Skip to main content

Famciclovir User Reviews & Ratings

Famciclovir has an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 from a total of 70 reviews on Drugs.com. 72% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 11% reported a negative experience.

Write a review

Reviews for Famciclovir

  • Lav...
  • September 23, 2017

For Cold Sores "The side effect of heart palpitations was really scary. I could describe it to be like a bad ecstasy pill at a rave. I had to pull the car over, get out, and lie on the side of the road, lasting all up one hour. Other than that... cold sore GONE a day later! Was it worth lying in the gutter for? YES!"

Was this helpful?YesNo
41 Report
  • Sal...
  • September 15, 2016

Famvir (famciclovir) for Cold Sores "I've gotten cold sores since I was a little kid. I'm now 19, and they're ruining my life. They caused me so much anxiety until I got prescribed this medication. I usually catch the cold sore when it is red and itchy because they often come when I'm asleep. I take the three tablets (costs me around $10, so very affordable), and during the day, the cold sore continues to swell and throb as though the medication hasn't done anything. By the next day, though, I wake up to a dry red patch instead of the usual huge blistering process. This medication means the cold sore lasts maybe 3-4 days but is so much more manageable as it never processes through the disgusting stages. I always have a packet on me."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
45 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 14, 2008

Famvir (famciclovir) for Cold Sores "I have suffered from embarrassing cold sores for years. My doctor told me about a single-day dose of Famvir (1500 mg). He wrote me a script so that I have it on hand when I feel an outbreak coming. As soon as I feel the outbreak, I initiate the therapy, and the cold sore does nothing more than get a little red for a day or so. No more full-blown outbreaks, this has been wonderful."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
65 Report
  • Mik...
  • March 16, 2015

For Cold Sores "Outbreak commenced on Sunday. I took the 1500 mg dose as soon as I suspected it was a cold sore. The outbreak progressed, and on Monday I could feel/see the bumps, redness, and the itching was getting much worse. Today (Tuesday) the bumps are nearly gone and the redness is abating, with no abnormal sensations. Wonderful to have this product after 30 years of living with cold sores that last for 14 days from start to finish."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
38 Report
  • zom...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 24, 2015

For Cold Sores "This is probably the best thing to have happened to me this year (discovering these magic pills). I had my first cold sore about 6 years ago and had been getting them 3-4 times a year, and then it gradually went down to 1-2 a year. I would normally let it run its course (usually 2 weeks), which was not only embarrassing but painful, and treat it with over-the-counter gels and home remedies. My most recent one came back all over my top and bottom lip, so I got prescribed 1500 mg, took them the 3rd day (by this day the bumps had already risen up and were visible), packed on some Abreva, and by morning the bumps were almost gone. My bottom lip cleared out and all that was left on top was redness. I can't stress enough how good these are."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
  • Anonymous
  • July 22, 2008

Famvir (famciclovir) for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Famvir works the best. I have a lot less breakouts, and when one is coming on, I take it, and it is gone within a day. I don't have any side effects like I did with the others (headaches and breakouts). It is worth the money."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
51 Report
  • All...
  • July 4, 2014

For Cold Sores "I was impressed! My cold sore had gotten to the 2nd day when it was blistering and weeping - took 1500 mg as a single dose, and within the same 24-hour period, the cold sore had stopped blistering completely, dried up, and formed a healthy scab. After 48 hours, the scab had fallen off and new skin was underneath. Impressed. Next time I'm using this wonderful medication when I get the 'tingle.' I'm usually not impressed by medications, but this particular medicine works a treat for cold sores, and it's available over the counter."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
35 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 10, 2011

For Herpes Zoster "On Wednesday, I noticed I had swollen lymph nodes in my neck and a spot on my eyebrow that was red and sore. On Saturday, I went to see a doctor, and he immediately recognized it as shingles and got me started on famciclovir and 600 mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours. I took both medications religiously (shingles is nothing to mess around with). Over the next 3 days, the spot on my eyebrow blistered and then scabbed over, my eye swelled up, and I started to develop another spot on my forehead. On day 4, the swelling was noticeably reduced and was completely gone by day 6. The second place on my forehead never blistered or scabbed over. I didn't experience any side effects. Worked great for me (29 yr old female)."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
41 Report
  • Pis...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 28, 2015

