Famciclovir User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Wil...
• July 27, 2020

For Cold Sores "Had cold sores for years. Offered famciclovir 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 famciclovir & great results. This time, I had it Mon, felt okay 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 famciclovir. 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."

• 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."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 4, 2017

For Cold Sores "OMG! I am a 55-year-old lady who has suffered cold sores all my life. I have regular outbreaks over the past few months, each lasting up to 2 weeks. Broke out Sunday afternoon, pharmacy Monday morning. Within 2-3 hours, the redness, tingling, and pain had settled. By the afternoon, the blister had started to dry up and was not so angry looking. I have never used this before, and I am 'blown away' by how quickly this worked after one dose. Brilliant."

• DIC...
• February 14, 2016

For Cold Sores "Cold sore sufferer since childhood (now 43). Get a cold sore occasionally now (i.e., every couple of months). PROS: If you take the tablet when you feel a tingle/itch - have found it stopped the outbreak (used twice and it did work) - at least I think it must have (can't be sure, I suppose). CONS: Don't always experience a tingle/itch (i.e., asleep/sick) and the cold sore breaks out - then it's too late to take (have tried twice but it did not work; in fact, I only had one cold sore on the top of my lip and took the meds, but then another broke out the next day in the corner of my mouth). A serious sufferer may not get the required results. Expensive (you get 3 tabs for $30 - $40 in Australia over the counter at the chemist). You MUST have these meds on hand, i.e., in the bedside drawer/handbag."

• Ela...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2018

Famciclovir for Herpes Simplex, Suppression "Dr. ordered tests, which revealed Epstein Barr, Parvovirus, and Herpes Virus (forgot the number). He put me on 500 mg, 3 times a day. I’ve only been on it for three months, so I don’t know effectiveness. I had genital herpes outbreaks fifteen years ago for about a year, but none since. I started the medication and had severe headaches that went away after three weeks. No other side effects."

• Zig...
• June 6, 2019

For Herpes Simplex, Suppression "I am in my 60s and used Ezovir (famciclovir) to suppress the cold sores that I have suffered from since I was about 3. This treatment was used in conjunction with injectable lip fillers (to prevent an outbreak) as over the years my lips have lost their pigmentation and thinned-so I look like a Muppet! I used this medication twice and felt slightly odd but thought maybe I was imagining it. But today (the third time), my pulse started racing and I felt so awful that someone had to come and collect me after treatment, as I felt driving was unwise; that was 5 hrs ago, and I'm much better but not 100%. I'm pretty fit and healthy with no known allergies, so I guess this medicine is not for me."

• Par...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 2, 2018

For Cold Sores "I'm 55, suffered with cold sores, almost always at that time of the month, they would take weeks to heal. I moved to SC, and it got so bad doctors always thought it was shingles, and by the time one was clearing, the next would start, as it would be a monthly thing with the southern sun. Well, they prescribed this as a deterrent and Zovirax cream. Both were great, I didn't like taking it daily. I had some mild side effects, so I switched to the 1500 mg at first sign, and OMG, it changed my life. Well, the other changed my life also since it worked, and I quit getting them but once or twice a year. Now I take 3 pills at first sign and almost never actually have a cold sore break out. If I miss it before the blister, it still shortens the duration, especially in combo with the Zovirax cream. I'm always totally cleared in less than a week now, not 3 weeks."

• Man...
• August 21, 2019

Famciclovir for Cold Sores "If I get a cold sore, it means that 10 days later I break out all over my body with blisters. The condition is called Erythema Multiforme. It's extremely painful, and serious episodes can mean a trip to the burn unit, since each blister is very similar to a burn. Think of a match that burns you beneath the skin. I was diagnosed in 2004 and given large doses of Valtrex and/or Acyclovir to prevent cold sores. Unfortunately, I found these medicines almost worthless. I actually found high SPF lip balm to be more effective at preventing cold sores than these drugs. So in 2012, I gave up on any solution. I googled my condition for the first time in 3 years and learned Famvir cured 3 people with recurring Herpes-Induced Erythema Multiforme. I just got meds today, but feel like I'm already rapidly improving. The jury is still out, but if you tried Abreva, Prednisone, Valtrex, or Acyclovir to treat or prevent cold sores and they failed you, it may be wise to give Famvir a try."

