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cidofovir - injection, Vistide

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GENERIC NAME: CIDOFOVIR - INJECTION (sye-DOH-foh-veer)

BRAND NAME(S): Vistide

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: This medication may cause serious (possibly fatal) kidney disease. To prevent kidney problems, your doctor will usually prescribe another medication (probenecid) and direct you to receive fluids into a vein. Avoid other medications that may also damage your kidneys (see also Drug Interactions section). Tell your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms of kidney disease such as a change in the amount of urine.

This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney function tests, complete blood counts) should be performed before each dose to check for these side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.

Cidofovir has caused tumors in laboratory animals. Although there is no information in humans, cidofovir should be considered cancer-causing (carcinogenic). See also How to Use section.

USES: This drug is used with probenecid to treat a certain viral eye infection (retinitis due to cytomegalovirus-CMV) in people with AIDS. It lowers your risk of blindness and other vision problems. Cidofovir belongs to a class of drugs known as antivirals. It works by stopping the growth of the virus.Cidofovir is not a cure for CMV retinitis, and your disease may still worsen during and after treatment.OTHER 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 medication may also be used to treat herpes simplex virus infections that have not responded to other treatment.

HOW TO USE: Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. Before using, check this medication visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. If you have questions about using this medication properly, consult your pharmacist.This medication is given into a vein by a health care professional, usually over 1 hour. It is usually given every 1 to 2 weeks or as directed by your doctor. Do not inject into the eyes. Permanent loss of vision may occur. Do not inject into a muscle or into the skin.Dosage is based on your medical condition, body weight, and response to treatment. You will usually receive IV fluids before your dose of cidofovir. Your doctor will also direct you to take probenecid by mouth before and after you receive cidofovir. To prevent kidney problems, drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This is especially important if you are vomiting or having diarrhea.It is very important to use the probenecid with this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Nausea and vomiting due to probenecid may be prevented by taking it after meals. Your doctor may also prescribe another medication to prevent nausea, and may direct you to take antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) and/or acetaminophen to prevent allergic reactions to probenecid.This medication works best when it is used regularly. Keep all your medical appointments. You may want to mark a calendar to help you remember.Do not use more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop using it (or your HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Doing so may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.Avoid direct contact of this medicine with the skin/eyes/mouth. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water. For eyes, rinse with a steady stream of tap water for at least 5 minutes. If you are the caregiver, wear protective gloves to handle the medication and injection equipment. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Special disposal is required for this medication and all injection equipment used with it. Consult your pharmacist for more information.

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