Cidofovir injection

What is this medicine?

CIDOFOVIR (si DOF o veer) is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat or prevent infections caused by certain kinds of viruses. It is commonly used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections of the eye.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

You will need to take another medicine, probenecid, with this medicine. Take all of your medicine as directed. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• dizziness

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• fever or chills, sore throat

• general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms

• swelling of the ankles, hands, feet

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• cough

• diarrhea

• headache

• loss of hair

• nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• cisplatin

• cyclosporine

• diuretics

• medicines for infection like acyclovir, adefovir, amphotericin B, bacitracin, foscarnet, ganciclovir, gentamicin, pentamidine, vancomycin

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• pamidronate

• tacrolimus

• zoledronic acid

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• zidovudine

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dehydration

• diabetes

• kidney disease

• low blood counts, like white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

• an unusual or allergic reaction to cidofovir, probenecid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Your vision and blood may be tested before and during use of this medicine.

Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.