Foscarnet
Generic name: foscarnet [ fos-KAR-net ]
Brand name: Foscavir
Dosage form: intravenous solution (24 mg/mL)
Drug class:Miscellaneous antivirals
What is foscarnet?
Foscarnet is an antiviral medicine that prevents certain viruses from multiplying in your body.
Foscarnet is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in people with AIDS.
Foscarnet is also used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) in people with a weak immune system. Foscarnet is usually given for HSV after other antiviral medications have been tried without successful treatment.
Foscarnet is not a cure for CMV or HSV, and your virus may progress during or after treatment.
Foscarnet may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Foscarnet can harm your kidneys. This effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: antivirals, chemotherapy, injected antibiotics, medicine for bowel disorders, medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection, injectable osteoporosis medication, and some pain or arthritis medicines (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve).
Your kidney function and electrolytes (potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus) will need to be tested often.
Injecting foscarnet too fast can cause dangerous or unwanted side effects.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use foscarnet if you are allergic to it.
To make sure foscarnet is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
kidney disease;
heart disease, heart rhythm disorder;
personal or family history of long QT syndrome;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium in your blood);
epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
if you are on a low salt diet.
It is not known whether foscarnet will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether foscarnet passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How is foscarnet given?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Foscarnet is injected into a vein through an ...
