What is ganciclovir used for?

What is ganciclovir used for?

Ganciclovir capsules are used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis (eye infection that can cause blindness) in people whose immune system is not working normally. Ganciclovir capsules are used to treat CMV retinitis after the condition has been controlled by intravenous (injected into a vein) ganciclovir.

When do you treat CMV viremia?

In preemptive therapy, CMV viremia is monitored and treatment is initiated when CMV viremia reaches a specified threshold, most frequently before the patient becomes symptomatic. Prophylaxis is offered to patients during the period of highest risk of infection to prevent development of CMV viremia and disease.

How do you administer foscarnet?

Method of administration: Foscarnet should be administered by the intravenous route only, either by a central venous line or in a peripheral vein. When peripheral veins are used, the solution of foscarnet 24 mg/ml must be diluted.

Is ganciclovir safe for pregnancy?

Ganciclovir can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using this medicine. If you are a woman, do not use ganciclovir if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Is ganciclovir an immunosuppressant?

Ganciclovir is an antiviral medication used to prevent or treat infections caused by Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Liver transplant recipients are susceptible to CMV due to immunosuppressant drugs. Ganciclovir will not cure CMV eye infection, but it may help prevent the symptoms from becoming worse.

How long does foscarnet take to work?

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.

What are side effects of foscarnet?

Foscarnet may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• itching, redness, pain, or swelling in the place where you received your injection.
• nausea.
• stomach pain.
• back pain.
• loss of appetite or weight.
• constipation.
• headache.
• vision changes.

How is CMV treated in pregnancy?

There’s currently no treatment for CMV in pregnancy, but in most cases the virus does not cause any problems for your baby. Antiviral medicine may be used to treat: babies diagnosed with congenital CMV after they’re born. people with a weakened immune system.

What causes CMV in pregnancy?

Some women pick up CMV while pregnant. This happens through handling infected children’s toys, dirty tissues or soiled nappies. It is also possible to get CMV from having sex, a blood transfusion or an organ transplant. Unborn babies can get CMV from their mothers while in the womb.

Does foscarnet cause hypocalcemia?

Foscarnet is a drug used to treat refractory cytomegalovirus and herpes infections in patients who are immunocompromised, and it complexes ionized calcium and, therefore, lowers ionized calcium concentrations, potentially causing symptomatic hypocalcemia.

What pregnancy category is ganciclovir?

US FDA pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

What are the indications for Cymevene?

Cymevene is also indicated from birth for the: – prevention of CMV disease using universal prophylaxis in patients with drug- induced immunosuppression (for example following organ transplantation or cancer chemotherapy). Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antiviral agents.

Can Cymevene be used to treat CMV disease?

The CHMP agreed that Cymevene can be used for the treatment of diseases caused by CMV in immunocompromised patients. Cymevene can also be used to prevent CMV disease in patients with drug-induced immunosuppression (for example after an organ transplant or chemotherapy). The medicine can be used in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age.

Are there any risks in taking Cymevene?

Children that take Cymevene, when grown-up, have an increased risk of cancer and, also, adverse effects when trying to have children of their own. Therefore Cymevene should only be used if these risks are outweighed by the benefits of treatment.

What is the European Medicines Agency doing about Cymevene?

On 25 February 2016, the European Medicines Agency completed a review of Cymevene. The Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use ( CHMP) concluded that there is a need to harmonise the prescribing information for Cymevene in the European Union (EU). What is Cymevene?