your kidneys. People with kidney problems may rarely have kidney failure if their dose is not lowered correctly.

If you forget to take Famvir

If you forget to take a dose of Famvir, take it as soon as you remember. Then take the next dose at the usual time. However, do not take two doses in a period of less than 1 hour; in this case, skip the missed dose. Also, do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

If you have any other questions about the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Medicine questions

Started taking the medicine and have questions?

Discuss your symptoms and treatment with a doctor online.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Serious side effects:

Many of these effects are uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) or rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people).

  • Severe skin and/or mucous membrane blisters(these could be signs of severe allergic reactions).
  • Unexplained bruising, redness, or purple areas on the skin or nosebleeds(these may be signs of a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood).
  • Swellingunder the skin surface (e.g., swelling of the face, around the eye, eyelids, and throat).
  • Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes(signs of jaundice).

The frequency of the following side effects is not known (cannot be estimated from the available data):

  • Purple spots on the skin, itching, burning (signs of inflamed blood vessels).
  • Seizures or epileptic fits.
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing. Rash, itching, hives, wheezing, cough, feeling of fainting, dizziness, changes in levels of consciousness. Low blood pressure, with or without general itching, flushing of the skin, swelling of the face/throat, blue discoloration of the lips, tongue, or skin (signs of severe allergic reaction).

If you notice any of these side effects, contact a doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.

Very common side effects(these side effects may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

  • Headache

Common side effects(these side effects may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Abnormal liver function test results

Uncommon side effects(these side effects may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness (usually in elderly people)
  • Itchy rash (hives)

Rare side effects(these side effects may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • Palpitations (signs of abnormal heartbeats)

Reporting of side effects

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, even if it is possible that they are not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly to the Spanish Medicines and Healthcare Products Agency (AEMPS) through the website http://www.notificaRAM.es. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storing Famvir

  • Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month shown.
  • Do not store above 25°C.
  • Store in the original package to protect from moisture.
  • Do not use this medicine if you notice the pack is damaged or shows signs of deterioration.
  • Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Return any unused medicine to your pharmacist. This will help to protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Famvir contains

  • The active substance is famciclovir.
  • The other ingredients are potato starch glycolate (Type A), hydroxypropyl cellulose, and magnesium stearate. The tablet coating is composed of hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E 171), Macrogol 4000, and Macrogol 6000.

Appearance and packaging

Famvir is available as film-coated tablets.

White, oval, biconvex, film-coated tablet with beveled edges, marked with "FV 500" on one face and nothing on the other.

Each pack contains 21 tablets.

Marketing authorisation holder

Phoenix Labs

Suite 12, Bunkilla Plaza

Bracetown Business Park

Clonee, County Meath, Ireland

[email protected]

Local representative

EUROMED PHARMA SPAIN S.L.

C/Eduard Maristany, 430-432

08918 Badalona

Barcelona - Spain

Tel: + 34 932 684 208

Fax: + 34 933 150 469

Manufacturer

LABORATORI FUNDACIÓ DAU

Pol. Ind. Consorci Zona Franca. c/ C, 12-14

08040 Barcelona

Spain

Cosmo S.p.A.

Via Cristoforo Colombo, 1

20020 Lainate (Milan)

Italy

This medicine is authorised in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following names:

Member State of the EU/EEA

Marketing authorisation holder

Austria

Famvir Filmtabletten

Denmark

Famvir

Finland

Famvir

France

Oravir

Germany

Famvir Filmtabletten

Greece

Famvir

Hungary

Famvir

Iceland

Famvir

Ireland

Famvir

Italy

Famvir

Malta

Famvir

Spain

Famvir

Sweden

Famvir

United Kingdom

Famvir

Date of last revision of this leaflet: June 2017

Detailed information on this medicine is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Healthcare Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es/

Online doctors for FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS

Discuss questions about FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS, including use, safety considerations and prescription review, subject to medical assessment and local regulations.

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Doctor

Joao Silva

General medicine 6 years exp.

Dr. João Silva is a physician with training and experience in the field of General and Family Medicine, dedicated to providing healthcare focused on the well-being and quality of life of his patients. Throughout his professional career, he has developed broad clinical competencies, striving to maintain a medical practice based on scientific evidence and continuous knowledge updates.

Between 2013 and 2019, he completed the Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Porto, where he acquired a solid academic and clinical education.

