FAMCICLOVIR  - famciclovir tablet, film coated 
Physicians Total Care, Inc.

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FAMCICLOVIR TABLETS
8117
8118
8119
Rx only

DESCRIPTION

Famciclovir tablets contain famciclovir, an orally administered prodrug of the antiviral agent penciclovir. Chemically, famciclovir is known as 2-[2-(2-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)ethyl]-1,3-propanediol diacetate. It is a synthetic acyclic guanine derivative and has the following structure:

chemical structure

C14H19N5O4 M.W. 321.3

Famciclovir is a white to pale yellow solid. It is freely soluble in acetone and methanol, and sparingly soluble in ethanol and isopropanol. At 25°C famciclovir is freely soluble (> 25% w/v) in water initially, but rapidly precipitates as the sparingly soluble (2% to 3% w/v) monohydrate. Famciclovir is not hygroscopic below 85% relative humidity. Partition coefficients are: octanol/water (pH 4.8) P = 1.09 and octanol/phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) P = 2.08.

Tablets for Oral Administration

Each white, film-coated tablet contains famciclovir. The 125 mg and 250 mg tablets are round; the 500 mg tablets are capsule-shaped. Inactive ingredients consist of croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, sodium stearyl fumarate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.

MICROBIOLOGY

Mechanism of Antiviral Action

Famciclovir undergoes rapid biotransformation to the active antiviral compound penciclovir, which has demonstrated inhibitory activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV). In cells infected with HSV-1, HSV-2, or VZV, the viral thymidine kinase phosphorylates penciclovir to a monophosphate form that, in turn, is converted to penciclovir triphosphate by cellular kinases. In vitro studies demonstrate that penciclovir triphosphate inhibits HSV-2 DNA polymerase competitively with deoxyguanosine triphosphate. Consequently, herpes viral DNA synthesis and, therefore, replication are selectively inhibited.

Penciclovir triphosphate has an intracellular half-life of 10 hours in HSV-1-, 20 hours in HSV-2-, and 7 hours in VZV-infected cells grown in culture; however, the clinical significance is unknown.

Antiviral Activity

In cell culture studies, penciclovir is inhibitory to the following herpes viruses (listed in decreasing order of potency): HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV. Sensitivity test results, expressed as the concentration of the drug required to inhibit the growth of the virus by 50% (EC50) or 99% (EC99) in cell culture, vary greatly depending upon a number of factors, including the assay protocols, and in particular the cell type used. See Table 1.

Table 1

(c.i.) = clinical isolates.

Method of AssayVirus TypeCell TypeEC50EC99
(mcg/mL)
Plaque Reduction VZV (c.i.) MRC-5 5.0 ± 3.0  
  VZV (c.i.) Hs68 0.9 ± 0.4  
  HSV-1 (c.i.) MRC-5 0.2 to 0.6  
  HSV-1 (c.i.) WISH 0.04 to 0.5  
  HSV-2 (c.i.) MRC-5 0.9 to 2.1  
  HSV-2 (c.i.) WISH 0.1 to 0.8  
Virus Yield Reduction HSV-1 (c.i.) MRC-5   0.4 to 0.5
  HSV-2 (c.i.) MRC-5   0.6 to 0.7
DNA Synthesis Inhibition VZV (Ellen) MRC-5 0.1  
  HSV-1 (SC16) MRC-5 0.04  
  HSV-2 (MS) MRC-5 0.05  

Resistance

Penciclovir-resistant mutants of HSV and VZV can result from mutations in the viral thymidine kinase (TK) and DNA polymerase genes. Mutations in the viral TK gene may lead to complete loss of TK activity (TK negative), reduced levels of TK activity (TK partial), or alteration in the ability of viral TK to phosphorylate the drug without an equivalent loss in the ability to phosphorylate thymidine (TK altered). The most commonly encountered acyclovir-resistant mutants that are TK negative are also resistant to penciclovir. The possibility of viral resistance to penciclovir should be considered in patients who fail to respond or experience recurrent viral shedding during therapy.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption and Bioavailability

Famciclovir is the diacetyl 6-deoxy analog of the active antiviral compound penciclovir. Following oral administration, little or no famciclovir is detected in plasma or urine.

The absolute bioavailability of penciclovir is 77 ± 8% as determined following the administration of a 500 mg famciclovir oral dose and a 400 mg penciclovir intravenous dose to 12 healthy male subjects.

