Foscarnet injection

What is this medicine?

FOSCARNET (fos KAR net) is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat or prevent infections caused by certain kinds of viruses. Examples of these infections include herpes and cytomegalovirus (CMV).

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.

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 or irregular heartbeat

• fever or chills, sore throat

• numb, tingling pain

• pain, swelling at site where infused

• seizures

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually tired or weak

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

• anxious

• depressed mood

• diarrhea

• headache

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach pain

• weight loss

What may interact with this medicine?

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

• cidofovir

• cisapride

• dofetilide

• dronedarone

• pimozide

• thioridazine

• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

• cisplatin

• cyclosporine

• diuretics

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

• methotrexate

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

• other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

• pamidronate

• ritonavir

• saquinavir

• tacrolimus

• zoledronic acid

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

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

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

• heart disease

• high levels of phosphorus in the blood

• kidney disease

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

• low levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, or potassium in the blood

• seizures

• an unusual or allergic reaction to foscarnet, other medicines, drugs, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checkups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. Your vision and blood may be tested before and during use of this medicine.

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.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any tingling or numbness in your mouth or in your arms or legs. This may be a sign of a serious problem.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.