Famcyclovir Tablet (Famciclovir)

Adult dose

1. Treatment of herpes zoster Adults: Administer famciclovir 250 mg orally per dose 3 times daily for 7 days. It is preferable to start treatment as soon as symptoms appear after infection. 2. Treatment of an initial episode of genital herpes Adults: Administer 250 mg of this medicine orally per dose 3 times daily for 5 days. It is preferable to start treatment as soon as symptoms appear after infection. 3. Treatment of an acute recurrent episode of genital herpes Adults: Administer 125 mg of this medicine orally per dose 2 times daily for 5 days. It is preferable to start treatment during the prodromal phase or as soon as symptoms appear after infection. 4. Suppression of recurrent genital herpes Adults: Administer 250 mg of this medicine orally per dose 2 times daily. Temporarily discontinue treatment periodically every 6～12 months to assess whether the natural course of the disease has changed. 5. Patients with renal impairment: Since creatinine clearance of this medicine is reduced in patients with renal impairment, dose adjustment should be undertaken with caution. The dosage and administration for these patients are as follows. 1) Treatment of herpes zoster and an initial episode of genital herpes: Creatinine clearance (mL/min/1.73㎡) Dose 30～59 250 mg per dose 2 times daily 10～29 250 mg per dose once daily 2) Treatment of an acute recurrent episode of genital herpes: Creatinine clearance (mL/min/1.73㎡) Dose 30～59 125 mg per dose 2 times daily 10～29 125 mg per dose once daily 3) Suppression of recurrent genital herpes: Creatinine clearance (mL/min/1.73㎡) Dose 30～59 250 mg per dose 2 times daily 10～29 125 mg per dose 2 times daily 4) If only serum creatinine is known, creatinine clearance can be calculated using the following equations. Men: {body weight (kg) × (140-age)}/ {72 × serum creatinine (mg/dL)} Women: 0.85 × the value calculated for men 5) Patients with renal impairment undergoing hemodialysis For patients on hemodialysis, it is preferable to administer this medicine every 48 hours, taking the dialysis interval into consideration. Since 4 hours of hemodialysis reduces the plasma concentration of this medicine by approximately 75%, administer this medicine immediately after dialysis. The recommended dose is 250mg for patients with herpes zoster and 125mg for patients with genital herpes. 6. Patients with hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment is required for patients with chronic compensated liver disease. There is insufficient treatment experience in patients with overt chronic decompensated liver disease; therefore, no specific recommended dose has been established.

This medication should not be administered to certain patients. For instance, patients who have had an allergic reaction to this medication or its components, or to the active ingredient, penciclovir, should not use it. Additionally, as it contains lactose, patients with lactose intolerance or certain genetic lactose metabolism disorders should also refrain from taking it. Patients with poor kidney function should exercise extra caution when using this medication. Dose adjustments may be necessary depending on kidney function. Possible side effects of this medication include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion, which may occur more frequently in the elderly. Skin rashes or itching, and rarely severe allergic reactions, may also occur, so any unusual symptoms should prompt immediate consultation with healthcare professionals. This medication does not fully cure genital herpes; therefore, it is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse if symptoms persist during treatment. Maintaining safe sexual practices helps reduce the risk of spreading the infection. Although there is no evidence that this medication directly affects driving or operating machinery, caution is advised if symptoms such as dizziness or drowsiness occur. For patients with mild liver impairment, dose adjustments are generally not needed; however, studies are insufficient for those with severe liver dysfunction, so cautious use is required. This medication has a low likelihood of drug interactions, but informing healthcare professionals of any medications currently being taken is crucial as blood levels may change when taken with certain drugs. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should carefully consider the benefits and risks of this medication, and nursing women should also consult with a physician before use. Children under 18 years of age are not recommended to use this medication, as its safety and efficacy have not been established. Elderly patients generally do not require special dose adjustments, but kidney function decline may necessitate adjustments. In case of overdose, contact healthcare professionals immediately, and treatment such as hemodialysis may be required. This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to protect it from air and moisture, in a cool, dry place at or below 30 degrees Celsius, and kept out of reach of children, avoiding transfer to other containers.

• Headache
• nausea
• thrombocytopenia
• leukopenia
• neutropenia
• dizziness
• confusion
• drowsiness
• hallucinations
• palpitations

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to protect it from air and moisture, preferably in a cool, dry place at or below 30 degrees Celsius.

Appearance

White circular film-coated tablets

Package unit

21 tablets / PTP