Penciclovir concentrations increased in proportion to dose over a famciclovir dose range of 125 mg to 1000 mg administered as a single dose. Single oral-dose administration of 125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, or 1000 mg famciclovir to healthy male volunteers across 17 studies gave the following pharmacokinetic parameters:

Table 2
DoseAUC(0-inf)(mcg hr/mL)Cmax(mcg/mL)Tmax (h)
125 mg 2.24 0.8 0.9
250 mg 4.48 1.6 0.9
500 mg 8.95 3.3 0.9
1000 mg 17.9 6.6 0.9

Following oral single-dose administration of 500 mg famciclovir to seven patients with herpes zoster, the mean ± SD AUC, Cmax, and Tmax were 12.1 ± 1.7 mcg hr/mL, 4.0 ± 0.7 mcg/mL, and 0.7 ± 0.2 hours, respectively. The AUC of penciclovir was approximately 35% greater in patients with herpes zoster as compared to healthy volunteers. Some of this difference may be due to differences in renal function between the two groups.

There is no accumulation of penciclovir after the administration of 500 mg famciclovir t.i.d. for 7 days.

Penciclovir Cmax decreased approximately 50% and Tmax was delayed by 1.5 hours when a capsule formulation of famciclovir was administered with food (nutritional content was approximately 910 Kcal and 26% fat). There was no effect on the extent of availability (AUC) of penciclovir. There was an 18% decrease in Cmax and a delay in Tmax of about 1 hour when famciclovir was given 2 hours after a meal as compared to its administration 2 hours before a meal. Because there was no effect on the extent of systemic availability of penciclovir, it appears that famciclovir can be taken without regard to meals.

Distribution

The volume of distribution (Vdβ) was 1.08 ± 0.17 L/kg in 12 healthy male subjects following a single intravenous dose of penciclovir at 400 mg administered as a 1 hour intravenous infusion.

Penciclovir is < 20% bound to plasma proteins over the concentration range of 0.1 to 20 mcg/mL. The blood/plasma ratio of penciclovir is approximately 1.

Metabolism

Following oral administration, famciclovir is deacetylated and oxidized to form penciclovir. Metabolites that are inactive include 6-deoxy penciclovir, monoacetylated penciclovir, and 6-deoxy monoacetylated penciclovir (5%, < 0.5% and < 0.5% of the dose in the urine, respectively). Little or no famciclovir is detected in plasma or urine.

An in vitro study using human liver microsomes demonstrated that cytochrome P450 does not play an important role in famciclovir metabolism. The conversion of 6-deoxy penciclovir to penciclovir is catalyzed by aldehyde oxidase.

Elimination

Approximately 94% of administered radioactivity was recovered in urine over 24 hours (83% of the dose was excreted in the first 6 hours) after the administration of 5 mg/kg radiolabeled penciclovir as a 1 hour infusion to three healthy male volunteers. Penciclovir accounted for 91% of the radioactivity excreted in the urine.

Following the oral administration of a single 500 mg dose of radiolabeled famciclovir to three healthy male volunteers, 73% and 27% of administered radioactivity were recovered in urine and feces over 72 hours, respectively. Penciclovir accounted for 82% and 6-deoxy penciclovir accounted for 7% of the radioactivity excreted in the urine. Approximately 60% of the administered radiolabeled dose was collected in urine in the first 6 hours.

After intravenous administration of penciclovir in 48 healthy male volunteers, mean ± S.D. total plasma clearance of penciclovir was 36.6 ± 6.3 L/hr (0.48 ± 0.09 L/hr/kg). Penciclovir renal clearance accounted for 74.5 ± 8.8% of total plasma clearance.

Renal clearance of penciclovir following the oral administration of a single 500 mg dose of famciclovir to 109 healthy male volunteers was 27.7 ± 7.6 L/hr.

The plasma elimination half-life of penciclovir was 2.0 ± 0.3 hours after intravenous administration of penciclovir to 48 healthy male volunteers and 2.3 ± 0.4 hours after oral administration of 500 mg famciclovir to 124 healthy male volunteers. The half-life in 17 patients with herpes zoster was 2.8 ± 1.0 hours and 2.7 ± 1.0 hours after single and repeated doses, respectively.

HIV-Infected Patients

Following oral administration of a single dose of 500 mg famciclovir (the oral prodrug of penciclovir) to HIV-positive patients, the pharmacokinetic parameters of penciclovir were comparable to those observed in healthy subjects.

