Side Effects of famciclovir: A Synthesis of Findings from 19 Studies

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This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of famciclovir: A Synthesis of Findings from 19 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Famciclovir is an effective antiviral medication for treating herpesvirus infections, including herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Multiple studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in various scenarios. For instance, 16 compared famciclovir to other antiviral drugs, valacyclovir and brivudine, for treating shingles pain and found that it was effective in pain relief. 12 highlights the unique mechanism of famciclovir as a helicase-primase inhibitor, showing its promising efficacy in treating shingles compared to other established antiviral drugs. In addition, 19 demonstrated the effectiveness of famciclovir in reducing the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia, a long-term complication of shingles, particularly in elderly patients. Research on its application in liver transplant recipients has shown mixed results. 3 studied famciclovir for treating recurrent hepatitis B virus infection after liver transplantation and found it to be effective initially but with a high relapse rate in the long term.

Reasons for Side Effects

The side effects of famciclovir are likely due to its metabolism in the body. 13 highlights the role of aldehyde oxidase in drug metabolism and suggests that its metabolites might contribute to drug toxicity. Famciclovir is eliminated by the kidneys, potentially increasing side effect risks in individuals with kidney dysfunction.

Common Side Effects

Digestive System

Famciclovir can cause digestive side effects like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These were reported in studies with 10 , 14 , and 5 .

Nervous System

Famciclovir can lead to nervous system side effects, including headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. These were noted in studies with 10 , and 5 . While rare, 14 mentions that famciclovir can induce psychosis and manic symptoms. It is crucial to exercise caution with patients experiencing renal insufficiency as they are susceptible to increased neurotoxicity. 5

Blood System

A study with 12 reported potential side effects related to the blood system, including thrombocytopenia, gingival bleeding, and palpitations. However, these were generally not considered serious.

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Digestive System Side Effects

To mitigate digestive side effects, consider taking famciclovir with food or increasing fluid intake. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Nervous System Side Effects

Be cautious when experiencing nervous system side effects and avoid driving or operating machinery. If symptoms worsen, seek medical advice.

Blood System Side Effects

Consult your doctor if you are concerned about any blood system side effects.

Comparison of Studies

Commonalities of Studies

Numerous studies consistently highlight the effectiveness of famciclovir in treating herpesvirus infections. Most studies indicate that famciclovir is a relatively safe drug.

Differences of Studies

It is essential to consider that famciclovir's effectiveness and side effects can vary based on factors such as the patient's age, medical condition, and dosage. Therefore, relying solely on research findings is insufficient; consult your doctor and make informed decisions about your treatment.

Precautions for Application to Daily Life

Famciclovir is a beneficial medication for treating herpesvirus infections. However, remember that it carries the potential for side effects. Extra caution is needed for elderly individuals and those with impaired kidney function. Always follow your doctor's instructions, adhere to the prescribed dosage, and seek medical attention immediately if you suspect any side effects.

Limitations of Current Research

The long-term effectiveness and safety of famciclovir require further investigation. Additional research on the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of famciclovir is needed for a comprehensive understanding of its behavior in the body.

Future Research Directions

Large-scale clinical trials are necessary to evaluate the long-term effects of famciclovir. In-depth research into famciclovir's metabolism and pharmacokinetics will allow for the development of safer drugs and optimal dosage strategies.

Conclusion

Famciclovir is an effective antiviral drug for treating herpesvirus infections, but it's crucial to acknowledge the possibility of side effects. Always follow your doctor's instructions, adhere to the prescribed dosage, and seek prompt medical advice if you experience any suspected side effects.

Literature analysis of 19 papers
Positive Content
16
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
3
Article Type
0
0
0
7
19
1.

Famciclovir: a focus on efficacy and safety.

Author: MubarekaSamira, LeungVictor, AokiFred Y, VinhDonald C

Hepatitis B virus treatment
Herpes simplex virus treatment

Famciclovir is a prodrug of penciclovir, an antiviral that is effective against herpes simplex virus, herpes zoster, and hepatitis B virus.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

3.

Long-term results of famciclovir for recurrent or de novo hepatitis B virus infection after liver transplantation.

Author: RayesN, SeehoferD, BechsteinW O, MüllerA R, BergT, NeuhausR, NeuhausP

HBV-DNA negative conversion
HBV-DNA reduction
Viral relapse

Famciclovir is effective in certain HBV-infected patients after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), but in the long term, most of the patients relapse.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

[On the mailing list: use of acyclovir in patients on hemodialysis].

Author: D'AmicoM, FraticelliM, LimidoA

Herpes treatment
Neurotoxicity

Acyclovir use in dialysis patients for varicella-zoster infection should be avoided due to the risk of unpredictable neurotoxicity, even at reduced dosages.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : Italian

6.

