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Ganciclovir Sodium

Pronounced

"gan-SYE-klo-veer"

Common brand names:

Cytovene

Uses

Ganciclovir is an anti-viral drug. It is used to prevent disease caused by a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) in people who have received organ or bone marrow transplants. CMV disease can lead to serious infections in the body, including an infection in the eye, called CMV retinitis, that can cause blindness.

Ganciclovir is also used to treat people with weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS) who have CMV retinitis. Ganciclovir works by slowing the growth of the CMV virus. It helps control CMV retinitis and decrease the risk of blindness. It also helps prevent the spread of infection to other areas of the body.

Ganciclovir is not a cure for CMV disease. Some people may have worsening CMV retinitis even with treatment. It is important to have your eyes checked regularly by your doctor.

Other Uses

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 drug may also be used to reduce the risk of CMV disease in people receiving cancer chemotherapy treatment.

How to Use This Medication

This medication is given by injection into a vein usually over a 1-hour period. Do not give this medication any faster than prescribed because doing so will increase the risk of side effects. Ganciclovir is given as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours for the first few weeks, and then once a day either 5 or 7 times a week after that. The dosage and length of treatment is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.

Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Wear gloves when you handle this medication. Avoid direct contact with the liquid. Avoid getting it on your skin or in your mucous membranes, including your mouth, nose, and eyes. If contact should occur, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If this medication gets in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with plain water.

Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Special disposal is required for this medication and all injection supplies used with it. Consult your pharmacist for more information.

This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Use this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.

Continue using this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses or stop using this medication even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or stopping treatment without approval from your doctor may make the infection worse.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens (such as worsening vision).

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2024.