Type of medicine: antiviral
Generic and brand names: ganciclovir, injection; ganciclovir, oral; Cytovene
This medicine is used to treat eye infections caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) in people with immune system problems. It is also used to prevent CMV in people who have had a transplant and are at risk for the disease. This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
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.
Males: You should wear condoms while having sexual intercourse during treatment with this medicine and for at least 90 days after treatment is stopped.
Females of childbearing age: 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. Use effective forms of birth control. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need birth control. If you become pregnant during this treatment, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed during this treatment.
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.
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.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take the capsules exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes.
Take the capsules with food. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not break, open, or crush them. Be very careful when handling the capsules. Do not allow your skin, mouth, nose, or eyes to come in contact with the powder in the capsules. If you get any powder on you, wash your skin with soap and water and rinse your eyes with plenty of water. Wash your hands well after you handle the capsules.
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.
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.
This medicine may lower the number of certain types of blood cells in your body. This may cause serious or life-threatening side effects. You need to have lab tests 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 at least 90 days after the last dose. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
You need regular eye tests. This medicine does not cure CMV retinitis. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any vision problems or if your symptoms get worse.
This medicine has caused cancer in animals. It is not known if this medicine causes cancer in humans. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
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.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
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): Unusual bleeding or bruising; sore throat, chills, or fever; unexplained cough; numbness or tingling; unusual tiredness and weakness; pale skin; vision changes or eye pain; unexplained mood changes or confusion; decreased urination; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; seizures.
Other: Headache, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, sweating, abnormal dreams, joint or muscle pain.
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:
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.
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.
Store the capsules at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Do not freeze.
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.
