Cidofovir (Injection)

Cidofovir (si-DOF-oh-veer)

Treats eye infections caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) in patients who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Brand Name(s):

Vistide
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cidofovir, probenecid, or to any sulfa drugs (such as Bactrim® or Septra®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• Your medicine will be given directly into a vein, usually in your arm or chest. This is called intravenous (in-tra-VEEN-us), or IV.
• A nurse or other caregiver trained to give IV medicine will give your treatment.
• Before your cidofovir treatment, you will have extra fluid given intravenously to help prevent some of the harmful effects that cidofovir may have on your kidneys.
• About an hour before your treatment, take the medicine bag out of the refrigerator and let it warm to room temperature in a clean dry place.
• Before your treatment, check your IV bag to make sure there are no leaks.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or the clinic where you get your treatments. You may need to make another appointment for your treatment.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you get your treatments at home, you may need to store your medicine. You can keep the medicine bag in the refrigerator for 24 hours. After 24 hours, throw away any unused medicine.
• The liquid should be clear and colorless (like water). If you see any solid pieces or color, You should not use the medicine.
• If you get your treatments at home, you should be given a special container for the used needles, medicine bag or bottles, and tubes. Put it where children or pets cannot reach it.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking zidovudine (AZT, or Retrovir®), amphotericin B, foscarnet, IV pentamidine, or aminoglycoside antibiotics (such as amikacin, streptomycin, gentamicin, or tobramycin).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine can damage your kidneys. To help prevent damage, you will also take a medicine called probenecid before and after your treatment with cidofovir. It is important that you take probenecid exactly as your doctor ordered. Do not skip any doses.
• Probenecid can cause some harmful side effects. Make sure you receive an information sheet about probenecid.
• It is important for you to have your eyes and blood counts tested regularly. Keep all of the appointments your doctor has made for you.
• Tell your doctor about any changes in your health. The long-term effects of this medicine are not known.
• You should not breastfeed if you have HIV or AIDS, because you may give the infection to your baby through your breast milk.
• Do not get pregnant while you or your sexual partner are receiving with cidofovir. Ask your doctor about what kind of birth control is best to use while you are being treated.
• Women should use a reliable method of birth control while being treated with this medicine and for at least one month after their last dose of cidofovir.
• Men should use a condom while being treated with this medicine and for at least three months after their last dose of cidofovir.
• If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor before you start getting this medicine. Cidofovir may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while being treated with cidofovir.
• For men, cidofovir may decrease the amount of you sperm produce, so that you may not be able to have children. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Foamy urine
• Unexplained fever, chills, or sore throat
• Trouble breathing
• Rash or hives

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting
• Weakness
• Headache
• Hair loss

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.