Ganciclovir Injection

What is this medication?

GANCICLOVIR (gan SYE kloe veer) prevents and helps manage infections caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV). It belongs to a group of medications called antivirals. It does not kill the virus and it may still be possible to spread the virus to others. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by bacteria.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cytovene

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• An unusual or allergic reaction to ganciclovir, acyclovir, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

• Amphotericin B
• Dapsone
• Didanosine, ddI
• Flucytosine
• Imipenem; cilastatin
• Pentamidine
• Probenecid
• Some antibiotics given by injection, such as amikacin, vancomycin
• Some medications for cancer, such as cisplatin, doxorubicin, vinblastine, vincristine
• Sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
• Zidovudine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular check-ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your care team. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medication. If you have a CMV eye infection have your eyes checked every 4 to 6 weeks.

Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water or fluids daily while taking this medication to help prevent side effects.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy or for 30 days after stopping treatment. Do not father a child while taking this medication and for 90 days after stopping it. Talk to your care team about reliable forms of contraception.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.