Skin assessment
- Medical questionnaire and photo review
- Personalized treatment plan
- Prescription when appropriate
CA$175
per consultation
Modern Dermatology
Famciclovir
Prescription only
Famciclovir prescribed online
Famciclovir (Famvir) is an antiviral pill for cold sores, genital herpes and shingles. It works best when you start early. Your clinician reviews your symptoms and decides if it is right for you.
Start my assessmentAt a glance
- Oral antiviral (famciclovir)
- For cold sores, genital herpes and shingles
- Works best when started early
Why Modern Dermatology
- Canadian-licensed medical professionals, 100% online
- Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy or delivered
- Follow-up and refills through your Care Team
Used forCold soresGenital herpesShingles
Shingles near the eye, or with vision change, needs urgent in-person care. Start famciclovir early, because it works best then. Tell your clinician about kidney problems.
Choosing the right dose for you
Your clinician decides how much to take and for how long. The plan depends on the infection, your kidneys, your age and your other medicines.
Considerations include
- Which infection you have
- How soon you start after the first sign
- Kidney health
- Past outbreaks and how they were treated
- Your immune health and other medicines
How famciclovir works
Famciclovir stops the herpes virus from copying itself
Famciclovir turns into an active drug in your body. The drug blocks the enzyme that herpes viruses use to copy their genes. The virus makes fewer copies, and the outbreak heals sooner.
The virus stays in your nerves after the outbreak. The medicine slows the outbreak, but it does not remove the virus.
Modern Dermatology
Famciclovir
Prescription only
Recommended for
- Cold sores
- Genital herpes outbreaks
- Shingles
- People who get repeat outbreaks
- People who want a simple course of tablets
Your clinician reviews your skin and history, and confirms that this treatment is right for you before prescribing.
Blocks viral copying
Stops the virus from spreading
Speeds healing
Sores heal sooner
Eases symptoms
Less pain and tingling
Works best early
Start at the first sign
How it works.
- 01
Tell us about your skin
Complete a quick medical questionnaire and upload a few photos of your skin concerns. No appointment needed.
- 02
Get your personalized treatment plan
A Canadian-licensed medical professional will review your information and recommend a personalized treatment plan, including prescriptions when appropriate. Most conditions can be assessed without a video consultation.
- 03
Start your treatment
Get your prescribed medications delivered right to your door. Medication costs are billed separately from your consultation.
- 04
Follow up on your progress
At a follow-up, your clinician can review your progress, discuss side effects and adjust your treatment if needed.
Clear answers.
Have more questions? See our full FAQ or Contact us.
Still have questions? Reach our care team at 514 111 1111
Start my assessmentYour clinician decides if Famciclovir is right for you. You share your history and photos, and a Canadian-licensed medical professional reviews them. If Famciclovir is prescribed, a Canadian pharmacy fills it.
Famciclovir turns into an active antiviral in your body. It stops the herpes virus from copying itself. The outbreak then heals sooner.
Many people feel better within days. Start as soon as you notice the first sign, because early treatment works best. For shingles, the first days after the rash appears are the key window.
Common effects are headache, nausea, diarrhea and dizziness. Most are mild and short. Call your Care Team about severe stomach upset, confusion or little urine.
Do not take it if you are allergic to famciclovir or to similar antivirals. Tell your clinician about kidney problems and a weak immune system. Pregnancy and breastfeeding need a talk first.
Acyclovir and valacyclovir are the other common antivirals for herpes. They work in a similar way. Your clinician chooses based on your infection, your kidneys and your plan.
Yes, often. Many people use a cold sore cream or a pain reliever as well. Tell your clinician about every medicine, because some can affect your kidneys.
Tell your clinician if you are pregnant, plan to be or breastfeed. Your clinician weighs the benefit and the risk with you. Do not start or stop on your own.
Each consultation costs CA$175. Your pharmacy charges separately for medication. Ask your insurer whether your plan covers the prescribed treatment.
Famvir is the brand name in Canada, and generic famciclovir is also sold. The medicine is the same. Your pharmacist can tell you which version they stock.
Your clinician reviews your progress before a refill. Your Care Team sends the renewal to your pharmacy when your clinician approves it. Write to us before you run out, so that your treatment does not stop.
It lowers the amount of virus, but it does not remove the risk. Avoid contact with sores, wash your hands and avoid sex during an outbreak. Ask your clinician about ways to protect others.
Simple pricing for your skin care.
Medication costs are separate. Ask your insurer whether your plan reimburses online consultations.
Start my assessment
Related treatments
Your clinician can suggest another option when this one is not the right fit.