Foscavir

Description

Generic Name:

Foscarnet

Description:
Foscavir is an antiviral medicine that prevents certain viruses from multiplying in your body.

Foscavir is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in people with AIDS.

Foscavir is also used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) in people with a weak immune system. This medicine is usually given for HSV after other antiviral medications have been tried without successful treatment.

Indication:
cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in people with AIDS, herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Dosage:
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Foscavir is injected into a vein through an IV using an infusion pump. The medicine enters the body through a catheter placed into the vein. A healthcare provider will show you how to use an infusion pump. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles, IV tubing, and other items used to inject the medicine.

You may also be given IV fluids to keep you from getting dehydrated.

You may need to mix Foscavir with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine. Do not give this medicine with other medicines in the same IV line.

Foscavir should be clear and colorless. Gently shake the medicine if appears to have separated. Do not use the medicine if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

The medicine must be injected slowly and can take up to 2 hours to complete. Injecting Foscavir too fast can cause dangerous or unwanted side effects.

Foscavir is usually given for 2 to 3 weeks. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.

While using Foscavir, your kidney function and electrolytes (potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus) will need to be tested often, and you may also need regular eye exams.

Store Foscavir at room temperature away from very hot or very cold temperature.

Precaution & Warnings:
Foscavir can harm your kidneys. This effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: antivirals, chemotherapy, injected antibiotics, medicine for bowel disorders, medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection, injectable osteoporosis medication, and some pain or arthritis medicines (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve).

Your kidney function and electrolytes (potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus) will need to be tested often.

Injecting Foscavir too fast can cause dangerous or unwanted side effects.

Prescription Information:
Proper doctor prescription is needed.
*Note: The prescription should not be older than 6 month.

Contraindication:
Foscavir can harm your kidneys. This effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: antivirals, chemotherapy, injected antibiotics, medicine for bowel disorders, medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection, injectable osteoporosis medication, and some pain or arthritis medicines (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

anagrelide, cilostazol, donepezil, fluconazole, methadone, ondansetron;

an antibiotic or antifungal medicine–azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, pentamidine, telithromycin;

cancer medicine–arsenic trioxide, oxaliplatin, vandetanib;

an antidepressant–citalopram, escitalopram;

anti-malaria medication–chloroquine, halofantrine;

heart rhythm medicine–amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, flecainide, ibutilide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol; or

medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder–chlorpromazine, droperidol, haloperidol, pimozide, thioridazine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with foscarnet, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.