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GANCICLOVIR (gan SYE kloe veer) prevents and helps manage infections caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV). It belongs to a group of medications called antivirals. It does not kill the virus and it may still be possible to spread the virus to others. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by bacteria.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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-Amphotericin B
-Dapsone
-Didanosine, ddI
-Flucytosine
-Imipenem; cilastatin
-Pentamidine
-Probenecid
-Some antibiotics given by injection, such as amikacin, vancomycin
-Some medications for cancer, such as cisplatin, doxorubicin, vinblastine, vincristine
-Sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
-Zidovudine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.
Talk to your care team if you or your partner may be pregnant. Serious fetal side effects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 30 days after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 30 days after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 90 days after the last dose.
Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.
This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.
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It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
-Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
-Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
-Unusual bruising or bleeding
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Cough
-Diarrhea
-Fever
-Headache
-Nausea
-Shortness of breath
-Stomach pain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.