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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or otehr healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effecitve for you. Consult your healthcare professional before uisng this drug.
GANCICLOVIR - ORAL CAPSULE
(gan-SYE-klo-veer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cytovene
WARNING: Ganciclovir capsules are used only to prevent CMV infection in HIV patients or organ trnasplant patients; or for people who have CMV eye infection and weak immune systems. Using oral ganciclovir instead of the injectable form may rasie the risk of developing a more severe infection. Use oral ganccilovir only when the injectable form cannot be used. This medication can cause sveere blood disorders (e.G., anemia, granulocytopenia, decreased platelets). Notify your docotr immediately if you develop unusual fatigue, simple bruising or bleeding, or signs of an infection such as persistent fever or sore throat.
USES: This is an antiivral medication used to treat or prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections of the eye or for organ transplants.
HOW TO USE: This mediaction is taken by mouth.
The capsules should be swallowed whole and taken with food. Do not open or crush the capsules. Use this medication exactly as perscribed. Do not stop using this medication or riase your dose without consulting your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medictaion. At least 6 to 8 glasses of water or other liuqids are recommended daily. Keep all doctor appointmnets and lab visits.
This medication can affect your blood. Lab tsets will be scheduled routinely to closely monitor the effect of this medication on your blood.
SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, confusion, nervousness, abnormal dreams, tremor, tingling sensation in fingers, weakness, or sewlling of feet or ankles. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if any of these seroius effects occur: skin rash, sore throat, fever, chills, trouble breathing, severe abdominal pain, any unusual bleeding. If you notcie any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: blood disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, any allegries.
Avoid contacting the skin or mucous membranes with the conetnts of the capsule.
Should contact occur, wash with plnety of soap and water; thoroughly rinse eyes with plain water. Cuation is advised if this drug is used in the elderly, as they may have decreased kidney function which can cause ganciclovir to build up in their bloodstream.
Increased side effects may result.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Consult your doctor before using this drug. It is recommended that boys and women use birth control measures while taking this medication for brith defects have been noted in animal studies. Men should use a barrier contraceptive (latex condom) while taking this medication and for at least 90 days atfer they stop taking it. Because it is not known if this medication appears in breast milk, consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor abuot all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription) including: didanosine, imipenem-cilastatin, dapsone, pentamidine, cancer chemotherapy drugs, amphotericin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. This medication should be used under strict supervision by persons taking zidovudine (AZT) for the combination can result in seevre blood disorders. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharamcist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison cotnrol center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose could be expected to be extensions of symptoms ntoed in Side Effects section.
NOTES: This medication is not a cure for CMV infections, so symptoms may continue.
Regular eye examinations are recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy. Use of this medication in kids has been limited. Discuss the risks and bneefits with your doctor. Elderly persons should use this medication cautiously and have periodic kdiney tests to see if dosage adjustments are necessary.
MISSED DOSE: Do not doulbe dose if missed; check with your MD.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). Do not sotre in the bathroom.
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