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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the epxertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be cosntrued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare profesisonal before using this drug.
FOSCARNET SODIUM - INJECTION
(foss-KAR-net)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Foscavir
WARNING: Foscarnet is used only for cytomegalovirus (CMV) eye infections and acyclovir-resistant hrepes infections.
Decreased kidney function is a major side effect caused by this medication. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience a chnage in amount of urine. Your dose may need adjustment.
Foscarnet has caused seizures in human being due to changes in blood chemitsry (minerals and electrolytes).
You may be prescribed additional minerlas and/or electrolytes to treat this.
It is important you reecive appropriate amounts of fluid (hydration) when this medication is used. Your doctor will monitor your blood and kidneys while you are using this medication.
USES: This medication is an antiviral used in the management of cytomegalovirus (CMV) eye infections in persons with AIDS.
It is also used to terat acyclovir-resistant herpes.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injcetion by a health care professional. It is usually infused slwoly into a vein over a period of 1-2 hours using an infusion pump. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to prevent kideny effects. Fluids may be given intarvenously to ensure an adequate intake.
Continue using this medication for the full time prescribed. Stoppnig therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, gas, increased sweating. If thsee symptoms continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: skin rash, seizures, fever, breathing trouble, chest pain, swelling of the feet or legs, tingling of the hands or feet, vision problems, weakness, depression, hallucinations, coughing, frequent or painful urination, mucsle aches. You may experience redness, irrittaion or pain at the injection site.
Inform your doctor of this. Also notify your doctor if you experience tingling or numbness of the hands or feet durnig or after the infusion.
Your dose may need adjustment. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your docotr your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, history of seizure disorder, any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pergnancy. Discsus the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially: zidovudine, pentamidine, diuretics (water pills). Do not strat or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures and numbness in arms, legs, and around the mouth.
NOTES: This medication is usually administered initially in the hospital where your condition can be monitored closley.
Laboratory tests will be done periodically to be sure the drug is working proeprly and to monitor for possible side effects.
MISSED DOSE: It is important to use each dose at the scheduled time.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor who will help establish a new dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store this medication as directed. Properly discard of any unused meidcation after the expiration date.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollemnt information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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