• Red...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 20, 2019

For Cold Sores "I have used famciclovir repeatedly for cold sores. I have had no side effects, and they have stopped my cold sores every time. I am normally quite sensitive to a lot of drugs, so I was pleasantly surprised. I am very susceptible to the cold sores spreading to my nose and eyes (herpes simplex), and I am terrified that this will happen, so I always keep a packet at home and at work. I cannot recommend this highly enough."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 2, 2019

For Cold Sores "I used to get cold sores often. Then discovered an over-the-counter cream that helped at first, but after several uses, I stopped feeling tingling before the cold sore would appear, and then it was too late for the cream. Used Acyclovir for several years, but not feeling tingling still often took it too late to avoid the breakout. Switched to oral Famciclovir (1500 mg x1), and it worked like a miracle for about 2 years. The last time, by the time I got my prescription from the pharmacy, it was too late to really work and it did not. Today I applied it at the very first feeling of it coming, and to no effect. Half a day later, I still got my cold sore."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 2, 2018

For Cold Sores "I am 30 years old and have been getting cold sores since I was a baby. I would have breakouts quite often, and sometimes so awful where I would have three or four at a time. I never heard of Famvir until recently, and it has honestly been a lifesaver. I can't believe I have gone so long without it in my life. I took it for the first time when I had three huge cold sores, and within one day of taking it, they had reduced in size, swelling, and were not painful anymore-they cleared up a lot quicker and easier than usual. I now take it at the first sign of a cold sore, and occasionally one has already started to develop, and within a couple of hours either it never develops or is dried up and barely noticeable and heals quickly. It is honestly a lifesaver! I always have a pack on hand just in case now."

• zag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2018

For Cold Sores "It actually works if taken in the first couple of hours after the first symptoms are felt. Goodbye to cold sores for me, woohoo! I actually cannot believe there is medicine that can stop cold sores from coming up."

• Fur...
• November 16, 2013

For Cold Sores "I have experienced 1 cold sore every two years, this year I've had 1 already due to a lip burn. Just recently, I had another burn to the lip from food. I went to the chemist to see what was available for fast-acting treatment (I normally use Zovirax ointment, which is fabulous), but I thought there may be something else. I was recommended famciclovir. The second day after the 3-tablet dose, I had extreme gas pain in my abdomen. It was the only thing I feel could have caused it. I took the dose on the first day I noticed the cold sore, it's now day 3, and it's simply a dry red patch. Amazing medication, of course, I was using Zovirax too. But I recommend it!"

• mis...
• October 6, 2011

Famciclovir for Cold Sores "I've started medication June 24, 2011, of two 500 mg tabs a day, and I still have had 6 outbreaks in less than four months. Yes, healing time is faster, but I would like to have fewer outbreaks, like 1 to none a year."

• Syd...
• May 4, 2019

For Cold Sores "I just wanted to comment about the 3 tablets for cold sores. (Elovax one dose) I took the meds on Friday night, and now it's Sunday. I have had a throbbing headache and nausea all weekend. I am too unwell to go out. In the past, I did not receive these side effects. My cold sore tingle has passed, but I'm not sure that these side effects are truly worth it. I'm going to look for natural treatment going forward."

• Anonymous
• May 26, 2008

For Herpes Simplex, Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host "I used to have canker sore pain for two weeks that was so bad I could not talk or eat without constant pain. Now, as soon as I feel a sore or one that hurts a lot, I start my treatment of 1 pill per day for 5 days, and the pain is reduced to a very tolerable amount. The pain goes away in a few days altogether. I only use the pills for the very painful outbreaks. Some sores don't warrant the need to risk unnecessary medicine. I know when it is time to start medicating when the pain consumes."

• ELO...
• November 9, 2021

For Cold Sores "Took Elovax (famciclovir) one dose. 3 tabs to be taken all at once. I took them for the beginnings of a cold sore that was just starting on my lip. Half an hour after I took them, I had the worst heart palpitations I have ever had. It actually frightened me as my heart rate was incredibly fast. It took a while for it to slow back down. I feel okay now but don't think I will be taking that again."

• She...
• June 14, 2020

For Cold Sores "I woke up with a cold sore on the corner of my lips. Went to the chemist and they gave me this one dose, 3 tablets. I took it at 1 pm. 30 minutes later, my heart started racing and I felt awful. I drank a big glass of water, which helped a little. 2 hours later, I developed a headache. By night, I felt better but still have heart pounding from time to time. I suffer from irregular heartbeat myself, and to experience this on top wasn’t nice. I don’t think I will take this ever again and will use cold sore cream instead next time."

• Ove...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 28, 2023

For Cold Sores "Wow. This product has transformed my life. I am 57 years old and have suffered from huge cold sores since early school years. These were so big that in my early 20s I was approached on the street by police officers and social workers making well-being inquiries. I guess it is good news when people ask. But the physical pain and the social pain linked to the cold sore outbreaks were intense. As a professional presenter and speaker, large cold sores have been an embarrassing burden for most of my career. And now this product has turned everything around. Not only am I grateful for my own benefit, but I can also envision a future where young people no longer need to suffer the awful impact of cold sores. Tablets work brilliantly for me. Even when I take them after blisters have appeared, those huge and unsightly sores no longer appear. Thank you to everyone who developed this product."

• Res...
• June 27, 2019

For Cold Sores "Last time I took famciclovir, it was called Famvir, prescribed by my doctor to be taken 1 tablet 3 times a day, side effects nil. Outcome positive. Yesterday, the first sign of a cold sore, I went to my doctor to get another script for Famvir. My doctor said that I don’t need a script anymore, it’s over the counter. The name has changed to famciclovir. My pharmacist said to take all 3 tablets at once, which I did. This time, I felt a little lightheaded plus very sleepy, which lasted a couple of hours. Apart from that, the outcome was positive."

• Col...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2018

For Cold Sores "I woke to the familiar tingle on my lip and stuck a Compeed plaster on immediately. A couple of hours later, when the pharmacy opened, I bought famciclovir. The cold sore is much less severe than usual, which would take over half my face, prevent me from drinking, eating, and being so self-conscious for a whole 2 weeks. This combo of the Compeed patch and famciclovir is amazing and lessened the severity of the cold sores by A LOT!!"

• R_S...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2017

For Cold Sores "Itching started Wednesday around midday, however, I mistakenly thought it was due to a pimple I had popped. That evening, the itching got worse and the area (corner of my mouth, bottom lip) started getting red - I knew it was a cold sore. I took the 3 tablets before bed and was afraid it may have been too late. Thursday, I woke up with a slight headache, assumed it was the drugs fighting the outbreak. Friday and Saturday, you could see a small blister, a little red, but it wasn't getting much bigger. By Sunday afternoon, it was disappearing and today (Monday morning) it's almost gone. Relief! Next time, I won't hesitate and will take it as soon as I feel the itch! Had I not taken them, I assume I'd have developed an ugly cold sore that would've lasted till next weekend."

• Jmo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 12, 2021

For Herpes Zoster "I’m a 50-year-old female. My rash started off being itchy and red, then pus-like rash. My dermatologist prescribed Valtrex. The shingles were located in the middle of my forehead. After taking 4 tablets, my whole face swelled up, especially around my eyes, with evident swollen glands on both sides of my cheeks and the neck area, with shortness of breath. Told my doctor, then he prescribed Famvir. I took 1 tablet, my face started to swell up again after an hour of taking it, this time slightly worse than the first. My lips started to swell, so I took antihistamine. So, no good experience from these antiviral meds for me, unfortunately. I did some research and found Lysine tablets, which helped alongside antibiotics, Ibilex. Eventually, I had to stop taking Ibilex after 3 days because of diarrhea and upset stomach. Now, day 7, only on Lysine, vitamin B, C, and zinc tablets to help me through. The rash is still slightly sore and red with black scabs. Luckily, it didn’t spread."

• Yel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2017

For Cold Sores "Didn't do anything at all. Used it basically at the first sign of tingling, in combination with Zovirax. Both useless, ended up with a massive lesion on my lip that is still growing. Not sure why it's worked for other people and not me! Worst $30 spent. My home remedy of burning the beginning of the sore with methylated spirit and peroxide did a much better job for me in the past."

• Lib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2024

For Cold Sores "I took the medication in the correct dosage as prescribed within 12 hours of my first symptoms (just below my mouth). I was disappointed with the results in so much as the medication did seem to retard the progress of a developing lesion, but it did still progress and increase in size. Now, 4 days later, I have a small crusty wound with some associated discomfort. Not sure why it’s much more effective with some people."