Subsequently, between January 2021 and December 2021, he completed the General Internship at the Entre Douro e Vouga Hospital Center in Santa Maria da Feira, where he had the opportunity to work in different hospital settings and deepen his competencies in several areas of medicine.

From January 2022 until March 2026, he works as a Resident Physician in General and Family Medicine at USF Salvador Machado in Oliveira de Azeméis, developing clinical activities in primary healthcare, follow-up of chronic patients, and health promotion in the community.

Complementing his medical training, Dr. João Silva also completed a Postgraduate Degree in Continuing and Palliative Care at CESPU, strengthening his preparation in the comprehensive approach to patient care, especially in situations requiring prolonged care and multidisciplinary support.

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€55
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Doctor

Daniel Cichi

Family medicine 24 years exp.

Dr Daniel Cichi is a family medicine doctor with over 20 years of clinical experience. He provides online consultations for adults, supporting patients with acute symptoms, chronic conditions, and everyday health concerns that require timely medical guidance. His background includes work in emergency care, ambulance services, and family medicine, which allows him to assess symptoms quickly, identify warning signs, and help patients choose the safest next steps – whether that means home care, treatment adjustment, or in-person evaluation. Patients commonly consult Dr Daniel Cichi for: 

  • acute symptoms: fever, infections, flu-like illness, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath;
  • chest discomfort, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, and blood pressure concerns;
  • digestive problems: abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, reflux;
  • sexually transmitted infections, erectile dysfunction;
  • muscle, joint, and back pain, minor injuries, post-traumatic symptoms;
  • chronic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, weight loss, hair loss;
  • review and interpretation of lab tests, imaging reports, and medical documents;
  • medication review and treatment adjustment;
  • medical advice while travelling or living abroad;
  • second opinions and guidance on whether in-person care is needed.

Dr Cichi’s consultations are structured and practical. He focuses on clear explanations, risk assessment, and actionable recommendations, helping patients understand their symptoms and make informed decisions about their health.

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€55
5.0 (40)
Doctor

Lina Travkina

Family medicine 13 years exp.

Dr. Lina Travkina is a licensed family and preventive medicine doctor based in Italy. She provides online consultations for adults and children, supporting patients across all stages of care – from acute symptom management to long-term health monitoring and prevention.

Areas of medical care include:

  • Respiratory conditions: colds, flu, acute and chronic bronchitis, mild to moderate pneumonia, bronchial asthma.
  • ENT and eye conditions: sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, otitis, infectious and allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Digestive issues: gastritis, acid reflux (GERD), IBS, dyspepsia, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, functional bowel symptoms, intestinal infections.
  • Urological and infectious diseases: acute and recurrent cystitis, bladder and kidney infections, prevention of recurrent UTIs, asymptomatic bacteriuria.
  • Chronic conditions: hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders, excess weight.
  • Neurological and general symptoms: headache, migraine, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, reduced concentration, anxiety, asthenia.
  • Chronic pain support: back, neck, joint, and muscle pain, tension syndromes, pain associated with osteochondrosis and chronic conditions.

Additional care areas:

  • Preventive consultations and check-up planning.
  • Medical advice and follow-up consultations.
  • Test interpretation and diagnostic guidance.
  • Structured support for undiagnosed complaints.
  • Second opinion on diagnoses and treatment plans.
  • Nutritional and lifestyle support for vitamin deficiencies, anaemia, metabolic issues.
  • Post-operative recovery support and pain management.
  • Preconception counselling and postpartum support.
  • Immunity support and strategies to reduce frequency of infections.

Dr. Travkina combines evidence-based medicine with an attentive, personalised approach. Her consultations focus not only on treatment, but also on prevention, recovery, and long-term wellbeing.

If during the consultation it becomes clear that your case requires in-person assessment or specialised care outside of her scope, the session will be terminated and the payment fully refunded.

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€70
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Doctor

Hocine Lokchiri

General medicine 21 years exp.

Dr. Hocine Lokchiri is a French consultant with over 20 years of experience in General and Emergency Medicine. He works with adults and children, helping patients with urgent symptoms, infections, sudden health changes and everyday medical concerns that require timely evaluation. His background includes clinical practice in France, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, which allows him to navigate different healthcare systems and manage a wide range of conditions with confidence. Patients value his calm, structured approach, clear explanations and evidence-based decision-making.

