Foscavir

How does it work?

Foscarnet sodium is an antiviral medication which is mainly used for the treatment of the virus cytomegalovirus (CMV) which effects part of the eye (CMV retinitis) in AIDS patients. It is also used for herpes simplex viral infections resistant to the antiviral medication aciclovir in patients with a reduced immune system. It is administered by intravenous infusion only. It acts by blocking viral proteins (DNA polymerase and reverse transcriptase), which are necessary for copying genetic material (from RNA to DNA). This copying process is required for the reproduction and hence the survival of the virus. Normally there are special cells in the body called T-lymphocytes which fight infection. Some people have a decreased ability to fight infection, for example people with HIV. These people are therefore more likely to become infected with CMV.

What is it used for?

Cytomegalovirus infection in immunocompromised people

Herpes simplex viral infections

Warning!

You should ensure that you drink plenty of fluids while receiving treatment with this medicine.

It is recommended that salt (electrolyte) levels in the blood should be monitored while taking this medicine.

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests to monitor their kidney function.

Avoid rapid infusion

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Rash

Changes in mood

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Seizures (convulsions)

Low blood calcium level (hypocalcaemia)

Decreased kidney function

Low blood potassium level (hypokalaemia)

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Dizziness

Low red blood cell count (anaemia)

Low blood magnesium level (hypomagnesaemia)

Loss of appetite

Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)

Genital irritation and ulceration

Headache

Fatigue

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Foscarnet should not be given at the same time as other medications that are toxic to the kidneys (e.g. amphotericin) if possible. Foscarnet should not be given at the same time as other medications that can affect the body's calcium levels. Intavenous pentamidine can cause both kidney toxicity and changes in calcium levels and so severe additive toxicity may result from its use in combination with foscarnet and therefore this combination must be avoided if possible.

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