• WHAT IS IN YOUR TABLETS?

• The active ingredient in your tablets is called famciclovir. Each tablet contains 250 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. Each tablet contains 0.74 g of sodium.
• 'Famvir' 250 mg Tablets come in packs of 3 and 21 for shingles.

‘Famvir’ is an antiviral medicine. It stops the virus that causes shingles multiplying and spreading within your body. This cuts down blistering and pain of the rash and time it takes for your rash to heal.

• 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, trading as SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England AL7 1EY

• WHAT IS ‘FAMVIR’ FOR?

‘Famvir' treats infections caused by a virus called varicella zoster which causes shingles. Your doctor has decided that ‘Famvir’ is the right treatment for your illness.

• 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?

Children should not normally be given ‘Famvir'

• CAN YOU TAKE ‘FAMVIR’ WHILE TAKING OTHER MEDICINES?

Always tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking. This means medicines you have bought yourself as well as medicines on prescription from your doctor.

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

Your doctor or pharmacist will know if it is safe to take ‘Famvir’ as well.

• CAN YOU TAKE ‘FAMVIR’ WHILE TAKING OTHER MEDICINES?

You can take three ‘Famvir’ tablets all at once in the day or one ‘Famvir’ Tablet at three times in the day. Your doctor will tell you how many times a day you must take your tablets. You must follow your doctor’s instruction on how and when to take your tablets. If your doctor tells you to take three ‘Famvir’ Tablets once in the day, you should take these tablets at approximately the same time each day. Start taking them as soon as you can for the best effect. If your doctor tells you to take one ‘Famvir’ Tablet three times in the day, follow your doctor’s instructions about how and when to take your tablets. Most people take one tablet when they get up in the morning, one in the middle of the afternoon, and one before going to bed at night. Start taking your tablets as soon as you can for the best effect.

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 tablets as soon as possible.

You should only take the dose that your doctor or pharmacist has told you. If you take too many Famvir Tablets at once tell your doctor or hospital casualty department as soon as possible. Show them your pack of tablets.

• WHAT IF YOU MISS A

If your doctor has told you to take three tablets once In the day and you miss a dose and it is eight hours or more before your next dose you should take the missed tablets immediately If it is less than eight hours you should wait until your next dose is due before taking your usual number of tablets. After that continue taking your tablets at your usual time until you have finished the course.

If your doctor has told you to take one tablet three times in the day and you miss taking a Famvir Tablet don t worry. Take it as soon as you remember. Take your next tablet at the normal time. Carry on as normal until you have finished all the tablets. It is important that you finish all the tablets you have been given.

Any medicine can cause side effects. With Famvir side effects are usually mild. Some people may feel sick or get a mild headache. Tell your doctor it either of these becomes troublesome for you. It you notice any unusual discomfort tell your doctor or pharmacist. If you get these or any other problems while you are taking Famvir tell your doctor or pharmacist.

• LOOKING AFTER YOUR TABLETS

• Keep ‘Famvir’ in its pack.
• Store in a dry place.

• At first you might feel burning and "tingly" where the rash is coming. You may get pain for a few days before you see the rash
• Most people with shingles get a blistery rash down one side of their body or face. This can be painful
• New blisters will keep coming for about five days. After this the blisters will dry to form scabs
• You may feel weak and tired
• The rash usually lasts for two to three weeks. Some people can have pain where the rash was after this sometimes for several months

• People of any age can get shingles. Most people who get it are middle-aged or older
• You can only get shingles it you have had chickenpox
• 50% of people have had shingles by the age of 85

• Shingles Is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox
• After you have had chickenpox the inactive virus stays in your body
• Many years later the virus can start to work again. This may happen when you are run down or tired

• Tablets for shingles such as Famvir stop the virus spreading. They cut down blistering end pain of the rash. They help you get better quicker if you take them early In your illness

• To stop the rash itching - have cool baths - do not use perfumed soap or bath oils. You can also put ice cubes wrapped in a flannel on the rash or cover it with a soothing lotion like calamine for the first three days
• Keep the rash clean and dry
• Wear loose clothes
• Do not scratch the rash. It could get infected and take longer to get better
• Rest when you feel tired

• Shingles Is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Most doctors agree that people do not catch shingles from each other. When you have shingles, you can give chickenpox to someone who has never had chickenpox before - but this is unlikely