Renal Insufficiency

Apparent plasma clearance, renal clearance, and the plasma-elimination rate constant of penciclovir decreased linearly with reductions in renal function. After the administration of a single 500 mg famciclovir oral dose (n = 27) to healthy volunteers and to volunteers with varying degrees of renal insufficiency (CLCR ranged from 6.4 to 138.8 mL/min.), the following results were obtained (Table 3):

Table 3
Parameter(mean ± S.D.)CLCR 60(mL/min.)(n = 15)CLCR 40 to 59(mL/min.)(n = 5)CLCR 20 to 39(mL/min.)(n = 4)CLCR < 20(mL/min.)(n = 3)
CLCR (mL/min.) 88.1 ± 20.6 49.3 ± 5.9 26.5 ± 5.3 12.7 ± 5.9
CLR (L/hr) 30.1 ± 10.6 13.0 ± 1.3 4.2 ± 0.9 1.6 ± 1.0
CL/F (L/hr) 66.9 ± 27.5 27.3 ± 2.8 12.8 ± 1.3 5.8 ± 2.8
Half-life (hr) 2.3 ± 0.5 3.4 ± 0.7 6.2 ± 1.6 13.4 ± 10.2

In a multiple-dose study of famciclovir conducted in subjects with varying degrees of renal impairment (n = 18), the pharmacokinetics of penciclovir were comparable to those after single doses.

A dosage adjustment is recommended for patients with renal insufficiency (see DOSAGEAND ADMINISTRATION).

Hepatic Insufficiency

Well-compensated chronic liver disease (chronic hepatitis [n = 6], chronic ethanol abuse [n = 8], or primary biliary cirrhosis [n = 1]) had no effect on the extent of availability (AUC) of penciclovir following a single dose of 500 mg famciclovir. However, there was a 44% decrease in penciclovir mean maximum plasma concentration and the time to maximum plasma concentration was increased by 0.75 hours in patients with hepatic insufficiency compared to normal volunteers. No dosage adjustment is recommended for patients with well-compensated hepatic impairment. The pharmacokinetics of penciclovir have not been evaluated in patients with severe uncompensated hepatic impairment.

Elderly Subjects

Based on cross-study comparisons, mean penciclovir AUC was 40% larger and penciclovir renal clearance was 22% lower after the oral administration of famciclovir in elderly volunteers (n = 18, age 65 to 79 years) compared to younger volunteers. Some of this difference may be due to differences in renal function between the two groups. No famciclovir dosage adjustment based on age is recommended unless renal function is impaired (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Gender

The pharmacokinetics of penciclovir were evaluated in 18 healthy male and 18 healthy female volunteers after single-dose oral administration of 500 mg famciclovir. AUC of penciclovir was 9.3 ± 1.9 mcg hr/mL and 11.1 ± 2.1 mcg hr/mL in males and females, respectively. Penciclovir renal clearance was 28.5 ± 8.9 L/hr and 21.8 ± 4.3 L/hr, respectively. These differences were attributed to differences in renal function between the two groups. No famciclovir dosage adjustment based on gender is recommended.

Pediatric Patients

The pharmacokinetics of famciclovir or penciclovir have not been evaluated in patients < 18 years of age.

Race

The pharmacokinetics of famciclovir or penciclovir with respect to race have not been evaluated.

Drug Interactions

Effects on Penciclovir

No clinically significant alterations in penciclovir pharmacokinetics were observed following single-dose administration of 500 mg famciclovir after pre-treatment with multiple doses of allopurinol, cimetidine, theophylline, zidovudine, or promethazine, when given shortly after an antacid (magnesium and aluminum hydroxide) or concomitantly with emtricitabine. No clinically significant effect on penciclovir pharmacokinetics was observed following multiple-dose (t.i.d.) administration of famciclovir (500 mg) with multiple doses of digoxin.

Clinical interaction studies of famciclovir with cimetidine and promethazine, in vitro inhibitors of aldehyde oxidase, did not show relevant effects on the formation of penciclovir. Raloxifene, a potent aldehyde oxidase inhibitor in vitro, could decrease the formation of penciclovir. However, a clinical drug-drug interaction study to determine the magnitude of interaction between penciclovir and raloxifene has not been conducted.

