Foscarnet injection

What is foscarnet injection?

FOSCARNET (Foscavir®) is an antiviral agent. Foscarnet treats cytomegalovirus retinitis (viral eye infection) in HIV-infected patients. It is currently under study for use in other viral infections in HIV-infected patients. Generic foscarnet injections are available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive foscarnet?

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

• anemia

• heart disease

• kidney disease

• low blood calcium

• nervous system disease

• seizures (convulsions)

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

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Foscarnet is for slow infusion into a vein; usually administered over 1 to 2 hours. Infusions of foscarnet are usually given in the hospital or clinic, or by a home health-care nurse.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with foscarnet?

• acyclovir

• certain antibiotics given by injection

• cisplatin

• cyclosporine

• gold compounds (such as auranofin, aurothioglucose)

• penicillamine

• pentamidine

• rifampin

• vancomycin

• zidovudine, AZT

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking foscarnet?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Have your ophthamologist check your eyes regularly.

While you are receiving foscarnet you must take plenty of fluids. Drink several glasses of water throughout the day. You may need to have an intravenous infusion of fluids to prevent dehydration.

What side effects may I notice from receiving foscarnet?

Because HIV infection is such a complex disorder, it is difficult to distinguish between drug-related and disease-related effects.

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

• difficulty breathing

• fast or irregular heartbeat

• fever or chills, sore throat

• increase or decrease in the amount of urine passed

• increase or decrease in the need to pass urine

• increased thirst

• muscle twitching

• pain, swelling, redness or irritation at the injection site

• seizures (convulsions)

• skin rash, itching

• stomach pain

• tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusual tiredness or weakness

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

• anxiety

• diarrhea

• fever

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.