Famciclovir is used to treat recurrent outbreaks of cold sores in adults who have
a normal immune system (the body system which fights against infection).
It belongs to a group of medicines called antivirals.
How it works
Cold sores are an infection caused by a virus called herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1),
commonly acquired as a child from contact with parents or relatives. Cold sores usually
begin on or around the lips, mouth, and nose as small red bumps that turn into painful
fluid-filled blisters.
Famciclovir works by stopping the production of the virus causing the cold sore. It
does not cure the viral infection, but it helps to relieve the symptoms and shorten
the duration of an outbreak.
Many people who get cold sores know when one is coming by a tingling, burning, itchy
or painful sensation or redness in the area. This can happen very rapidly.
After redness and swelling develop, blisters form. The blisters may weep or burst,
and this can be painful. As the cold sore dries, a shallow ulcer and yellow crust
forms which will eventually fall off to expose new pink-coloured skin. Generally,
the sores heal without scarring. After the initial infection has healed, the virus
becomes dormant in nerve cells.
Cold sores can be unpredictable. The virus can become active again in the body, even
after many years, resulting in recurrent outbreaks of cold sores.
Some common triggers to a cold sore may include:
sun exposure
stress
fatigue
menstrual periods
fever or illness, such as a cold
dry chapped lips or skin trauma
Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has
been prescribed for you.
This medicine is available only from your pharmacist and does not require a prescription.
This medicine is not addictive.
There is not enough information to recommend the use of this medicine for children
under the age of 18 years.