Effects of Famciclovir on Coadministered Drugs

The steady-state pharmacokinetics of digoxin were not altered by concomitant administration of multiple doses of famciclovir (500 mg t.i.d.). No clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of zidovudine, its metabolite zidovudine glucuronide or emtricitabine was observed following a single oral dose of 500 mg famciclovir coadministered with zidovudine or emtricitabine.

An in vitro study using human liver microsomes suggests that famciclovir is not an inhibitor of CYP4503A4 enzymes.

CLINICAL TRIALS

Herpes Zoster

Famciclovir was studied in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of 419 immunocompetent adults with uncomplicated herpes zoster. Comparisons included famciclovir 500 mg t.i.d., famciclovir 750 mg t.i.d., or placebo. Treatment was begun within 72 hours of initial lesion appearance and therapy was continued for 7 days.

The median time to full crusting in famciclovir-treated patients was 5 days compared to 7 days in placebo-treated patients. The times to full crusting, loss of vesicles, loss of ulcers, and loss of crusts were shorter for famciclovir 500 mg-treated patients than for placebo-treated patients in the overall study population. The effects of famciclovir were greater when therapy was initiated within 48 hours of rash onset; it was also more pronounced in patients 50 years of age or older. Among the 65.2% of patients with at least one positive viral culture, famciclovir-treated patients had a shorter median duration of viral shedding than placebo-treated patients (1 day and 2 days, respectively).

There were no overall differences in the duration of pain before rash healing between famciclovir- and placebo-treated groups. In addition, there was no difference in the incidence of pain after rash healing (postherpetic neuralgia) between the treatment groups. In the 186 patients (44.4% of total study population) who did develop postherpetic neuralgia, the median duration of postherpetic neuralgia was shorter in patients treated with famciclovir 500 mg than in those treated with placebo (63 days and 119 days, respectively). No additional efficacy was demonstrated with higher doses of famciclovir.

A double-blind controlled trial in 545 immunocompetent adults with uncomplicated herpes zoster treated within 72 hours of initial lesion appearance compared three doses of famciclovir to acyclovir 800 mg 5 times per day. Times to full lesion crusting and times to loss of acute pain were comparable for all groups and there were no statistically significant differences in the time to loss of postherpetic neuralgia between famciclovir- and acyclovir-treated groups.

Herpes Simplex Infections

Recurrent Genital Herpes

In one placebo-controlled trial, 329 immunocompetent adults with a recurrence of genital herpes were treated with famciclovir 1000 mg b.i.d. (n = 163) or placebo (n = 166) for 1 day. Treatment was initiated within 6 hours of either symptom onset or lesion appearance. Among patients with non-aborted lesions, the median time to healing (from start of therapy to re-epithelialization) in famciclovir-treated patients (n = 125) was 4.3 days compared to 6.1 days in placebo-treated patients (n = 145). The median difference in time to healing between placebo and the famciclovir-treated groups was 1.2 days (95% CI: 0.5 to 2.0). Twenty-three percent of famciclovir-treated patients had aborted lesions (no development beyond erythema) compared to 13% in placebo-treated patients. The median time to loss of all symptoms (e.g., burning, itching, pain, tenderness, tingling), was 3.3 days in famciclovir-treated patients vs. 5.4 days in placebo-treated patients.


Suppression of Recurrent Genital Herpes

934 immunocompetent adults with a history of 6 or more recurrences per year were randomized into two double-blind, 1 year, placebo-controlled trials. Comparisons included famciclovir 125 mg t.i.d., 250 mg b.i.d., 250 mg t.i.d. and placebo. At one year, 60% to 65% of patients were still receiving famciclovir and 25% were receiving placebo treatment. Patient reported recurrence rates for the 250 mg b.i.d. dose at 6 and 12 months are shown in Table 4.

Table 4
  Recurrence Rates at 6 MonthsRecurrence Ratesat 12 Months
  Famciclovir250 mg b.i.d. (n = 236)Placebo (n = 233)Famciclovir250 mg b.i.d. (n = 236)Placebo (n = 233)
Recurrence-free 39% 10% 29% 6%
Recurrences 47% 74% 53% 78%
Lost to Follow-up 14% 16% 17% 16%

Famciclovir-treated patients had approximately 1/5 the median number of recurrences as compared to placebo-treated patients.

Higher doses of famciclovir were not associated with an increase in efficacy.

