Cidofovir Injection

CIDOFOVIR (si DOF o veer) helps manage infections caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV). It belongs to a group of medications called antivirals. It does not kill the virus and it may still be possible to spread the virus to others. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by bacteria.

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by a care team in a hospital or clinic setting. You will need to take another medication, probenecid, with this medication. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Change in vision
• High acid level—trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue, confusion, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Hair loss
• Headache
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Dehydration
• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Kidney disease
• Low blood counts (white cells, platelets, or red blood cells)
• An unusual or allergic reaction to cidofovir, probenecid, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Certain medications for infection, such as acyclovir, adefovir, amikacin, amphotericin B, bacitracin, clindamycin, foscarnet, ganciclovir, gentamicin, pentamidine, tobramycin, valacyclovir, vancomycin
• Cisplatin
• Clofarabine
• Cyclosporine
• Diuretics
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Pamidronate
• Tacrolimus
• Voclosporin
• Zoledronic acid

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Zidovudine

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work while you are taking this medication.

Your vision may be tested before and during use of this medication. Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight.

Check with your care team if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medication.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy or for 1 month after stopping it.

Talk to your care team before breast-feeding. Changes to your treatment plan may be needed.

Males who get this medication must use a condom during sex with females who can get pregnant. If you get a woman pregnant, there is potential for serious harm to an unborn child. You will need to continue wearing a condom for 3 months after stopping this medication. Tell your care team right away if you think your partner might be pregnant.

This medication may make it more difficult to father a child. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.