Uses
Ganciclovir capsules are used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis (eye infection that can cause blindness) in people whose immune system is not working normally. Ganciclovir capsules are used to treat CMV retinitis after the condition has been controlled by intravenous (injected into a vein) ganciclovir. Ganciclovir is also used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in people who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or who have received an organ transplant and are at risk of CMV disease.
Ganciclovir is in a class of medications called antivirals. It works by preventing the spread of CMV disease or slowing the growth of CMV.
Side Effects Of Ganciclovir
Ganciclovir may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- stomach pain
- belching
- loss of appetite
- changes in the ability to taste food
- dry mouth
- mouth sores
- unusual dreams
- nervousness
- depression
- sweating
- flushing
- joint or muscle pain or cramps
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them or those listed in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:
- seeing specks, flashes of light, or a dark curtain over everything
- decreased urination
- hives
- rash
- itching
- swelling of the hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- numbness, pain, burning or tingling in the hands or feet
- shaking hands that you cannot control
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- chest pain
- mood changes
- seizures
Ganciclovir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking ganciclovir:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ganciclovir, acyclovir (Zovirax), valganciclovir (Valcyte), or any other medications.
- do not take ganciclovir if you are taking valganciclovir (Valcyte).
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section and any of the following: aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin), neomycin (New-Rx, New-Fradin), netilmicin (Netromycin), streptomycin, tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi), and others; amphotericin B (Fungizone); captopril (Capoten, in Capozide); diuretics (‘water pills’); foscarnet (Foscavir); gold compounds such as auranofin (Ridaura) or aurothioglucose (Solganal); imipenem-cilastatin (Primaxin); immune globulin (gamma globulin, BayGam, Carimmune, Gammagard, others); methicillin (Staphcillin); muromonab-CD3 (OKT3); mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept); nitrates such as isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil, Sorbitrate) or nitroglycerin products; penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen); primaquine; probenecid; rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); or other nucleoside analogues such as acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and ribavirin (Copegus, Rebetol, Virazole, in Rebetron). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the conditions mentioned in the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section or any of the following conditions: mental illness; seizures; eye problems other than CMV retinitis; kidney, or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You should not breast-feed while taking ganciclovir. Talk to your doctor about when you may safely begin breast-feeding after you stop taking ganciclovir.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking ganciclovir.
- you should know that ganciclovir may make you drowsy, dizzy, unsteady, confused, or less alert, or may cause seizures. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Dosage Of Ganciclovir
Ganciclovir comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food three to six times a day. To help you remember to take ganciclovir, take it at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ganciclovir exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not open, split, chew, or crush them.
Be careful when handling ganciclovir capsules. Do not allow your skin, eyes, mouth, or nose to come into contact with broken or crushed ganciclovir capsules. If such contact occurs, wash your skin well with soap and water or rinse your eyes well with plain water.
You generally will receive intravenous (into a vein) ganciclovir for several weeks before you begin to take ganciclovir capsules. If your condition gets worse during your treatment, you may be given a second course of intravenous ganciclovir. Your doctor may decrease your dose of ganciclovir capsules if you experience side effects.
Ganciclovir controls CMV but does not cure it. It may take some time before you feel the full benefit of ganciclovir. Continue to take ganciclovir even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ganciclovir without talking to your doctor. Stopping to take ganciclovir too soon may cause the amount of CMV in your blood to increase or the virus to become resistant to this medication.
Other
Your doctor may order regular eye exams while you are taking this medication. Keep all appointments with the ophthalmologist (eye exams).
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking ganciclovir.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. Do not let your supply of ganciclovir run out.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
