Penvir 500 Tablet is used to treat viral infections. It plays a vital role in treating cold sores (an inflamed blister in or near the mouth, caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus), genital herpes (A common sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and sores), and herpes zoster (a viral infection that causes a painful rash). Penvir 500 Tablet does not cure herpes but does not allow the infection to spread and treat its symptoms.

Penvir 500 Tablet contains famciclovir, which is an antiviral medication. It is used in treating viral infection by preventing the multiplication of viruses in human cells. As a result, this stops the proliferation of viruses, slowly leading to the viral infection clearing up.

The dose you are given will depend on your condition and how you respond to Penvir 500 Tablet. In some cases, you may experience headaches, feeling dizzy, feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting), diarrhoea, and itching. Most of these side effects of Penvir 500 Tablet are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.

Do not take Penvir 500 Tablet if you are allergic to Penvir 500 Tablet, famciclovir, or any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor before taking Penvir 500 Tablet if you have kidney/liver problems or have problems with your immune system. Check with your doctor if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines. Use protection while having sexual intercourse to avoid the transfer of genital herpes (a sexually transmitted disease) to your partner. If you have a weak immune system, please inform your doctor before taking Penvir 500 Tablet as a dose adjustment may be required.

Penvir 500 Tablet contains famciclovir, which is an antiviral medication. It works by making viruses less active in the human body. Famciclovir works against herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) viruses that cause oral or genital herpes.

• Headache
• Feeling dizzy
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

Do not take Penvir 500 Tablet if you are allergic to Penvir 500 Tablet or any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor about all other OTC medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are already taking. Take Penvir 500 Tablet with caution if you have kidney disease or liver disease. Do not drive a car or operate any machinery which requires concentration as Penvir 500 Tablet may cause dizziness. Use protection while having sexual intercourse to avoid the transfer of genital herpes (a sexually transmitted disease) to your partner. If you have a weak immune system, please inform your doctor before taking Penvir 500 Tablet as a dose adjustment may be required. Inform your doctor before taking Penvir 500 Tablet if you have a known intolerance to some sugars, e.g. lactose.

Drug-drug interactions: Penvir 500 Tablet may have an interaction with medication used to treat hairy cell leukaemia (cladribine), vaccines (varicella virus vaccine, zoster vaccine live), a medication used to treat gout (probenecid), a medication used to treat melanoma (talimogene laherparepvec), medication for the treatment of lung cancer (pemetrexed), a medication used in the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection (entecavir) and medication used to treat irregular heartbeat (digitoxin). 

Drug-Food Interactions: Penvir 500 Tablet may interact with non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are taking or planning to take. Avoid alcohol consumption while on this medication.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, problems with the immune system and liver problems.

• VARICELLA (LIVE ATTENUATED)
• PROBENECID
• PEMETREXED
• ENTECAVIR
• DIGITOXIN
• TALIMOGENE LAHERPAREPVEC
• ZOSTER VACCINE LIVE

• Try to include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acid containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.

• Include turmeric or yellow mustard in your diet to avoid constipation caused by antiviral drugs and increase the intake of fluids to stay hydrated.

• Drink plenty of water for better processing of food by the body.

• Avoid sugary foods such as cake, cookies, packaged baked food or soda. Also, avoid heavy salt foods.

• Avoid foods containing saturated fats such as fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, sour cream, butter and other high-fat dairy products as they may lead to weight gain and result in fatty liver.

• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption as they may increase the risk of liver damage.

Regular blood tests are recommended while on Penvir 500 Tablet and several months after treatment with Penvir 500 Tablet to monitor liver functioning.

Herpes zoster (shingles): It is a viral infection that causes a painful rash that causes red skin rashes along with pain and burning. The virus lives in your nervous system for years before causing Herpes. It can appear on your face, neck, torso, and one side of the body. It can occur in and around the eyes, also known as ophthalmic herpes zoster.

Genital herpes: Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It primarily spreads through sexual contact. Genital herpes can cause itching, pain, and sores in the genital area. There is no cure for genital herpes, but medications like Penvir 500 Tablet can ease symptoms and reduce the risk of infecting the virus to others. Using condoms can prevent the spread of genital herpes infection.