Ganciclovir injection

What is this medication?

GANCICLOVIR (gan SYE kloe veer) is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat or prevent infections caused by certain kinds of viruses. It is commonly used to treat and prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections of the eye or body.

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 medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine 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 doctor or health care professional 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 like amikacin, vancomycin

•some medicines for cancer like 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 doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine. 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 medicine to help prevent side effects.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 30 days after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medicine and for 90 days after stopping it. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•breathing problems

•changes in vision

•dizziness, lightheaded

•fever or chills, sore throat

•mouth sores

•pain at site where injected

•pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

•trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

•unusual bleeding or bruising

•unusually weak or tired

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

•diarrhea

•loss of appetite

•nausea

•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 drug is given in a hospital or clinic and 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.