For Cold Sores "This drug, along with its predecessor, acyclovir, is a godsend. If you ever suffered breakouts, you know how embarrassing it is to go about your day with a cold sore. If you have to spend the workday talking to people, it's even worse. My breakouts were usually a week long, with the residual scar visible for another few weeks. I take famciclovir at the earliest opportunity. Caught early, I'm even able to stop a full breakout, and only redness remains left to be healed. This drug works so well, I am puzzled by the 'remedies' peddled on TV, the internet, and health food stores (Abreva, Bactine, essential oils, lip balms, etc.). Famciclovir/acyclovir is the only thing that has worked for me."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
30 Report
  • Hap...
  • July 16, 2013

Famvir (famciclovir) for Cold Sores "Went to the dermatologist 3 days after the first sign, was only using Abreva with no results. He suggested 1500 mg Famvir now and gave me 3 more to take at the first sign of an additional outbreak in the future. Within one day, the swelling had gone away and the blister was starting to clear up. I have used other treatments, but nowhere as fast and effective as this product."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
32 Report
  • Hay...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 19, 2019

For Cold Sores "Had 2 cold sores on my lip, Dr. and chemist recommended taking Elovax (famciclovir 500 mg) 3 tablet dose. Within 30 minutes of taking it, I started to have severe heart palpitations, severe diarrhea, nausea, and restlessness. After a few hours, I started to get a headache, within 5 hours, my headache had become unbearable and I was rushed to the hospital. Placed on 2 drips and monitored for a few hours. Over the next few days, I am still unwell with stomach pains and a headache. My cold sores did improve BUT NEVER, NEVER AGAIN... DID I MENTION NEVER AGAIN... My experience was awful. I would not recommend taking this medication and wish I hadn't."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • RD3...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 22, 2014

For Cold Sores "Usually, cold sores last well over a week for me, getting quite large and unsightly. But famciclovir tablets absolutely crush them. Last no longer than 3-4 days, depending on how quick I identify the cold sore coming and take the tablets. Healing and turnaround time is awesome, the best product I have ever used for cold sores! Always keep them on hand now."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
26 Report
  • sar...
  • September 25, 2008

Famvir (famciclovir) for Herpes Simplex, Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host "I have been taking Famvir for a year. I had multiple outbreaks in the past, but I take Famvir daily and I have only had 2 mild outbreaks within a year. It really helps not having the pain and depression with outbreaks. It is a great medication and made my life better."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
36 Report
  • mbe...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 19, 2017

For Herpes Zoster "I noticed tingling and burning on my left thigh one day, as well as increasingly severe back pain. Two days later, I had a light rash that I mistook for razor burn along my bikini line on my left thigh. Two days after that, my OB (I was 31 weeks pregnant) diagnosed me with shingles. I started famciclovir the next day (went to PCP who prescribed it... long story). My PCP mentioned that the back pain was probably a symptom of shingles, that the area of my back in question was linked to the same dermatome as the rash on my leg. By day 3 on medication, my discomfort had decreased, and new sections, while they had appeared, did not blister. By day 5, my blistered section was mostly scabbed over."

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
19 Report
  • Eq2...
  • January 28, 2015

For Cold Sores "I get at least three cold sores a year, usually around wintertime. Now I get the pills prescribed by my doctor and have extra on hand to take when I first see signs of cold sores. I never catch it at the tingling stage, so I can only review what it does after taking it when blisters are already formed. My symptoms would last 10-14 days without this med. It goes swollen and painful and gross too. But with this med, I only get a red patch for 3-4 days, and then it's gone. It's amazing!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
22 Report
  • red...
  • February 9, 2015

For Cold Sores "I rarely get a cold sore (normally once every two or three years), but when I do, they are mostly quite large and last for at least a week. So when one popped up in the morning and had already started to blister, I went to the chemist straight away. He suggested I try this (1500 mg, one dose). Wow, did it work, cut the time in half and scabbed a lot quicker. I continued using cream as well. Only downside was on the day of medication I felt quite drowsy and had a mild, nagging headache until the next morning. But so worth it. I will be taking this every time from now on!"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
21 Report
  • Jos...
  • January 30, 2014

For Cold Sores "As a baby, I cut open my lips on a road in Africa. Ever since then, I have suffered with cold sores year to year, about 3 to four each year. I tried every cream on the market. One day, my doctor gave me a script to buy Famvir, and wow. The tingle sting went away in less than 24 hours. And after a couple of days, the cold sores were healing and almost gone. This works so much better than the creams! Because if you are not careful, you can infect other areas of your mouth with your fingers as you apply the cream. When fighting a cold sore, get heaps of sleep, spoil yourself with sleep. So happy that now in Australia, I can buy this product over the counter and don't have to visit my doctor every time."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
22 Report
  • Suf...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 15, 2016

For Cold Sores "I have had cold sores since I can remember. They've always been hugely traumatic for me and really mess with my self-esteem, not to mention everyone on here would know they aren't pleasant physically! I've always tried lysine, which seemed to help, but now that I've discovered famciclovir, I realize they were doing nothing. I've taken the three tablets on three occasions now, where they prevented a cold sore from coming out altogether! There have been two occasions where I took the tablets when I felt a blister, and the blister got bigger, however, the very next day seems to be nearly gone. Basically, if the cold sore is too powerful or you're too late to take the medicine, it still reduces the healing time from 2 weeks to 4 days! Amazing drug."

