Foscarnet (By injection)
fos-KAR-net
Treats cytomegalovirus (CMV) eye infection in patients with AIDS. Also treats herpes simplex virus infections in the nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum.
Drug classes
Antiviral (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Foscarnet injection is used to treat symptoms of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the eyes in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Foscarnet will not cure CMV eye infection, but it may help to control worsening of the symptoms. This medicine is also used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections of the skin and mucous membranes in people who are immunocompromised and whose infections did not improve with other treatment. Foscarnet may also be used for other serious viral infections as determined by your doctor. However, it does not work in treating certain viruses, such as the common cold or the flu.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, foscarnet is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Cytomegalovirus infections in places other than the eyes, such as the lungs, esophagus, or intestines.
Varicella–zoster infection (shingles) that does not respond to treatment with acyclovir in patients with HIV infection.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine is given slowly, so the needle will stay in place for 1 to 2 hours or longer.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how foscarnet works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Acyclovir, amphotericin B, cyclosporine, methotrexate, pentamidine, tacrolimus Aminoglycoside antibiotics Diuretics (water pills)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to foscarnet.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. People with HIV or AIDS should not breastfeed because the virus can spread to the baby through breast milk.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, anemia, heart disease, a history of seizures, or if you are on a low sodium diet.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Kidney damage Seizures Electrolyte imbalances in your blood, such as low calcium, potassium, or magnesiumThis medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Drink extra fluids so you will urinate more often and help prevent kidney problems.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. You will need regular eye exams if you are receiving this medicine for a CMV eye infection.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, uneven heartbeat
Fever chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Muscle cramps or spasms, confusion
Pain, tingling, or numbness in your hands or feet or tingling around your mouth
Seizures
Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Diarrhea, mild nausea or vomiting
Irritation of your genital area
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Foscavir, Novaplus Foscavir
There may be other brand names for this medicine.