Ganciclovir (injection)

Ganciclovir is an antiviral medicine used to treat CMV retinitis in people who have immunosuppression because of HIV or AIDS. Ganciclovir is also used to prevent CMV disease in people with immunosuppression due to an organ transplant.

Ganciclovir may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Ganciclovir can weaken your immune system, which may make it easier for you to get an infection or bleed. Contact your doctor if you notice any unusual bruising or bleeding, have pale skin, cold hands and feet, feel light-headed or short of breath, or have signs of infection such as fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, or frequent illnesses.

Ganciclovir can cause birth defects. Both men and women taking ganciclovir should use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy. Continue using birth control for at least 30 days after your last dose if you are a woman, or 90 days if you are a man. Ganciclovir may also affect fertility in both men and women.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to ganciclovir or valacyclovir.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• low blood cell counts; or
• radiation treatment.

Using ganciclovir may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancers. Ask your doctor about this risk.

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. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 30 days after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 90 days after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using ganciclovir.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because ganciclovir can harm an unborn baby.

Women with HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ganciclovir may lead to serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, fatigue, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• a seizure; or
• kidney issues--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Older adults may be at higher risk for side effects.

Common side effects of ganciclovir may include:

• nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• fever, weakness, low blood cell counts;
• headache;
• cough, difficulty breathing; or
• increased sweating.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Contact your doctor for medical advice regarding side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Ganciclovir is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give your first dose and may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use ganciclovir if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Ganciclovir injection powder must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.

Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

ganciclovir can be dangerous if it gets in your mouth, eyes, or nose, or on your skin. If this happens, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water. Ask your pharmacist how to safely dispose of a medicine spill.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses may increase the risk of your virus becoming resistant to medication.

Ganciclovir can increase your risk of bleeding or infection by changing the way your immune system works. You will need frequent medical tests and eye exams.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are using ganciclovir, to keep your kidneys working properly.

Ganciclovir is not a cure for CMV. Every person with CMV should remain under the care of a doctor.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. You may store mixed medicine at room temperature, but you must use it within 12 hours after mixing.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased urination, yellowing of the skin or eyes, seizure, or infections (fever, chills, frequent illness).

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how ganciclovir will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ganciclovir can damage your kidneys, especially if you are also taking certain medicines for infections, cancer, osteoporosis, organ transplant rejection, bowel disorders, high blood pressure, or pain or arthritis (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Inform your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• didanosine;
• probenecid; or
• medicines that weaken the immune system, such as cancer drugs or steroids.

This list is not complete. Other medications may affect ganciclovir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are mentioned here.