Foscarnet Sodium Injection
Pronounced
"foss-KAR-net"
Uses
This medication is used to control cytomegalovirus (CMV) eye infections (CMV retinitis) in persons with AIDS. This medication is an antiviral that works by stopping the growth of viruses. Controlling CMV retinitis can help decrease the risk of blindness from the infection. Foscarnet is sometimes combined with another antiviral drug, ganciclovir, when the CMV infection does not respond to either drug used alone for treatment.
This medication is also used to treat herpes infections (HSV) that do not respond to treatment with acyclovir (acyclovir-resistant).
This medication is not a cure for CMV or HSV diseases.
Warning
This medication is used only for cytomegalovirus (CMV) eye infections and acyclovir-resistant herpes infections.
Foscarnet may cause serious side effects such as kidney problems and seizures due to mineral/electrolyte imbalance. You may be given fluids and/or minerals/electrolytes while receiving this medication. Your doctor should check your kidney function and lab tests while you are using this medication to decrease the risk of these side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of signs of kidney problems or mineral/electrolyte imbalance, such as change in the amount of urine, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, tingling around the mouth, seizures, muscle cramps/spasms, mental/mood changes, weakness, or irregular heartbeat.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to reduce the risk of CMV disease in people receiving cancer treatment (such as chemotherapy).
How to Use This Medication
This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day for the first 2 to 3 weeks of treatment, then once a day thereafter. It is usually infused slowly over 1 to 2 hours using an infusion pump. Infusing this medication too quickly can result in serious side effects.
The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instruction from your health care professional. Do not mix this product with any other medications. Before using this product, check it visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
To prevent kidney damage, it is important to drink plenty of fluids while using this medication. Fluids may be given by injection into a vein to make sure you get enough.
Antivirals work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Use this drug at evenly spaced intervals.
It is very important to continue using this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Stopping treatment too soon may result in ineffective treatment.
Do not use more of this drug or infuse it more often or faster than prescribed by your doctor. Your condition will not improve faster, and you may experience side effects.
If skin contact with this drug occurs, flush with plenty of water. If irritation occurs, contact your doctor right away.
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