[Therapy of recurrent hepatitis B infection after liver transplantation. A retrospective analysis of 200 liver transplantations based on hepatitis B associated liver diseases].

Author: SeehoferD, RayesN, BechsteinW O, NaumannU, NeuhausR, BergT, HopfU, LangrehrJ M, SteinmüllerT, PlatzK P, MüllerA R, NeuhausP

Improved graft survival

Hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation can lead to graft failure. This study retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of hepatitis B therapy after liver transplantation.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : German

7.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Device Agency approval summary: Amenamevir for the treatment of herpes zoster.

Author: ShojiNaoko, TaneseKeiji, SasakiAyano, HoriuchiTaishi, UtsunoYuji, FukudaKoichi, HoshinoYukiko, NodaShinichi, MinamiHirofumi, AsakuraWataru,

Cures HZ
Prevents postherpetic neuralgia
Increased urine N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase
Increased urine α1-microglobulin

Amenamevir is a new drug for treating herpes zoster (HZ), approved in Japan in 2017. This article summarizes the scientific review of amenamevir's application, highlighting its benefits, potential side effects, and safety profile.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

8.

Famciclovir treatment of hepatitis B virus recurrence after liver transplantation: a pilot study.

Author: KrügerM, TillmannH L, TrautweinC, BodeU, OldhaferK, MaschekH, BökerK H, BroelschC E, PichlmayrR, MannsM P

HBV treatment
Liver transplant
Peritonitis
Sepsis

Famciclovir is a well-tolerated antiviral drug that effectively reduces hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in patients with HBV recurrence after liver transplantation. In a pilot study, 75% of patients saw a significant reduction in HBV DNA levels after 3 months, and 5 out of 9 patients became negative by conventional hybridization assay. While one patient died due to sepsis and peritonitis, no other clinically significant side effects were observed.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

9.

Therapy for chronic hepatitis B. Present status.

Author: RizzettoM

Neurotoxicity
Polymerase gene-mutants
Side effects

This study examined various treatments for chronic type B and D viral hepatitis. Lamivudine appears the most promising in terms of clinical benefit, safety and tolerance.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

11.

New nucleoside analogues for chronic hepatitis B.

Author: SchalmS W, de ManR A, HeijtinkR A, NiestersH G

Hepatitis B treatment
Mitochondrial dysfunction

This study reviews the use of nucleoside analogues in the treatment of hepatitis B virus infections. Fialuridine was found to be effective but associated with severe mitochondrial dysfunction, while lamivudine and famciclovir were found to be effective and well-tolerated.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

12.

Amenamevir, a Helicase-Primase Inhibitor, for the Optimal Treatment of Herpes Zoster.

Author: ShirakiKimiyasu, YasumotoShinichiro, ToyamaNozomu, FukudaHiroaki

Anti-herpetic activity
Effective genital herpes treatment
Once-daily administration
Gingival bleeding
Palpitations
Thrombocytopenia

Amenamevir, a helicase-primase inhibitor, has shown efficacy in treating herpes zoster and is non-inferior to valacyclovir. It has been used in over 1,240,000 patients in Japan. Potential side effects include thrombocytopenia, gingival bleeding, and palpitations.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

14.

Valacyclovir-induced psychosis and manic symptoms in an adolescent young woman with genital herpes simplex.

Author: AslamSunny P, CarrollKathleen A, NazBushra, AlaoAdekola O

Valacyclovir psychosis

Valacyclovir may induce psychosis with manic presentation in young, healthy patients without a psychiatric history.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

15.

Current management and recommendations for access to antiviral therapy of herpes labialis.

Author: CunninghamAnthony, GriffithsPaul, LeonePeter, MindelAdrian, PatelRajul, StanberryLawrence, WhitleyRichard

Accelerated healing
Shorter symptom duration

This review examines the effectiveness of current topical and oral antivirals in managing recurrent herpes labialis, also known as cold sores. It discusses the benefits and risks of moving famciclovir from prescription-only medicine to pharmacist-controlled status, considering the implications for patients, physicians, and pharmacists.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

16.

Comparison of Famciclovir, Valaciclovir, and Brivudine Treatments in Adult Immunocompetent Patients With Herpes Zoster.

Author: YaldizMahizer, SolakBerna, KaraRabia Oztas, CosansuNurcihan, ErdemMustafa Teoman

Easier to use
Pain relief

Brivudine, famciclovir, and valaciclovir are all effective in treating pain in acute herpes zoster (HZ). However, brivudine showed faster pain relief in severe cases, making it a potential first-choice treatment option.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

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