Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Ganciclovir
Other Names: Cytovene Solution for Injection, Ganciclovir Sodium Solution for Injection
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Ganciclovir Solution for Injection? (Back to top)
GANCICLOVIR is an antiviral. It is used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in patients after an organ transplant. It is also used to treat CMV eye infections in patients with immune system problems. This medicine is not a cure for CMV. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• an unusual or allergic reaction to ganciclovir, acyclovir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine 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.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

• amphotericin B
• dapsone
• didanosine, ddI
• flucytosine
• imipenem; cilastatin
• pentamidine
• probenecid
• some antibiotics given by injection like amikacin, vancomycin
• some medicines for cancer like cisplatin, doxorubicin, vinblastine, vincristine
• sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
• zidovudine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers 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.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• dizziness, lightheaded
• fever or chills, sore throat
• mouth sores
• pain at site where injected
• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired

• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. You will need to have important blood work done while on this medicine. If you have a CMV eye infection have your eyes checked every 4 to 6 weeks.

Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water or fluids daily while taking this medicine to help prevent side effects.

This medicine may cause birth defects to an unborn child if taken during pregnancy. Use contraception while taking this medicine. Males must use barrier contraception during therapy and for 90 days after stopping this medicine. If you think you may have become pregnant and are taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and 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.

Last Updated:September 10, 2007

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