Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.
Brand name: Famciclovir (AN) TM
Active ingredients: famciclovir
What it is used for
Famciclovir is indicated for the treatment of herpes zoster infection in adult patients who commence therapy within 72 hours of the onset of rash. Greatest benefit occurs if the drug is started within 48 hours.,Efficacy has not been demonstrated in patients less than 50 years of age, although the occasional younger patient with severe herpes zoster may benefit from therapy with famciclovir. Herpes zoster infection is generally a milder condition in younger patients.,Famciclovir is also indicated for the treatment of recurrent episodes of genital herpes in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older.,Famciclovir is also indicated for suppression of recurrent genital herpes.,Famciclovir is also indicated for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunocompetent adult patients.,Famciclovir is also indicated in immunocompromised patients for:,? treatment of uncomplicated herpes zoster,? treatment of recurrent herpes simplex,? suppression of recurrent herpes simplex
How to take it
The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.
- Store below 25 degrees Celsius
- Store in Original Container
- Shelf lifetime is 48 Months.
You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Visual appearance
White to pale yellow colored, round film-coated, biconvex tablets with beveled edges, debossed with 'X' on one side and '49' on the other side


Images are the copyright of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Do I need a prescription?
This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is
Is this medicine subsidised?
This medicine was verified as being available on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) on March 1, 2021. To learn more about this subsidy, visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) website.
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
For the active ingredient famciclovir
You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.
Reporting side effects
You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Top results
ACD A-Z of Skin - Shingles
Shingles is a localised, blistering, red and painful rash. It can involve the chest, neck, abdomen, face or ear canal and central nervous system.
Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website

Shingles self-care - MyDr.com.au
Shingles is a painful viral skin rash that usually appears on one side of your waist, but can affect your chest, back, legs or face.
Read more on myDr website

ACD A-Z of Skin - Herpes Labialis
A-Z OF SKIN Herpes Labialis BACK TO A-Z SEARCH What is it? Herpes labialis, also known as “cold sores”, is a common blistering viral infection of the lip or around the mouth
Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website

Famvir for Cold Sores Tablets - NPS MedicineWise
Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using Famvir for cold sores
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

Cold sores - Better Health Channel
Cold sores are blisters around the mouth and nose, caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Read more on Better Health Channel website

Herpes treatments - MyDr.com.au
Although there is currently no cure for genital herpes (a common STI in Australia), treatments are available that can reduce the severity, frequency and duration of episodes.
Read more on myDr website

Cold sores: self-care - MyDr.com.au
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus. Most people carry this virus in their bodies. Find out what products are available for cold sores.
Read more on myDr website

Herpes zoster vaccination in Australia: what’s available and who benefits?
A live, attenuated single-dose vaccine, that protects against both acute herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia, is available for free to all Australians aged 70 years, and in a catch-up program for those aged 71–79 years..
Read more on Australian Prescriber website

Cold sores overview - MyDr.com.au
A cold sore is a skin infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Cold sores usually occur on or around the lips or nose and are very common. They have nothing to do with colds.
Read more on myDr website

Top results
Updating the management of sexually transmitted infections | Issue 6 | Volume 38 | Australian Prescriber
The control of sexually transmitted infections relies on case-finding and treatment of sexual contacts to prevent further transmission. Screening for...
Read more on Australian Prescriber website

Herpes zoster vaccination in Australia: what’s available and who benefits?
A live, attenuated single-dose vaccine, that protects against both acute herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia, is available for free to all Australians aged 70 years, and in a catch-up program for those aged 71–79 years..
Read more on Australian Prescriber website

Prescribing for patients on dialysis | Issue 1 | Volume 39 | Australian Prescriber
The pharmacokinetics of a drug may be altered in patients with renal impairment who require dialysis.
Read more on Australian Prescriber website