Herpes Labialis (Cold Sores)

In one placebo-controlled trial, 701 immunocompetent adults with recurrent herpes labialis were treated with famciclovir 1500 mg as a single dose (n = 227), famciclovir 750 mg b.i.d. (n = 220) or placebo (n = 254) for 1 day. Treatment was initiated within 1 hour of symptom onset. Among patients with non-aborted lesions, the median time to healing was 4.4 days in the famciclovir 1500 mg single dose group (n = 152) compared to 6.2 days in the placebo group (n = 168). The median difference in time to healing between the placebo and famciclovir treated group was 1.3 days (95% CI: 0.6 to 2.0). No differences in aborted lesions (beyond the papular stage) were observed between subjects receiving famciclovir or placebo: 33% for famciclovir 1500 mg and 34% for placebo. The median time to loss of pain and tenderness was 1.7 days in famciclovir 1500 mg once-treated patients versus 2.9 days in placebo-treated patients.

Recurrent Mucocutaneous Herpes Simplex Infection in HIV-Infected Patients

A randomized, double-blind, multicenter study compared famciclovir 500 mg twice daily for 7 days (n = 150) with oral acyclovir 400 mg 5 times daily for 7 days (n = 143) in HIV-infected patients with recurrent mucocutaneous HSV infection treated within 48 hours of lesion onset. Approximately 40% of patients had a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm3, 54% of patients had anogenital lesions and 35% had orolabial lesions. Famciclovir therapy was comparable to oral acyclovir in reducing new lesion formation and in time to complete healing.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Herpes Zoster

Famciclovir tablets are indicated for the treatment of acute herpes zoster (shingles).

Herpes Simplex Infections

Famciclovir tablets are indicated for:

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Famciclovir tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the product, its components, and penciclovir cream.

PRECAUTIONS

General

The efficacy of famciclovir has not been established for initial episode genital herpes infection, ophthalmic zoster, disseminated zoster or in immunocompromised patients with herpes zoster.

Dosage adjustment is recommended when administering famciclovir to patients with creatinine clearance values < 60 mL/min. (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). In patients with underlying renal disease who have received inappropriately high doses of famciclovir for their level of renal function, acute renal failure has been reported.

Information for Patients

Patients should be informed that famciclovir is not a cure for genital herpes. There are no data evaluating whether famciclovir will prevent transmission of infection to others. As genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, patients should avoid contact with lesions or intercourse when lesions and/or symptoms are present to avoid infecting partners. Genital herpes can also be transmitted in the absence of symptoms through asymptomatic viral shedding. If medical management of recurrent episodes is indicated, patients should be advised to initiate therapy at the first sign or symptom.

There is no evidence that famciclovir will affect the ability of a patient to drive or to use machines. However, patients who experience dizziness, somnolence, confusion or other central nervous system disturbances while taking famciclovir should refrain from driving or operating machinery.

Drug Interactions

Concurrent use with probenecid or other drugs significantly eliminated by active renal tubular secretion may result in increased plasma concentrations of penciclovir.

The conversion of 6-deoxy penciclovir to penciclovir is catalyzed by aldehyde oxidase. Interactions with other drugs metabolized by this enzyme and/or inhibiting this enzyme could potentially occur.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Famciclovir was administered orally unless otherwise stated.

Carcinogenesis

Two-year dietary carcinogenicity studies with famciclovir were conducted in rats and mice. An increase in the incidence of mammary adenocarcinoma (a common tumor in animals of this strain) was seen in female rats receiving the high dose of 600 mg/kg/day (1.1 to 4.5x the human systemic exposure at the recommended total daily oral dose ranging between 2000 mg and 500 mg, based on area under the plasma concentration curve comparisons [24 hr AUC] for penciclovir). No increases in tumor incidence were reported in male rats treated at doses up to 240 mg/kg/day (0.7 to 2.7x the human AUC), or in male and female mice at doses up to 600 mg/kg/day (0.3 to 1.2x the human AUC).