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
18 Report
  • wil...
  • August 11, 2010

Famvir (famciclovir) for Cold Sores "Had cold sores since I was in primary school and am now 18. Take a dosage of 1500 mg of Famvir in one dose. Works great for me and stops the virus, leaving only a red mark for about 3 days. Side effects: tiredness, nothing serious though."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
27 Report
  • ita...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 10, 2021

Famvir (famciclovir) for Herpes Simplex, Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host "I use famvir since 2018 .Usually 2x500 per 3/4 days and then 1x500 for other 2/3 days depending on the severity. It should be taken immediately and greatly shortens the healing time but causes tiredness or agitation and headache. Avoid the sun. I use it for genital herpes that I have for 20 years 11 on the buttocks. I hope for better medicine with fewer other problems but this helps a lot"

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • col...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • February 26, 2016

For Cold Sores "I always have a packet of this on me. ALWAYS. In the handbag, in the bedside drawer... it doesn't matter. I feel panicky when I don't have a packet on me somewhere. Many times, I've thought I've felt the tingle or seen a tiny little bump, and I've taken the 3 x pills STRAIGHT AWAY, and no cold sore has ever appeared. There was one instance when my lip got burnt from too much sun/wind exposure, and my lip swelled up, and I had the MOTHER of all cold sores - unfortunately, these nifty pills didn't stop that but definitely cut healing time back to roughly 4 days (instead of 10!). Zinc, lysine, and yogurt are also very good to take when treating an outbreak. Good luck!"

9 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
15 Report
  • Kan...
  • November 28, 2019

For Cold Sores "Its a christmas miracle. I have had cold sores since about 5 years ago - on and off with about a 2 or three year gap in between. This time around I didn't even get the tingle which of course came as a shock to me that after the end of an extremely tiring day I looked in the mirror and there she was - in all her disgusting glory AND right in time for my christmas party in 3 days. I raced straight to the chemist for an over the counter dose of famciclovir. Being my first time using it I also grabbed some compeed pads (which I used for 2 and a half days) as I have found them very useful for hiding the sore. I had no side effects at all from taking the dose and low and behold 2 days later my sore is COMPLETELY gone. No blistering, No scarring, no disgusting fluids, no cold sore. This is the stuff of miracles and I would assume that if I did have the tingle the tiny sore wouldn't have even showed in the first place. I can't recommend this enough - life changer"

10 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
8 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 16, 2020

For Cold Sores "First time I took it I got an intense headache but I figured it was worth it to prevent a cold sore but the second time I had horrible heart palpitations. I felt dizzy and weak and it was so unpleasant I will never take it again."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • Wil...
  • July 27, 2020

For Cold Sores "Had cold sores for years. Offered Famciclover 3 tablet dose in hospital last YEAR. It was AMAZING. Then Blood Pressure high & was put on 2 BP TABLETS, investigated adrenals, As I had op ahead, BP must be under control. Since, I've had cold sores x 4, had Famciclover & great results. This time, I had it Mon, felt OK til 4 days later felt weird in head, nausea, was sure BP was up. Home BP test almost 200/98. Had BP tablet (taken off 3 mth before cause improved) drank water every 15 mins. Was red in face felt dizzy & extreme pressure in head. Had 2nd BP tablet & Aspirin. BP 207/107 after midnight. Cried to God for mercy. I slept. Took it easy next 2 days. BP 2nd day, 173/83. Wondered if connection with Famciclover. Googled, found others with similar reactions. Will not be taking again! Will use Colloidal Silver I had great results. Why Increase in Blood Pressure not listed in side effects"

4 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • Anonymous
  • September 6, 2011

For Herpes Zoster "Side effects were serious enough to warrant a concurrent dose of prednisone. Condition was shingles, upper left body quadrant. Welts, blisters, itching, pain. One week on the medicine was insufficient to clear it up. Side effects included persistent headache, nausea, diarrhea, and serious swelling/itching on the palms of my hands."

5 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
16 Report
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.