Foscavir
Generic name:foscarnet [ fos-KAR-net ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous antivirals
What is Foscavir?
Foscavir is an antiviral medicine that prevents certain viruses from multiplying in your body.
Foscavir is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in people with AIDS.
Foscavir is also used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) in people with a weak immune system. This medicine is usually given for HSV after other antiviral medications have been tried without successful treatment.
Foscavir is not a cure for CMV or HSV, and your virus may progress during or after treatment.
Foscavir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Foscavir 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 Foscavir too fast can cause dangerous or unwanted side effects.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Foscavir if you are allergic to it.
To make sure Foscavir 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 Foscavir 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 Foscavir 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.
Foscavir is injected into a vein through an IV using an infusion pump. The medicine enters the body through a...