Mutagenesis

Famciclovir and penciclovir (the active metabolite of famciclovir) were tested for genotoxic potential in a battery of in vitro and in vivo assays. Famciclovir and penciclovir were negative in in vitro tests for gene mutations in bacteria (S.typhimurium and E. coli) and unscheduled DNA synthesis in mammalian HeLa 83 cells (at doses up to 10,000 and 5,000 mcg/plate, respectively). Famciclovir was also negative in the L5178Y mouse lymphoma assay (5000 mcg/mL), the in vivo mouse micronucleus test (4800 mg/kg), and rat dominant lethal study (5000 mg/kg). Famciclovir induced increases in polyploidy in human lymphocytes in vitro in the absence of chromosomal damage (1200 mcg/mL). Penciclovir was positive in the L5178Y mouse lymphoma assay for gene mutation/chromosomal aberrations, with and without metabolic activation (1000 mcg/mL). In human lymphocytes, penciclovir caused chromosomal aberrations in the absence of metabolic activation (250 mcg/mL). Penciclovir caused an increased incidence of micronuclei in mouse bone marrow in vivo when administered intravenously at doses highly toxic to bone marrow (500 mg/kg), but not when administered orally.

Impairment of Fertility

Testicular toxicity was observed in rats, mice, and dogs following repeated administration of famciclovir or penciclovir. Testicular changes included atrophy of the seminiferous tubules, reduction in sperm count, and/or increased incidence of sperm with abnormal morphology or reduced motility. The degree of toxicity to male reproduction was related to dose and duration of exposure. In male rats, decreased fertility was observed after 10 weeks of dosing at 500 mg/kg/day (1.4 to 5.7x the human AUC). The no observable effect level for sperm and testicular toxicity in rats following chronic administration (26 weeks) was 50 mg/kg/day (0.15 to 0.6x the human systemic exposure based on AUC comparisons). Testicular toxicity was observed following chronic administration to mice (104 weeks) and dogs (26 weeks) at doses of 600 mg/kg/day (0.3 to 1.2x the human AUC) and 150 mg/kg/day (1.3 to 5.1x the human AUC), respectively.

Famciclovir had no effect on general reproductive performance or fertility in female rats at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day (2.7 to 10.8x the human AUC).

Two placebo-controlled studies in a total of 130 otherwise healthy men with a normal sperm profile over an 8 week baseline period and recurrent genital herpes receiving oral famciclovir (250 mg b.i.d.) (n = 66) or placebo (n = 64) therapy for 18 weeks showed no evidence of significant effects on sperm count, motility or morphology during treatment or during an 8 week follow-up.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy category B

Famciclovir was tested for effects on embryo-fetal development in rats and rabbits at oral doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day (approximately 2.7 to 10.8x and 1.4 to 5.4x the human systemic exposure to penciclovir based on AUC comparisons for the rat and rabbit, respectively) and intravenous doses of 360 mg/kg/day in rats (1.5 to 6x the human dose based on body surface area [BSA] comparisons) or 120 mg/kg/day in rabbits (1.1 to 4.5x the human dose [BSA]). No adverse effects were observed on embryo-fetal development. Similarly, no adverse effects were observed following intravenous administration of penciclovir to rats (80 mg/kg/day, 0.3 to 1.3x the human dose [BSA]) or rabbits (60 mg/kg/day, 0.5 to 2.1x the human dose [BSA]). There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, famciclovir should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit to the patient clearly exceeds the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing Mothers

Following oral administration of famciclovir to lactating rats, penciclovir was excreted in breast milk at concentrations higher than those seen in the plasma. It is not known whether it is excreted in human milk. There are no data on the safety of famciclovir in infants. Famciclovir should not be used in nursing mothers unless the potential benefits are considered to outweigh the potential risks associated with treatment.

Pediatric Use

Safety and efficacy in children under the age of 18 years have not been established.

Geriatric Use

Of 816 patients with herpes zoster in clinical studies who were treated with famciclovir, 248 (30.4%) were ≥ 65 years of age and 103 (13%) were ≥ 75 years of age. No overall differences were observed in the incidence or types of adverse events between younger and older patients.

Of 610 patients with recurrent herpes simplex (type 1 or type 2) in clinical studies who were treated with famciclovir, 26 (4.3%) were ≥ 65 years of age and 7 (1.1%) were ≥ 75 years of age. Clinical studies of famciclovir did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.

In general, appropriate caution should be exercised in the administration and monitoring of famciclovir in elderly patients reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Immunocompetent Patients

The safety of famciclovir has been evaluated in clinical studies involving 816 famciclovir-treated patients with herpes zoster (famciclovir, 250 mg t.i.d. to 750 mg t.i.d.); 163 famciclovir-treated patients with recurrent genital herpes (famciclovir, 1000 mg b.i.d.); 1,197 patients with recurrent genital herpes treated with famciclovir as suppressive therapy (125 mg q.d. to 250 mg t.i.d.) of which 570 patients received famciclovir (open-labeled and/or double-blind) for at least 10 months; and 447 famciclovir-treated patients with herpes labialis (famciclovir, 1500 mg once or 750 mg b.i.d.). Table 5 lists selected adverse events.

