cidofovir injection (cont.)
SIDE EFFECTS: Report any fever, sore throat or infection that may develop during treatment as well as rash, swelling, trouble breathing, fatigue, thirst or change in amount of urine as soon as possible. Also, report promptly any eye or ear/hearing problems. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Inform your prescriber if you have kidney disease, or any allergies. Cidofovir must be used in combination with probenecid. According to the manufacturer, if you have had a severe allergic reaction to either probenecid or sulfa drugs, cidofovir should not be used. To avoid HIV transmission, sex practices should be discussed with your doctor. Men should use latex condoms during and for 3 months after cidofovir treatment. Women should use effective birth control methods during and for one month following cidofovir treatment. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your prescriber or pharmacist about all the medicines you take (prescription and nonprescription), especially of: terfenadine, ketoconazole, astemizole, alprazolam, triazolam, nifedipine, cyclosporine, prednisone, hydrocortisone (all corticosteroids), cimetidine, erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin, rifabutin, rifampin, birth control pills. Also report drugs that can cause kidney problems such as: amphotericin, foscarnet, aminoglycosides, pentamidine, NSAID (e.g., indomethacin, ibuprofen, naproxen). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
NOTES: The long-term effects of cidofovir are unknown at this time. Cidofovir has not been shown to reduce the chance of transmitting the HIV virus to others. Your prescriber will be monitoring kidney function (urine and blood tests) and blood/chemistry counts, usually before each dose of cidofovir. If kidney function becomes impaired your dosage may be changed or stopped.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, consult your prescriber for instructions. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from moisture and light as directed. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tightly closed bottle.
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005
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