Famvir (famciclovir): Buying antiviral medicines for herpes management in the UK

Famvir is an antiviral medicine belonging to the class of pharmaceutical compounds called guanosine analogues. It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of herpes simplex virus type two (HSV-2 or genital herpes). Developed by Swiss pharmaceutical company Novatris, this medicine is also sometimes used in the management of shingles (herpes zoster) and recurrent outbreaks of herpes simplex in those patients whose immune system is compromised by other conditions or treatments.

Famvir proved to be very successful and highly efficient when applied during early stages of herpes reactivation where it manages to keep the symptoms from exacerbating in a majority of cases, limiting them in scope and intensity.

What’s on this page?

Herpes simplex virus type 2: A general background

Herpes is a common term used to describe two different strains of the herpes simplex virus – herpes simplex-1 and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). The former, HSV-1 is the root cause behind cold sores, while the latter is associated with genital herpes.

Herpes is a very contagious and persistent sexually transmitted viral infection. Once contracted, it can never be completely cured, although its symptoms can be effectively managed and limited with the use of proper and timely applied medication. Those affected will commonly experience successive flare-ups of the symptoms and periods of remission. In most cases, the symptoms will tend to decrease in both intensity and scope, but reactivations are not likely to disappear on their own – instead, they will have to be managed by antiviral medications in the early phases of the flare-up. Thus, similarly to many other viral infections, herpes too is a lifelong condition

Herpes simplex virus type 2 is transmitted through sexual contact, vaginal, oral or anal. Sharing of sex toys is also a significant risk factor. It manifests through appearance of sores and blisters at the site of the infection (genitals or anus). When active, that is, when symptoms flare up and are clearly visible, herpes is most contagious, although it can still be transmitted even during the periods of remission. However, if this is the case, the chances of spreading the infection are somewhat smaller.

Famvir in the treatment of genital herpes

Famvir works by stopping the infected cells from reproducing and thus spreading the infection. It achieves this goal by interfering with the capability of the virus to replicate its genetic code, more specifically, by inhibiting the synthesis of a vital self-sustaining enzyme (DNA polymerase) which the infected cells need to produce and release in order to replicate and thus spread the virus throughout the body. Famvir will make this impossible, effectively stopping the virus from spreading and making it easier for the immune system to send the infection into remission.

How can I buy Famvir? Is it possible to buy herpes treatment online?

If you haven’t used Famvir treatment before, or if you just found out you have been infected, it will be necessary for you to first confirm your diagnosis and then obtain the prescription. This can be accomplished in various ways. The conventional route would include visiting your doctor and talking to him in person, or arranging an examination at your local GUM or STI clinic. Once you are examined and tested, the practitioner will give you instruction and provide you with a prescription needed to obtain the treatment at your local pharmacy.

Alternatively, you might choose the option that allows you to completely avoid those uncomfortable conversations and face-to-face meetings. You can do this by using the services of an online clinic. There, you can buy STI testing kit and get the examination done by yourself, in the comfort of your home. You will be able to collect urine samples and vaginal swabs which you will then post to a certified laboratory. Once the results are in, you will be informed via the communication channel of your choice. With confirmation from the laboratory you can then again use the online clinic to consult with the doctor and notify him about your results. If the use of Famvir is not contraindicated for some reason, the doctor will issue the prescription and instantly use it to send the medicine to be delivered to your doorstep.

Keep in mind that renewal of the prescription will not require you to undergo more tests and the process will be much simpler and quicker.

Famciclovir – the active ingredient of Famvir

The exceptional efficiency and high success rates of Famvir are due to its active ingredient, a pharmacological substance called famciclovir which belongs to a category of medicines called prodrugs. What makes this type of medicines unique is the fact that their active ingredients aren’t really active in themselves as is the case with regular medicines – they get turned into active ingredients by the body’s own metabolic processes.

When Famvir is in question, famciclovir gets transformed into penciclovir, once processed by the body. This new compound works similarly to other antiviral medicines – by interfering with the synthesis of enzyme that the virus needs in order to replicate, spread and sustain itself. Once the growth is neutralised, the antibodies can easily send the virus back into remission.

How to use Famvir?

As with all prescription medicines, you should take Famvir exactly as prescribed in order to limit the risk of side effects and ensure maximum benefits. The most general guidelines you should keep in mind include:

• Start the treatment as soon as you notice the early symptoms of reactivation
• The usual dose for managing reactivations is one tablet, twice per day, over the course of 5 days
• Take the tablet whole with water
• You can also take medicine with food, but it is not necessary
• Never exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor
• If you miss a dose, do not compensate with doubling on the next one
• If you accidentally take more medicine than prescribed, seek immediate medical advice

If it is your first time using Famvir, carefully read the official patient information leaflet issued within every pack before commencing the treatment.

Famvir side effects

Famvir contraindications

Famvir isn’t always suitable for everyone, as is the case with all medications. Use of this antiviral medicine might be contraindicated if:

• You are currently taking Raloxifen, probenecid or other medicines that can affect kidney function
• You are currently taking another antiviral medicine
• You are affected by a condition that affects liver, kidneys or the immune system
• You are pregnant or are currently breastfeeding

During consultations with your doctor, you should disclose your medical history in order to ensure that Famvir is suitable for you.