Vistide

How does it work?

Cidofovir is an antiviral medication which is specifically used to treat a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) infecting the eye in AIDS patients (CMV retinitis) when other drugs are considered to be inappropriate. It is given in combination with the drug probenecid. It acts by blocking a viral protein called DNA polymerase, which is necessary for copying genetic material (from RNA to DNA). This copying process is required the for 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

Warning!

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests.

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

Avoid falling pregnant while taking this medication and for one month after treatment. Men should not father a child during or within three months of treatment.

Hydration with intravenous fluids is necessary before administration of this medicine.

Use with caution in

Diabetes mellitus

Not to be used in

Decreased kidney function

Do not use with other drugs that damage the kidney

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

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 during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from 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

Fever (pyrexia)

Nausea and vomiting

Kidney damage

Hair loss (alopecia)

Decrease in the number of a type of white blood cell (neutrophil) in the blood (neutropenia)

Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)

Decreased pressure in the eye

Presence of protein in the urine (may indicate damage to or disease of the kidneys)

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.

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