Famciclovir 500mg Tablets (Generic Famvir)

Famciclovir is a prescription antiviral tablet used for certain herpes virus infections, including shingles and recurrent outbreaks of herpes simplex. This page explains indications, dosage basics, safety considerations, and storage for famciclovir 500mg tablets, with practical notes for adults who may be paying cash without insurance. Ships from Canada to US through a prescription referral model that supports cross-border dispensing when clinically appropriate.

What Famciclovir (Famvir) Is and How It Works

Famciclovir (brand example: Famvir) is an oral antiviral used against herpes viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV-1/HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is a prodrug (inactive form that becomes active in the body) that converts to penciclovir. The active form interferes with viral DNA replication, which can help limit viral growth during an outbreak. This medicine does not eliminate the virus from the body, and it may not prevent future outbreaks or transmission.

Prescription information may be verified with the prescriber when required.

Access through this site may involve US delivery from Canada after prescription review and pharmacy dispensing. The medication is intended for use according to an authorized prescription, and it is typically started as soon as possible after symptoms begin, depending on the condition being treated.

Who It’s For

Famciclovir is commonly prescribed for adults with herpes virus infections where an oral antiviral is appropriate. Indications can include herpes zoster (shingles), genital herpes, and cold sores, depending on local labeling and the prescriber’s assessment. Condition hubs on this site can help with general navigation to related therapies, including Cold Sores, Genital Herpes, and Shingles.

This antiviral is not appropriate for everyone. It should not be used by people with a known hypersensitivity to famciclovir or penciclovir. Extra caution is typically needed in older adults and in those with reduced kidney function because drug exposure can increase. Immunocompromised patients may have different treatment needs and monitoring requirements. Pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations should be discussed with a clinician, since risk–benefit depends on the clinical situation and available safety data.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing depends on the condition being treated, kidney function, immune status, and whether therapy is episodic or suppressive. For shingles, regimens often involve multiple daily doses for several days. For recurrent genital herpes, some labeled options use a shorter course. For cold sores, certain labels describe single-day treatment. The prescriber determines the schedule and duration, and the pharmacy label should be followed exactly.

Why it matters: Antivirals are generally most useful when started early in an outbreak.

Many prescriptions are written as a famciclovir 500 mg tablet taken at specific intervals. Swallow tablets with water, with or without food, unless the prescriber provides different instructions. If a dose is missed, directions on the prescription label usually describe what to do; double-dosing to “catch up” can increase side-effect risk. For browsing related antiviral categories, see Antivirals.

Strengths and Forms (famciclovir 500mg tablets)

This product is supplied as an oral tablet. The 500 mg oral tablet is commonly used in adult regimens, particularly for herpes zoster, and prescriptions may also be written using wording such as “famciclovir tablets 500 mg” or “famciclovir tab 500 mg.” Tablet color, imprint, and manufacturer packaging can vary by supplier and jurisdiction, even when the active ingredient and strength are the same.

Some people may encounter brand or regional labeling names such as Famvir 500mg tablets, Famtrex 500 mg tablet, or Apo-Famciclovir 500 mg tablet. These names can reflect different manufacturers or markets rather than a different active drug. Availability of specific presentations can change, and the dispensing pharmacy will provide the product that matches the valid prescription and local regulations.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature, protected from excess moisture and heat. Keep the medicine in its original container with the label intact, and store it out of reach of children and pets. Do not use tablets past the expiry date printed on the packaging, and do not share prescription antivirals with others, even if symptoms seem similar.

When traveling, pack enough doses for the trip plus a small buffer in case of delays. Keep famciclovir 500mg tablets in carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage when possible, along with a copy of the prescription label to reduce confusion at security or border screening. For general travel organization ideas that can apply to prescription packing, see Travel With Zepbound.

Quick tip: Keep a photo of the label for strength and directions.

Side Effects and Safety

Like other antivirals, famciclovir can cause side effects. Commonly reported effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, dizziness, and fatigue. These are often mild, but persistence or worsening should be reviewed by a healthcare professional. Staying adequately hydrated can be helpful for general tolerance, especially during acute illness, unless fluid restriction has been advised for another condition.

Orders are dispensed by licensed Canadian pharmacies.

More serious reactions are uncommon but require urgent assessment. Seek immediate care for signs of an allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face or throat, hives, or trouble breathing). Confusion, hallucinations, or severe drowsiness can occur, particularly in older adults or in those with kidney impairment where the dose may need adjustment. New or severe rash, marked weakness, or significant changes in urination should also prompt medical evaluation. The prescriber may recommend kidney function review before or during therapy in higher-risk patients.

For a general approach to reading side-effect lists and deciding what deserves prompt follow-up, see Abilify Side Effects Guide.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Drug interactions with famciclovir are usually limited, but they can be clinically important. Because the active drug is largely cleared by the kidneys, medicines that reduce renal clearance may increase famciclovir levels. Some prescribers also consider overall “kidney load” when multiple nephrotoxic (kidney-stressing) medicines are used together. A complete medication list should include prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements.

People searching for famciclovir 500mg tablets often compare it with other antivirals; however, switching therapies is not a simple substitution. Dosing schedules differ, and renal adjustment guidance may not match between products. Patients with kidney disease, seizure disorders, or significant neurologic symptoms should have these conditions reviewed with the prescriber before starting therapy. Alcohol does not have a well-known direct interaction, but illness-related dehydration can worsen dizziness and fatigue for some people.

Compare With Alternatives

Several antiviral options may be considered for HSV and VZV infections. Acyclovir is a long-established oral antiviral that may require more frequent dosing. Valacyclovir is another commonly used oral option with a different dosing schedule because it is a prodrug of acyclovir. In some situations, topical treatments (for example, topical antivirals for herpes labialis) may be discussed, though oral therapy is often used for shingles and for certain genital herpes regimens.

When reviewing alternatives, clinicians often weigh factors such as dosing frequency, kidney function considerations, history of prior response, and tolerability. For related products on this site, see Acyclovir. For topical therapy that may be used in specific situations, see Zovirax Oint 5. These links are for product browsing; treatment selection should follow a prescriber’s direction and the official labeling.

Pricing and Access

Out-of-pocket costs for antiviral therapy can vary with manufacturer, package size, and prescribed quantity. Some prescriptions are written for a set count such as famciclovir 500 mg 30 tablets, while others cover shorter courses. Generic famciclovir is often available, and searches like “famciclovir 500 mg cost” or “famciclovir 500 mg price” usually reflect these variables rather than a single fixed rate.

Cash-pay access is available for eligible prescriptions.

CanadianInsulin operates as a prescription referral platform that coordinates prescription intake and routes dispensing through partner pharmacies. For people managing famciclovir 500 mg price concerns, optional site-wide programs may be listed on Promotions. Prescription requirements still apply, and the final dispensed product must match the authorized directions and local dispensing rules.

Authoritative Sources

For official prescribing details, dosing tables, and contraindications, consult these references:

• DailyMed labeling listings for famciclovir
• MedlinePlus patient medication information for famciclovir
• CDC overview of shingles (herpes zoster)

To request dispensing after prescription review, place your order using prompt, express, cold-chain shipping.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.