Famvir® (famciclovir) can be used to treat multiple
conditions including cold sores, genital herpes
and shingles.
Cold sores and genital herpes are caused by the ‘herpes simplex virus’. There are two strains of the herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Cold sores
Cold sores on the lips or face are usually caused by the HSV-1 virus.
This virus is most commonly transmitted during childhood through
a kiss from a parent or relative, although it may be transmitted at
any age.
Genital herpes
Genital herpes is most commonly caused by the HSV-2 virus,
which is generally transmitted through sexual contact.
Shingles
Shingles is caused by a different virus again – the herpes
zoster virus which also causes chickenpox. You can only
develop shingles if you have already had chickenpox
(that’s about 9 out of 10 of us).
