Ganciclovir



Cytovene®; Vitrasert®







Ganciclovir

(gan SYE kloe veer)

U.S. Brand Names
Cytovene®; Vitrasert®
Canadian Brand Names
Cytovene®; Vitrasert®
Mexican Brand Names
Cymevene®
Pharmacologic Category
Antiviral Agent
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to ganciclovir or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have a low white blood cell count or a low platelet count.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a viral infection of the eyes.
How does it work?
  • Ganciclovir works to injure the virus and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Use prescription as directed, even if feeling better.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
  • Oral:
  • Take this medicine with food.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
  • Injection:
  • This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Low white blood cell count can rarely occur.
  • Anemia can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • For the occurrence of side effects.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Unable to pass urine.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store capsules at room temperature.
  • Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Follow directions for storage of liquid (suspension) and injection. Talk with healthcare provider.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: