Famvir

This fast-acting oral antiviral drug is available in tablet form, and is clinically proven at controlling and eliminating the recurrent infections caused by the most common strains of the herpes virus; the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2 more commonly known as cold sores and genital herpes respectively) and herpes zoster (shingles or chickenpox).

Whilst the condition cannot be cured, Famvir helps to contain the virus, making the treatment essential for those looking to treat herpes and is particularly popular with those who have shingles. By reducing its ability to spread and allowing your body's immune system to fight back, this means you recover faster, experience less severe symptoms and can also reduce the number of recurrent episodes.

The active ingredient in Famvir is famciclovir, which is classed as a 'pro-drug'. Any pro-drug changes into a much more powerful compound once digested. In this case, once you take a famciclovir tablet, it converts into another active ingredient called penciclovir that becomes unrivalled at targeting these viral cells, blocking the enzyme that helps the virus multiply allowing your body to fight off the infection, pushing it back into a dormant state.

Famvir is one of the most convenient oral antiviral treatments available in the UK. Its active ingredients help to prevent the spread - cutting down healing time and minimising the length and level of discomfort, as well as a whole host of other advantages:

• Helps to decrease the amount of future occurrences
• Decreases itching, tingling and burning
• Can half the amount of time for each outbreak
• Quicker healing time for sores and lesions
• Reduces pain or discomfort associated with the virus
• Limits the amount of sores
• One simple course of antiviral tablets for a maximum 10 days

Obtaining Famvir (famciclovir) is simple and it has been known to soothe the symptoms of cold sores and genital herpes within 1 day (24 hours) of the discomfort arising. Famvir is particularly popular when treating shingles, as it is one of the few antiviral treatments that can reduce the nerve pain associated with the condition. However it's also especially effective in treating genital herpes and cold sores, with any further spread being prevented within this same timeframe.

The effectiveness of Famvir can be decreased the longer it is before the treatment is used. For this particular active ingredient, famciclovir is most successful within 24 hours (1 days) of noting signs of an outbreak, especially for genital herpes. Cold sores and symptoms of shingles can be slightly longer at 48 hours (2 days) after noticing an outbreak.

It is better to use a treatment as soon as possible, the sooner the better with antiviral medication as prolonging treatment will affect its level of effectiveness. Antivirals in a hard capsule (tablet) form, such as famciclovir, should always taken for the full length of the course, whether you're given a 5-day dosage or 10-day. Every dosage can be taken with or without food, ideally with a glass of water. Treatment is most effective when taken at the same time(s) every day until the course has finished. It also advised to drink plenty of fluids whilst taking this medication to avoid dehydration, especially if you're elderly.

If you miss a dosage , do not take two tablets at once. Just continue as normal until the treatment finishes, or if you remember shortly after the missed pill, take it ASAP. These are the recommendation dosages dependent on what you're using Famvir for. Please always read the patient leaflet before taking any prescription drug:

For cold sores - Take one 500mg pill three times per day for 7 days

For shingles - Take one 250mg pill three times per day for 7 days

For genital herpes (initial outbreak) - Take one 250mg tablet three times per day for 5 days

For genital herpes (recurrent outbreaks) - Take two 250mg pills per day for 3-5 days

To buy prescription medication in the UK will always require an online consultation and ordering online is no exception. With HealthExpress, you must be over the age of 18 and complete a free consultation to make sure the treatment is perfect for you.

You can also use famciclovir for over a year as a preventive treatment for genital herpes if they experience frequent bouts. If you're interested in this approach, certain precautions (listed below) should be taken into account and you will need to book an appointment with your GP to discuss this option.

Famvir differs from other antiviral pills as it is available to buy in both 250mg and 500mg dosages, and will be issued depending on whether you have genital herpes or cold sores/shingles, and the severity of the outbreak.

Long-term treatment, or to treat genital herpes, requires a dosage of 250mg, whilst the higher dose of 500mg is advised for cold sores and shingles. Our doctor will issue the correct dosage for you, including a patient leaflet on how exactly to take the medicine in question.

It is highly likely you will be given 250mg as a lower dosage is less likely to induce side effects, however if you have particularly severe symptoms, have found the 250mg dosage to be ineffective and/or don't have any extreme side effects, 500mg can be the perfect option.

Dosages should be taken at the same time for the medication to be most successful and your pill pack is clearly labelled to help you remember.

As mentioned, if you miss a dosage, you should take the pill as soon as you remember, or miss it out completely if it's too near the time of the next tablet. If you have taken too many in a close proximity, telephone your doctor and seek medical advice as soon as you can.

There is always going to be a risk of side effects when taking prescription meds, however even those classed as "common side effects" are extremely unlikely.

Those classed as 'common' actually affect only 1 in 10 patients and can include;

• Headaches or dizziness
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Mild itching or skin rash
• Diarrhoea

For more serious side effects, stop taking the drug immediately and contact your doctor as soon as possible;

• Significant weight gain, vomiting, increased heartbeat, feeling short of breath or increased thirst

Emergency medical help is required right away if you're displaying the symptoms of an allergic reaction. This include; difficulty breathing, swelling anywhere around the head and throat and hives.

Anyone over the age of 18 who is sexually active can take this oral medication if they have a form of the herpes virus. When taking antiviral pills, if you need to take additional antibiotics for an unrelated reason, the combination could affect the effectiveness as well as your health. Always tell your doctor and read the patient leaflet before taking Famvir.

As you know, the herpes virus is incurable and can be transferred to your partner at any time. Refraining from sex and making sure you are containing the virus is essential, as well as communicating with your partner and others around you.

In terms of the medicine itself, famciclovir should be approached with caution for the following;

• Those with kidney issues (decreased kidney function)
• Those with an uncontrolled liver disease
• Those with a severe lactase deficiency or galactose intolerance

For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, this drug has not been 100% verified. It is not known if Famvir passes to breast milk or the affect it has on an unborn baby, therefore it is advised that you seek further advice before using this treatment.

Recurrent drugs can be an annoyance to arrange, so it's no surprise that purchasing online is becoming increasingly popular. You can get both dosages of Famvir (250mg and 500mg) at HealthExpress by filling in a quick consultation for approval by one of our doctors. We will be able to order you the ideal dosage and how to take the medication, with super fast delivery meaning you can combat your symptoms as soon as possible.