Ganciclovir Injection (GANCICLOVIR - INJECTION)

Instructions

This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.

Carefully follow the instructions for preparing this medicine before injection.

Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring your dose and using the syringe before using this medicine.

Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.

Keep medicine at room temperature. Protect from light.

Do not freeze the medicine.

Discard unused medicine after 12 hours at room temperature.

Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Talk to your doctor before taking other medicines, including aspirins and ibuprofen containing products. Speak to your doctor about which medicines are safe to use while you are on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Brand Name(s): Cytovene

Generic Name: Ganciclovir

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. This medicine can pass through breast milk to the baby.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

This medicine may damage sperm. Men should use reliable birth control while taking this medicine.

Men should continue using birth control for at least 3 months after finishing this medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 1 month after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • diarrhea
  • dizziness or drowsiness
  • pain, redness, swelling near injection
  • irritability
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain
  • unsteadiness while walking
  • sudden change or loss of vision

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • bleeding or bruising
  • confusion
  • cough that does not go away
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • fever or chills
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
  • seizures
  • shakiness
  • dark, tarry stool
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
  • vision problems - changes in seeing color

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.