FAMVIR ® is a drug based on Famciclovir
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Antivirals for systemic use
Indications FAMVIR ® Famciclovir
FAMVIR ® is indicated in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by viruses such as Herpes Simplex type 1 and 2 and Varicella Zooster Virus.
Mechanism of action FAMVIR ® Famciclovir
FAMVIR ® is a medicinal product based on Famciclovir, prodrug of the more active Penciclovir, a nucleoside analogue of guanine and therefore active against highly replicative viruses such as HSV and VZV.
Taken orally, Famciclovir is rapidly converted into Penciclovir, guaranteeing the achievement of maximum plasma concentrations in a few minutes from oral intake, and thus allowing, following a homogeneous distribution in the various parts of the body, the performance of its therapeutic activity.
Upon reaching the host cell, Penciclovir undergoes phosphorylation processes operated primarily by viral enzymes and subsequently by cellular enzymes, which transform it into Penciclovir triphosphate, a nucleoside analogue of guanine which intercalates in the DNA chain blocks the activity of the viral DNA polymerase, preventing the advancement of the various proliferative processes.
All this translates into a prompt regression of the present symptoms.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
FAMCICLOVIR AS AN ANTIVIRAL IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE KIDNEY INSUFFICIENCY
Int J Clin Pharm. 2013 Jan 1.
Famciclovir as an antiviral agent for a patient with acute renal failure.
Yoon H, Rhew KY.
Case report showing how Famciclovir can be safer and more effective than aciclovir as an antiviral in patients with acute renal failure, significantly limiting potential kidney damage.
FAMCICLOVIR IN THE TREATMENT OF HERPES ZOOSTER INFECTIONS
J Dermatol. 2012 Nov; 39: 902-8.
Comparison between famciclovir and valaciclovir for acute pain in adult Japanese immunocompetent patients with herpes zoster.
Ono F, Yasumoto S, Furumura M, Hamada T, Ishii N, Gyotoku T, Higuchi M, Inokuchi K, Jyo K, Koga H, Komai A, Maruta K, Mashiko T, Mihara T, Miyahara H, Miyasato M, Muto K , Nagase K, Nagata M, Sakihama H, Tanahashi T, Ueda A, Yamakawa K, Ohata C, Dainichi T, Tsuruta D, Hashimoto T.
Work that demonstrates how Famciclovir can be effective and therefore recommended in immunocompetent patients with Herpes Zooster with moderate symptoms, significantly reducing ongoing symptoms.
FAMCICLOVIR IN PREGNANCY
JAMA. 2010 Aug 25; 304: 859-66. doi: 10.1001 / jama.2010.1206.
Use of aciclovir, valaciclovir, and famciclovir in the first trimester of pregnancy and the risk of birth defects.
Pasternak B, Hviid A.
Interesting work that tests the potential risks of taking Aciclovir, Valaciclovir and Famciclovir for fetal health in the first trimester of pregnancy. These first data seem encouraging, not showing a significant increase in birth defects.
Method of use and dosage
FAMVIR ®
Coated tablets of 125 mg - 250 mg and 500 mg of Famciclovir.
Both the dosage and the relative dosage schedule should be defined by a physician experienced in the treatment of infectious diseases, considering a series of characteristics of the patient such as age, the possible presence of liver and kidney diseases, the overall state of health , the severity of the clinical picture and clearly the therapeutic goals.
Warnings FAMVIR ® Famciclovir
Therapy with FAMVIR ® must necessarily be preceded by a careful medical examination aimed at evaluating the prescribing appropriateness of the drug, the possible presence of contraindications to the use of Famciclovir or conditions such as to require dose adjustment.
Precisely for this reason it would be advisable to pay particular attention to elderly patients or patients suffering from liver and kidney diseases, for whom the incidence of adverse reactions is decidedly higher.
Note the high capacity for contagion and human-to-human transmission, it would be appropriate to combine pharmacological therapy with compliance with a series of hygiene rules useful for limiting the spread of the virus and the consequent use of antiviral drugs, the abuse of which could facilitate the onset of mechanisms of resistance to drug therapy.
FAMVIR ® contains lactose, therefore its use is not recommended in patients with lactase enzyme deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome and lactose intolerance.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
The use of FAMVIR ® during pregnancy and in the subsequent period of breastfeeding is generally contraindicated, given the ability of Penciclovir to cross the blood-placental barrier and permeate the breast filter, thus exposing itself in relevant concentrations to the fetus and the infant.
For this reason, any use of FAMVIR ® in the aforementioned periods should be established by your gynecologist on the basis of the cost / benefit ratio of the therapy itself.
Interactions
Although there are currently no known active ingredients capable of interacting with Penciclovir causing clinically relevant adverse reactions, it would be advisable in any case to avoid the simultaneous intake of potentially hepatic and nephrotoxic drugs such as to alter the pharmacokinetic characteristics of Famciclovir increasing the risk of side effects. severe.
Contraindications FAMVIR ® Famciclovir
The use of FAMVIR ® is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to Aciclovir or to structurally related active ingredients rather than to excipients present in the drug.
Undesirable Effects - Side Effects
The use of FAMVIR ® may cause, with a certain frequency, the onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, impaired liver function and hypersensitivity reactions such as rash and itching.
Fortunately, clinically relevant adverse rations are rare.
Note
FAMVIR ® is a drug subject to mandatory medical prescription.
The information on FAMVIR ® Famciclovir published on this page may be out of date or incomplete. For a correct use of this information, see the Disclaimer and useful information page.