Online consultations with Dr. Lokchiri are suitable for many situations when someone needs quick medical guidance, reassurance or a clear next step. Common reasons for booking include:

  • fever, chills, fatigue and viral symptoms
  • cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, breathing discomfort
  • bronchitis and mild asthma flare-ups
  • nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, digestive infections
  • rashes, allergic reactions, redness, insect bites
  • muscle or joint pain, mild injuries, sprains
  • headache, dizziness, migraine symptoms
  • stress-related symptoms, sleep disturbances
  • questions about test results and treatment plans
  • management of chronic conditions in stable phases
Many patients reach out when symptoms appear suddenly and cause concern, when a child becomes unwell unexpectedly, when a rash changes or spreads, or when it’s unclear whether an in-person examination is necessary. His emergency medicine background is particularly valuable online, helping patients understand risk levels, identify warning signs and choose safe next steps.

Some situations are not suitable for online care. If a patient has loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, major trauma or symptoms suggesting a stroke or heart attack, he will advise seeking immediate local emergency services. This improves safety and ensures patients receive the right level of care.

Dr. Lokchiri’s professional training includes:

  • Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
  • Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS/ACLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
  • eFAST and critical care transthoracic echocardiography
  • aviation medicine
He is an active member of several professional organisations, including the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU), the French Association for Emergency Physicians (AMUF) and the Swiss Society of Emergency and Rescue Medicine (SGNOR). In consultations, he works with clarity and precision, helping patients understand their symptoms, possible risks and the safest treatment options.
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€58
5.0 (5)
Doctor

Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques. For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance. Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults. In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions. Patients commonly seek his care for: 

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

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€80
5.0 (1055)
Doctor

Andrei Popov

General medicine 7 years exp.

Dr. Andrei Popov is a family physician with specialized training in the management of chronic pain. He provides video consultations for adults in Spain and across Europe: whether you have been living with pain for months that no one has been able to properly explain, or you need to resolve a health issue without waiting weeks for an appointment.

His approach is clear: to listen, organize your case, and provide you with a practical roadmap based on evidence-based medicine and adapted to your medical history and personal needs.

Pain: how he can help

  • Chronic pain (more than 3 months
  • Migraine and recurrent or high-intensity headaches
  •  Neck, lower back, back and joint pain
  •  Post-traumatic pain after injuries or surgeries
  •  Pain of neurological origin: neuralgia, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia

General medicine

  • Frequent respiratory infections (cold, flu, persistent cough)
  • Hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders
  • Review of laboratory tests and MRI/CT reports (explained in clear language)
  • Preventive medicine and health monitoring
  • Second opinions and treatment adjustments (when clinically appropriate)

What the consultation is like
 Each session lasts up to 30 minutes. We review symptoms, medical history, medications and any tests you provide, and you finish the consultation with a clear treatment plan, defined next steps, and criteria to understand when follow-up may be needed. If warning signs are detected, he will clearly advise whether you need in-person care or urgent medical attention.

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€80

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a prescription required for FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS?
FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS requires a prescription in Spain. You can check with a doctor online whether this medicine may be appropriate for your situation.
What is the active substance in FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS?
The active ingredient in FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS is famciclovir. This information helps identify medicines with the same composition but different brand names.
How much does FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS cost in pharmacies?
The average pharmacy price for FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS is around 131.01 EUR. Prices may vary depending on the manufacturer and dosage form.
Who manufactures FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS?
FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS is manufactured by Phoenix Labs Unlimited Company. Pharmacy brands and packaging may differ depending on the distributor.
Which doctors can assess the use of FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS online?
Doctors such as Family doctors, Psychiatrists, Dermatologists, Cardiologists, Endocrinologists, Gastroenterologists, Pulmonologists, Nephrologists, Rheumatologists, Hematologists, Infectious disease physicians, Allergists, Geriatricians, Paediatricians, Oncologists may assess whether FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS is appropriate, depending on your situation and local regulations. You can book an online consultation to discuss your symptoms and possible next steps.
What are the alternatives to FAMVIR 500 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS?
Other medicines with the same active substance (famciclovir) include FAMCICLOVIR NORMON 125 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS, FAMCICLOVIR NORMON 250 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS, FAMCICLOVIR PENSA 125 mg FILM-COATED TABLETS. These may have different brand names or formulations but contain the same therapeutic ingredient. Always consult a doctor before switching or starting a new medicine.
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