• WHAT IS IN YOUR TABLETS?

The active ingredient in your tablets is called famciclovir. Each tablet contains 125 mg of famciclovir. The amount is marked on the tablet.

The tablets also contain hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose, sodium starch glycollate. magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol and titanium dioxide (E171). These are the inactive ingredients.

• 'Famvir' 125 mg Tablets come in packs of 10 tablets for genital herpes infections.

‘Famvir’ is an antiviral medicine. It stops some viruses multiplying and spreading within your body.

• WHO MAKES 'FAMVIR'?

‘Famvir' Tablets are made by SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Crawley, Sussex The company licensed to sell them in the UK is SmithKline Beecham PLC, Brentford, Middlesex trading as SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England AL7 1EY

• WHAT IS 'FAMVIR' FOR?

‘Famvir' 125 mg Tablets are used to treat attacks of genital herpes. Genital herpes is a viral infection which is normally spread by sexual contact. It causes blisters and burning around your genitals, which may be painful. ‘Famvir' does not stop you spreading herpes to another person.

• BEFORE YOU TAKE 'FAMVIR'

• Are you pregnant?
• Might you be pregnant soon?
• Will you be breast-feeding your baby whilst you are taking the tablets?
• Are you allergic to 'Famvir' or any of the ingredients in the tablets?- have you previously taken 'Famvir' and become unwell?
• Do you have any kidney problems?
• Do you have any severe liver problems?

• CAN YOU TAKE 'FAMVIR' WHILE TAKING

Always tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking.

This is especially important if the medicine you are taking can affect your kidneys, e.g. probenecid.

• SEX

You should avoid sexual activity if you have any symptoms of herpes even if you have started your treatment. This is because you could pass the herpes infection to your partner.

• HOW TO TAKE YOUR TABLETS

Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take, and how often. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.

For a repeat outbreak of genital herpes, you should take one 125 mg tablet twice a day, for five days.

If your kidneys are not working very well, your doctor will probably reduce the number of tablets you take. Your doctor will give you special instructions if you are on kidney dialysis.

• Take your first tablet as soon as possible after early symptoms appear (blisters, burning and pain).
• Swallow each tablet whole. You can take them with a drink if it helps. 'Famvir' can be taken with or without food.
• Spread your tablets evenly through the day. For example, for two tablets, take one in the morning and one before going to bed. There should be approximately 12 hours between doses.

Stick to the dose your doctor tells you to take. If you 'forget how often to take your tablets, loos on the label of the pack If you are still not sure, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

• WHAT IF YOU TAKE TOO MANY TABLETS?

If you miss taking a 'Famvir' Tablet, do not worry Take it as soon as you remember. Take your next tablet at the normal time, then carry on as normal until you have finished all the tablets. It is important that you finish all the tablets you have been given unless your doctor tells you to stop taking them.

If you notice any unusual discomfort tell your doctor or pharmacist

• Keep 'Famvir' in its pack
• Store in a dry place
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Do not take your tablets if they are past their use-by date. This is on the outside of the pack
• Never let anyone else take your tablets even if they have the same problem as you
• Finish all the tablets in the way you have been told. If, for any reason, some are left, take them back to your pharmacist.

closely related to the virus that causes cold sores.

The virus is most often spread from person to

person during sexual contact. This could be

through oral, vaginal or anal sex with someone

who has an outbreak of genital herpes at the time.

The first attack of genital herpes usually has the

worst symptoms. Further outbreaks, if any, are

shorter and less painful. The symptoms you may

experience are as follows:

• You may feel unwell with flu-like symptoms such as a temperature, headache or backache. You may also have pains down the thighs and legs or in the groin.
• Small blisters can develop around your genitals. In women they may be hidden inside the vagina or on the cervix (neck of the womb). These burst and leave small painful sores like mouth ulcers. They usually heal in a week or two. If not treated, new blisters can form or they can take longer to heal.
• Passing urine may be painful for both men and women if the urine comes into contact with the sores.
• Blisters, burning and pain in the genital or anal area.

Anti-viral tablets help to stop the virus spreading

and causing more blisters. They help you get

better quicker. It is important to take them as early

as possible, as soon as you know that an

attack is starting.

There are several things which you can do

yourself to soothe the infected area and help you

feel better:

• Some people find gently washing their genitals In a warm, salt water solution (one teaspoon to half a pint of water) can ease the pain. Do this for five to 10 minutes, two to four times a day
• Avoid hot baths, but try cool showers. They may soothe the sore area
• For women who experience pain when urinating, try passing urine while in the bath or shower This will dilute the urine and ease the pain
• Keep the area around your infection cool and dry by wearing loose underwear.
• You may take painkillers and also use

painkilling creams or gels. These can help to ease the pain of broken blisters, but should only be taken on the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

During an outbreak there are some other things you should not do:

• Do not scratch or touch the sore area You may spread the virus on your fingers. Always wash your hands.
• Avoid sunbathing and do not use sunbeds, as these can make the sores more painful.

Call your doctor if you need to pass urine and cannot do it. Tell your doctor if you have a rash all over, or feel generally ill.

Not everybody who gets an outbreak of genital herpes will have another one If you do they are usually milder and fewer as time goes on. They may stop altogether.

The virus usually stays quiet for much of the time. but it can flare up and cause another outbreak There are several things which could cause this. but there are also things that you can do to try and prevent from happening.

• Feeling run down or stressed and for women around the time of your period - get more rest.
• Friction from sexual activity - try using a lubricant (water-based like KY Jelly).

As mentioned in the last section, sunbathing and sunbeds should be avoided if you find they bring on an outbreak.

During an outbreak of genital herpes, the blisters and sores are very contagious. The virus can be passed on to your passed by direct contact, at these times and for several days afterwards

• Do not: have any genital or anal contact. Using a condom is not enough to protect your partner from the virus.
• Do not: have oral sex when you or your partner have mouth or genital sores.
• Do not: forget to wash your hands with soap and water after touching the sore area
• Do not: share towels or flannels.