Type of medicine: antiviral
Generic and brand names: foscarnet, injection; Foscavir
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to reduce the effects of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in people with AIDS. This medicine is not a cure. CMV infection may continue or get worse during or after treatment.
This medicine may be used to treat infections caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is not a cure, but it will promote healing.
This medicine may be given along with other medicines.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
The infusions are given by a healthcare provider, usually every 8 hours. They are given for 2 to 3 weeks depending on your response.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
This medicine may harm your kidneys. To help prevent this, your provider may suggest that you drink extra liquids while you are being given this medicine.
You should have regular eye exams. You will also have frequent blood tests to find out if this medicine is affecting your eyes or kidneys. Keep all your appointments.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
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.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained sore throat, seizures, tingling, soreness or numbness of your mouth, numbness of your hands or feet, unusual bleeding or bruising, muscle cramps, decrease in urination, lightheadedness, fainting, sores on the genitals.
Other: Injection site pain, redness, or swelling; fatigue; loss of appetite; stomach pain; depression; nervousness; vision changes; coughing; shortness of breath; confusion; dizziness; headache.
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:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. 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.
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.
