Ganciclovir is medicine used to treat viral infections.
It is used to treat infections caused by a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) especially those patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and those receiving immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation.
Ganciclovir injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction (breathlessness, rashes, swollen eyes) to similar antiviral medications.
Do not use Ganciclovir injection if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Ganciclovir injection may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Do not use Ganciclovir injection if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease and blood disorders.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Ganciclovir is not a substitute for your annual flu immunisation or vaccine.
Ganciclovir may cause dizziness and visual disturbances. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects may include any of the following: headache, fever, itching of the skin, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, back pain, depression, confusion, and decreased in appetite and pain and swelling at the injection site.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
-fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising
-shortness of breath
-weakness, numbness and pain in your hands and feet
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- antibiotics e.g. imipinem, cilastatin
- medicine for gout e.g. probenecid
- medicines for HIV e.g. zidovudine, didanosine
- medicines used to prevent transplant organ rejection e.g. mycophenolate mofetil
- medicines for cancer e.g. vincristine, vinblastine
- medicines for fungal infections e.g. amphotericin B
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ganciclovir.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Throw away remaining solution after 12 hours. Do not freeze.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.