Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Sandoz Famciclovir. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Sandoz Famciclovir with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Sandoz Famciclovir. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• Fever
• headache
• nausea
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• abdominal pain
• confusion
• fast or pounding heartbeat
• hallucinations
• purplish patches on skin
• signs of bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, unusual bruising or bleeding)
• symptoms of liver problems (e.g., abdominal tenderness, yellow eyes or skin, skin rash, itching, dark urine)
• skin rash

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; skin rash; Hives; or difficulty breathing)
• signs of a severe skin reaction (e.g., a rash combined with fever or discomfort, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, blistering, peeling)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Sandoz Famciclovir.

125 mg
Each white, round, biconvex, bevelled-edge, film-coated tablet, debossed on one side and "125" on the other, contains famciclovir 125 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycols, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide.

250 mg
Each white, round, biconvex, bevelled-edge, film-coated tablet, debossed on one side and "250" on the other, contains famciclovir 250 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycols, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide.

500 mg
Each white, oval, biconvex, bevelled-edge, film-coated tablet, debossed on one side and "500" on the other, contains famciclovir 500 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycols, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide.

Do not take famciclovir if you are allergic to famciclovir or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between famciclovir and any of the following:

• probenecid
• varicella virus vaccine
• zoster vaccine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Sandoz Famciclovir. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Sandoz Famciclovir.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Sandoz Famciclovir can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion in rare cases. Do not drive or engage in other activities requiring alertness if the medication affects you in this way.

Genital herpes: Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection with an increased risk of passing it on to a sexual partner during acute episodes. It is not known if famciclovir will prevent transmission of the infection. If you are using Sandoz Famciclovir for this reason, avoid intercourse when lesions or symptoms are present (even if treatment with an antiviral has been started) in order to avoid infecting partners. Genital herpes can also be transmitted in the absence of symptoms.

Kidney or liver disorders: If you have liver disease, Kidney Disease, or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Famciclovir may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Famciclovir, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Sandoz Famciclovir should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Sandoz Famciclovir, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if famciclovir passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Sandoz Famciclovir, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Sandoz Famciclovir for children and adolescents under the age of 18 years have not been established.