Table 5: Selected Adverse Events (All Grades and Without Regard to Causality) Reported by ≥ 2% of Patients in Placebo-Controlled Famciclovir Trials*
*
Patients may have entered into more than one clinical trial.
1 day of treatment
Incidence
 Herpes Zoster Recurrent Genital HerpesGenital Herpes- Supression Herpes Labialis
EventFamciclovirPlaceboFamciclovirPlaceboFamciclovirPlaceboFamciclovirPlacebo
500 mg 1 gram 250 mg 1500 mg 
t.i.d.* b.i.d.* b.i.d.* single dose* 
(n = 273)(n = 146)(n = 163)(n = 166)(n = 458)(n = 63)(n = 227)(n = 254)
%%%%%%%%
Nervous System
Headache 22.717.813.55.439.342.99.76.7
Paresthesia 2.60.00.00.00.90.00.00.0
Migraine 0.70.70.60.63.10.00.00.0
Gastrointestinal
Nausea 12.511.62.53.67.29.52.23.9
Diarrhea 7.74.84.91.29.09.51.80.8
Vomiting 4.83.41.20.63.11.60.00.0
Flatulence 1.50.70.60.04.81.60.00.0
Abdominal Pain 1.13.40.01.27.97.90.00.4
Body as a Whole
Fatigue 4.43.40.60.04.83.21.30.4
Skin and Appendages
Pruritus 3.72.70.00.62.20.00.00.0
Rash 0.40.70.00.03.31.60.00.0
Reproductive Female
Dysmenorrhea 0.00.71.80.67.66.30.90.0

Table 6 lists selected laboratory abnormalities in genital herpes suppression trials.

Table 6: Selected Laboratory Abnormalities in Genital Herpes Suppression Studies
*
n values represent the minimum number of patients assessed for each laboratory parameter. 
ParameterFamciclovir (n = 660)*%Placebo (n = 210)*%
Anemia (< 0.8 x NRL) 0.1 0.0
Leukopenia (< 0.75 x NRL) 1.3 0.9
Neutropenia (< 0.8 x NRL) 3.2 1.5
AST (SGOT) (> 2 x NRH) 2.3 1.2
ALT (SGPT) (> 2 x NRH) 3.2 1.5
Total Bilirubin (> 1.5 x NRH) 1.9 1.2
Serum Creatinine (> 1.5 x NRH) 0.2 0.3
Amylase (> 1.5 x NRH) 1.5 1.9
Lipase (> 1.5 x NRH) 4.9 4.7

NRH = Normal Range High.

NRL = Normal Range Low. 

HIV-Infected Patients

In HIV-infected patients, the most frequently reported adverse events for famciclovir (500 mg twice daily; n = 150) and acyclovir (400 mg, 5x/day; n = 143), respectively, were headache (16.7% vs. 15.4%), nausea (10.7% vs. 12.6%), diarrhea (6.7% vs. 10.5%), vomiting (4.7% vs. 3.5%), fatigue (4.0% vs. 2.1%), and abdominal pain (3.3% vs. 5.6%).

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse events have been reported during post-approval use of famciclovir: urticaria, serious skin reactions (e.g., erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis), cholestatic jaundice, abnormal liver function tests, thrombocytopenia, hallucinations, dizziness, somnolence and confusion (including delirium, disorientation, confusional state, occurring predominantly in the elderly). Because these adverse events are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made.

OVERDOSAGE

Appropriate symptomatic and supportive therapy should be given. Penciclovir is removed by hemodialysis (see PRECAUTIONS, General).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Herpes Zoster

The recommended dosage is 500 mg every 8 hours for 7 days. Therapy should be initiated promptly as soon as herpes zoster is diagnosed. No data are available on efficacy of treatment started greater than 72 hours after rash onset.

Herpes Simplex Infections

Recurrent Genital Herpes

The recommended dosage is 1000 mg twice daily for 1 day. Initiate therapy at the first sign or symptom if medical management of a genital herpes recurrence is indicated. The efficacy of famciclovir has not been established when treatment is initiated more than 6 hours after onset of symptoms or lesions.

