Ganciclovir, Oral/Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antiviral

Generic and brand names: ganciclovir, injection; ganciclovir, oral; Cytovene;

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. It may also be used to prevent other infections caused by this virus.

This medicine may be given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein). It is also available in capsule form to be taken by mouth.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• a blood disorder or low blood counts
• kidney disease

This medicine may make you sterile (unable to have children) whether you are a man or a woman. If you plan to have children someday, talk with your healthcare provider before you start treatment.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine. This medicine is usually not given during pregnancy because it can harm the baby. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine and for at least 90 days after treatment is stopped. If you become pregnant during this treatment, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed during this treatment.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take the capsules exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Take them with food. Take this medicine regularly every day.

The infusions are given by your healthcare provider. The treatment schedule may be changed or stopped based on how the medicine affects your blood and whether or not the infection responds to the medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: seizures, diarrhea, decreased urination, yellowing of the skin or eyes, stomach pain, pale skin, fever, chills.

What should I watch out for?

You need to have lab tests and eye exams regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all your appointments for these tests.

This medicine can harm sperm and cause birth defects. Men should use condoms while having sexual intercourse during this treatment and for a least 90 days after the last dose.

You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Unusual bleeding or bruising, sore throat and fever, numbness or tingling, unusual tiredness and weakness, vision changes, unexplained mood changes, vision changes.

Other: Headache, confusion, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• anticancer medicines such as Adriamycin, Dapsone, flucytosine (Ancobon), pentamidine (Pentam 300, NebuPent), vinblastine (Velban), and vincristine (Oncovin)
• didanosine (Videx)
• imipenem-cilastatin (Primaxin)
• immunosuppressants such as azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), prednisone, sirolimus (Rapamune), and tacrolimus (Prograf, Protopic)
• medicines that are toxic to the kidneys such as gentamicin (Garamycin), streptomycin, kanamycin (Kantrex), amphotericin B (Fungizone), tobramycin (Nebcin), foscarnet (Foscavir), and amphotericin B (Fungizone)
• probenecid (Benemid)
• trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
• zidovudine (Retrovir)

The toxic effects of several medicines used to treat various types of cancer may be increased when used with this medicine. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking or receiving by injection.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store the capsules at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Do not freeze.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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Published by RelayHealth.
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