INTRODUCTION

PENVIR contains Famciclovir which belongs to the group of medicines called Antivirals. It is used in adults for the management of shingles (viral infection causing painful rashes) and genital herpes (sexually transmitted infection of the genitals). Symptoms of shingles include pain, burning, itching, numbness, tingling or sensitivity to touch, red rashes and fluid blisters. Genital herpes is characterized by pain, itching, small red or white blisters and ulcers on the genitals.

Famciclovir is a prodrug that undergoes rapid biotransformation to the active antiviral compound penciclovir. Penciclovir is an anti-viral drug which has inhibitory activity against Herpes Simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) and Varicella Zoster virus (VZV). Therefore, Herpes viral DNA synthesis and replication is selectively inhibited.

Before taking PENVIR, inform your doctor if you have problems with your kidney, liver, or immune system. PENVIR should be used with caution among pregnant or breastfeeding women, therefore consult your doctor before taking it. PENVIR is not recommended for use in children and adolescents. The most common side effects of taking PENVIR are headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, dizziness, rashes and itching. Contact your doctor if any of the above side effects worsens.

USES OF PENVIR

Manages,

• shingles
• genital herpes

HOW PENVIR WORKS

PENVIR works by preventing viruses from multiplying, and this reduces the severity of the infection.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take PENVIR as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with water. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF PENVIR

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Take this medicine with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily or spicy foods.

Diarrhea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor.

Stomach pain:

Try to rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly. Keep a heating pad on your stomach. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.

Headache:

Get adequate sleep and drink lots of water. Take deep breaths and exercise regularly.

Dizziness:

Close your eyes and lay down for a while. Make sure the room is well-ventilated.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug - Drug interactions:

Before taking PENVIR, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• raloxifene (to prevent and manage osteoporosis)
• probenecid (to manage high blood levels of uric acid in gout and to increase blood levels of penicillin-type antibiotics)
• other medicines that can affect your kidneys

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of PENVIR, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Overdose of this medicine may affect the kidneys. In people who already have kidney problems it may lead to kidney failure.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep PENVIR out of reach of children.
• Do not store above 30°C.

FAQs ABOUT PENVIR

Can I drink alcohol with PENVIR?

Regular alcohol consumption may damage your liver, especially if you are a hepatitis carrier. Reasonable consumption should not harm your health. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Can PENVIR cause urinary problems?

Yes, PENVIR can cause kidney problems such as a change in the amount of urine, unusual back pain. Inform your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

What if I forget to take PENVIR?

You should take PENVIR as soon as you remember. However, do not take two doses within a time interval of less than an hour, in that case you should skip the missed dose. Do not take double dose. Consult your doctor for more information.

Can I have sexual intercourse while taking PENVIR?

Do not have sexual contact with anyone if you have symptoms of genital herpes, as you could pass the herpes infection to your partner even if you have started management with PENVIR.

REFERENCES

1. KD Tripathi.Antiviral Drugs (Non-retroviral).Essentials of Medical Pharmacology.Eighth Edition. 2019. Page – 852;

2. Jennifer R. Semaan, Mayur Parmar.Famciclovir. [Revised on January 2022] [Accessed on 10th May 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557563/

3. Gerard Laboratories. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2018] [Accessed on 10th May 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9448.pdf

4. Famciclovir. Mayoclinic. [Revised in September 2021] [Accessed on 10th May 2022] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054

5. Famciclovir. Mayoclinic.[Revised in October 2020] [Accessed on 10th May 2022] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-herpes/symptoms-causes/syc-20356161

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Blood test
• Polymerase chain reaction test (PCR)
• Viral culture