Ganciclovir injection may lower the number of all types of cells in your blood. This can cause serious and life-threatening problems. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had anemia (low red blood cells), low white blood cells, bleeding problems, or other blood problems. Tell your doctor if you are taking medications that decrease the activity of the immune system or if you are receiving radiation therapy. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: excessive tiredness; pale skin; headache; dizziness; confusion; fast heartbeat; weakness; shortness of breath; unusual bleeding or bruising; or sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to ganciclovir injection.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You or your partner should not become pregnant while you are receiving ganciclovir injection. You may have to take a pregnancy test before starting treatment. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment and for at least 30 days after your final dose. If your partner can become pregnant, you should use a condom while receiving this medication and for at least 90 days after your final dose. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about birth control. If you or your partner become pregnant while receiving ganciclovir injection, call your doctor immediately. Ganciclovir injection may harm the fetus.
Ganciclovir injection may temporarily or permanently decrease fertility in men and women.
Ganciclovir injection may increase the risk that you will develop other cancers.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving ganciclovir injection.
Why is this medicine prescribed?
Ganciclovir injection is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis (eye infection that can cause blindness) in certain people whose immune system is not working normally. It is also used to prevent CMV disease in certain transplant recipients. Ganciclovir injection is in a class of medications called antivirals. It works by stopping the spread of CMV in the body.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Ganciclovir injection comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid and injected intravenously (into a vein) over 1 hour by a healthcare provider. Initially, it is given every 12 hours for 7 to 21 days, depending on your condition. After that, it is given once a day. Your doctor will tell you how long you will receive ganciclovir injection.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving ganciclovir injection,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while receiving ganciclovir injection. 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 eye problems other than CMV retinitis or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while receiving ganciclovir injection.
- you should know that ganciclovir may make you drowsy, dizzy, or confused. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving ganciclovir injection.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Ganciclovir injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- decreased appetite
- vomiting
- tiredness
- sweating
- itching
- redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
- numbness, pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- vision changes
- decreased or increased urination; swelling of the face, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- seizures
Ganciclovir injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone ( 1-800-332-1088).What other information should I know?
Your doctor may order eye exams while you are taking this medication.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.