Famciclovir vs Valacyclovir
 | Famciclovir |  | Valacyclovir |  |
| Famciclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses. It treats shingles caused by herpes zoster. It also treats outbreaks of herpes simplex that cause cold sores around the mouth, sores around the anus, and genital herpes. In people with frequent outbreaks of genital herpes, famciclovir is used to help reduce the number of future episodes. Famciclovir is an antiviral drug. However, it is not a cure for these infections. The viruses that cause these infections continue to live in the body even between outbreaks. Famciclovir decreases the severity and length of these outbreaks. It helps the sores heal faster, keeps new sores from forming, and decreases pain/itching. This medication may also help reduce how long pain remains after the sores heal. In addition, in people with a weakened immune system, famciclovir can decrease the risk of the virus spreading to other parts of the body and causing serious infections. | Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses. In children, it is used to treat cold sores around the mouth (caused by herpes simplex) and chickenpox (caused by varicella zoster). In adults, it is used to treat shingles (caused by herpes zoster) and cold sores around the mouth. Valacyclovir is also used to treat outbreaks of genital herpes. In people with frequent outbreaks, this medication is used to reduce the number of future episodes. Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It stops the growth of certain viruses. However, it is not a cure for these infections. The viruses that cause these infections continue to live in the body even between outbreaks. Valacyclovir decreases the severity and length of these outbreaks. It helps the sores heal faster, keeps new sores from forming, and decreases pain/itching. This medication may also help reduce how long pain remains after the sores heal. OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional. This medication may also be used to prevent another type of viral infection (cytomegalovirus) in some people. | |||
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Reviews
| Add Famciclovir review I started this early in the outbreak as a precaution. My doctor told me if we wait until it gets worse then we can't use it, or use it with much effectiveness. This medication was very effective in stopping the itching and pain I had from Shingles in the first three days.(It also had started to clear them up)In the afternoon and evening of day three though, I started to become incoherent and incredibly fatigued. My doctor took me off of it for this reason Second time of having shingles. First time, didn't know what I had, so shingles had progressed pretty far. This time. I knew that itching, sharp needle feeling, and down right pain. So I decided to go see my doctor asap. I definitely believe early treatment is the answer. I did notice frequent urination, and my bp seemed to elevate. However, it certainly helped with the spread, blisters, and keeping them from totally coming out. It did make me sleepy though. Also used benadryl as a topical ointment. Oxycodone helped with pain, but could only tolerate at night, due to basically knocking me out. I had shingles on my neck, head, and ear. Took this and it stopped me from getting any new ones. One side effect. Maybe it was shingles, BUT this medicine made me really tired at 500 mg three times a day. Though at night, wide awake. | Add Valacyclovir review I am a 65 year old male. I came down with shingles on a Saturday. A rash broke out on my lower back and starting burning and itching that night. Looked up info on shingles and saw pictures that looked like my rash. Went to an Urgent Care center Sunday morning and was quickly diagnosed with shingles and put on steroids and Valacyclovir. Worked amazingly well. I never blistered and pain greatly reduced..Rash is fading after only 5 days.. Side effects for me are a little depression and dull headache. Recommend it strongly but make sure you get to DR early ! I do not get the rash or blisters when I get shingles so it takes me longer to realize that is the problem. I was nine days into the shingle outbreak when the doctor prescribed this medication for me and it is helping relieve the pain and itching. I had chest wall pain on my left side from under my shoulder blade around to my breast for 5 days and went to the emergency room because we were out of state. They didn't find any reason for the pain. we got home 2 days later and I saw my doctor immediately. He prescribed Acyclovir and I took that for 4 days before the rash finally broke through. Went back and he prescribed Valacyclovir and Lyrica. I have been able to sleep and function to a large degree. The rash has diminished quite a bit as has the pain. It has been 23 days since the pain first started and I am still on the meds but feeling at least 90% better today. | |||