Suppression of Recurrent Genital Herpes

The recommended dosage is 250 mg twice daily for up to 1 year. The safety and efficacy of famciclovir tablet therapy beyond 1 year of treatment have not been established.

Recurrent Herpes Labialis (Cold Sores)

The recommended dosage is 1500 mg as a single dose. Initiate therapy at the earliest sign or symptom of a cold sore (e.g., tingling, itching, or burning).

HIV-Infected Patients

For recurrent orolabial or genital herpes simplex infection, the recommended dosage is 500 mg twice daily for 7 days.

Patients With Reduced Renal Function

In patients with reduced renal function, dosage reduction is recommended (see PRECAUTIONS, General).

Table 7
*
Hemodialysis
Indication and Normal Dosage RegimenCreatinine Clearance (mL/min.)Adjusted Dosage Regimen Dose (mg)Dosing Interval
Single-Day Dosing Regimens
Recurrent Genital Herpes
1000 mg every 12 hours for 1 day≥ 601000every 12 hours for 1 day
40 to 59500every 12 hours for 1 day
20 to 39500single dose
< 20250single dose
HD*250single dose following dialysis
Recurrent Herpes Labialis
1500 mg single dose≥ 601500single dose
40 to 59750single dose
20 to 39500single dose
< 20250single dose
HD*250single dose following dialysis
Multiple-Day Dosing Regimens
Herpes Zoster
500 mg every 8 hours≥ 60500every 8 hours
40 to 59500every 12 hours
20 to 39500every 24 hours
< 20250every 24 hours
HD*250following each dialysis
Suppression of Recurrent Genital Herpes
250 mg every 12 hours≥ 40250 every 12 hours
20 to 39125 every 12 hours
< 20125 every 24 hours
HD*125 following each dialysis
Recurrent Orolabial and Genital Herpes Simplex Infection in HIV-Infected Patients
500 mg every 12 hours≥ 40500 every 12 hours
20 to 39500 every 24 hours
< 20250 every 24 hours
HD*250 following each dialysis

 

Administration With Food

When famciclovir was administered with food, penciclovir Cmax decreased approximately 50%. Because the systemic availability of penciclovir (AUC) was not altered, it appears that famciclovir tablets may be taken without regard to meals.

HOW SUPPLIED

Famciclovir tablets are supplied as follows:

500 mg – White, capsule-shaped, film-coated tablets, debossed with “8119” on one side and “93” on the other side;
in bottles of 03     NDC 54868-5905-2
in bottles of 10     NDC 54868-5905-3
in bottles of 20     NDC 54868-5905-0
in bottles of 21     NDC 54868-5905-1

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP, with a child-resistant closure (as required).

Manufactured In Canada By:

NOVOPHARM LIMITED

Toronto, Canada M1B 2K9

Manufactured For:

TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA

Sellersville, PA 18960

Rev. C 7/2009



Relabeling and Repackaging by:
Physicians Total Care, Inc.
Tulsa, OK      74146

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

FAMCICLOVIR

Tablets

500 mg

Each tablet contains:

famciclovir 500 mg

Rx only

image of 500 mg package label


FAMCICLOVIR 
famciclovir   tablet, film coated
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)54868-5905 (0093-8119)
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
FAMCICLOVIR (FAMCICLOVIR) FAMCICLOVIR500 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
CROSCARMELLOSE SODIUM 
HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE 
HYPROMELLOSE 
POLYDEXTROSE 
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 
CELLULOSE, MICROCRYSTALLINE 
SODIUM STARCH GLYCOLATE TYPE A POTATO 
SODIUM STEARYL FUMARATE 
TITANIUM DIOXIDE 
TRIACETIN 
Product Characteristics
ColorwhiteScore no score
ShapeOVAL (capsule-shaped) Size18mm
FlavorImprint Code 8119;93
Contains    
Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
154868-5905-020 TABLET In 1 BOTTLENone
254868-5905-121 TABLET In 1 BOTTLENone
354868-5905-203 TABLET In 1 BOTTLENone
454868-5905-310 TABLET In 1 BOTTLENone

Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA07748706/16/2008

Labeler - Physicians Total Care, Inc. (194123980)
Establishment
NameAddressID/FEIOperations
Physicians Total Care, Inc.194123980relabel, repack
Revised: 05/2010Physicians Total Care, Inc.