Cidofovir

Warning

This medication may cause serious (possibly fatal) kidney problems. 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 right away if you have any signs of kidney problems, such as change in the amount of urine, frothy urine, or bloody/pink 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 sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, or chills.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, 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 lab appointments.

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

Precautions

Before using cidofovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other antivirals (such as ganciclovir); or to probenecid; or to other sulfa drugs (such as sulfamethoxazole); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, ganciclovir eye implant, kidney disease.

This drug may cause vision changes. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Older adults may be at a greater risk for kidney damage while using this drug.

During pregnancy, cidofovir should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. The manufacturer recommends avoiding pregnancy. To prevent pregnancy, men with female partners should use effective barrier protections (such as latex or polyurethane condoms) during all sexual activity during treatment and for at least 90 days after stopping the medication. Women should use effective forms of birth control (such as birth control pills and condoms) during treatment and for at least 1 month after stopping the medication.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. If you have HIV, breast milk may transmit HIV. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Nausea may occur. Headache, nausea, and vomiting may occur with probenecid use. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, dark urine, swelling, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness/sluggishness, stomach/abdominal pain, muscle loss, signs of infection (such as sore throat/cough that doesn't go away, fever), vision changes, new/increased eye redness or irritation, new/increased eye pain, mental/mood changes (such as confusion), yellowing eyes/skin.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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