Drugs & Vitamins

Cidofovir Injection Active Ingredients: Cidofovir Injection Representative Names: Vistide What is cidofovir injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with cidofovir? What side effects might I notice from taking cidofovir? What should I watch for while taking cidofovir? Where can I keep my medicine? What is cidofovir injection? (Back to top) CIDOFOVIR (Vistide®) is an antiviral agent. Cidofovir is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV )eye infections (retinitis) in HIV-infected patients. Cidofovir is not a cure, and repeat courses of the medication are needed to prevent or treat reactivation of the virus. Generic cidofovir injections are not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •blood disorders •kidney disease •dehydration •chronic diarrhea •diabetes •previous treatment with foscarnet •an unusual or allergic reaction to cidofovir, probenecid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnancy or recent attempts to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Cidofovir is for infusion into a vein. The infusion is usually given over 1 hour once a week or every other week. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. You will be given another drug (probenecid) and intravenous fluids along with cidofovir to protect your kidneys from adverse effects. It is very important to take the probenecid exactly as directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss your appointment, call and schedule another as soon as possible. Continued treatment with cidofovir is needed to prevent infections. What drug(s) may interact with cidofovir? (Back to top) •anti-retroviral protease inhibitors •medicines that may cause kidney damage •non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen •zidovudine Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including nonprescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects might I notice from taking cidofovir? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •change in the amount of urine passed •difficulty breathing •eye problems, change in vision •fever or chills, sore throat •feeling more tired or run down •abdominal pain •changes in hearing, "ringing" in the ears Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •loss of hair •nausea, vomiting •headache •diarrhea What should I watch for while taking cidofovir? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need regular blood checks. Long-term drug use may be necessary to prevent recurrence of disease. If you have CMV retinitis, have your ophthalmologist check your eyes regularly (about every 6 weeks). Cidofovir can cause blood problems increasing your risk of infection. If you get a fever or sore throat, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Men and women of childbearing age should use effective birth control methods during cidofovir treatment and for 1 month (women) and 3 months (men) after stopping therapy. There is a risk of birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant and either partner is being treated with cidofovir. Women should not become pregnant while being treated with valrubicin or if their partner is being treated with cidofovir. Cidofovir as been associated with the development of cancer, especially breast cancer, in animal studies. Women should discuss this potential side effect with their prescriber or health care professional before starting cidofovir treatment. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of reach of children. Cidofovir solutions may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. These solutions should be used within 24 hours of preparation. If it is being given to you at home and cidofovir is being delivered, follow the storage instructions on the label of the medication. Last Updated:06/09/1999 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.