Famciclovir and Nausea: What Users Say

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2023

For Cold Sores "Woke up with the 'tingle.' I took 1000 mg right away. Within hours, the tingle had subsided. I took another 500 mg about 8 hours later. So far, it has not gotten to the 'full-blown' stage. I just have redness and slight swelling. My lymph nodes have not yet started to swell, and the tingling and burning sensation are only at 5% of what I normally have. I have slight nausea but nothing I can't deal with. So far, I'm very pleased with the effectiveness and grateful I had it on hand."

• bon...
• September 17, 2009

Famciclovir for Herpes Simplex, Mucocutaneous/Immunocompetent Host "Stopped a lip breakout within an hour. I had gastric stasis from a migraine, and I did not get nauseated from this medication."