Ganciclovir is an antiviral medication used for the treatment of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The drug is also used to
prevent a relapse of CMV after the initial treatment of the infection.
HOW should this drug be taken ?
Each dose of ganciclovir is put in 100 or 250 ml I.V.bags that should be infused intravenously (I.V.) over about 1 hour.
The I.V. solution should be warmed up to room temperature before administration. You may accomplish this by taking
your dose out of the fridge about one-half hour before you plan to infuse it. Please try to take your ganciclovir at the same time(s) every day.
Ganciclovir may be given for 2-4 weeks, or indefinitely depending on the individual patient, the reason for using ganciclovir (treatment or prevention), and the response to the drug.
What should you do if you FORGET a dose ?
The missed dose should be administered as soon as you remember except if you remember the missed dose close to
the time of the next dose. Do not double the dose, just carry on with your regular dosing schedule. Always check to ensure that the drug has not expired before using it, especially if you have missed a dose.
What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause? What should you do about them?
The most serious and common adverse effect of ganciclovir is a fall in the number of white blood cells. This can increase
your risk of developing infections as white blood cells are needed to fight infections. Ganciclovir can also decrease
platelets. This can increase your risk of bleeding or bruising as platelets are needed to help your blood clot. Your red
blood cells may also decrease which could make you feel tired or short of breath. Blood tests will be done regularly to
check for any changes in these values. Your blood will also be checked for any changes in liver and kidney function. If
there are any problems, the dose of ganciclovir will be reduced or the drug will be stopped.
If confusion, mood swings, unusual thoughts or dreams, occur while taking ganciclovir, please call the clinic.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches or a rash. If these effects persist and are bothersome, please call the clinic or discuss this at your next clinic visit.
Irritation (redness) or pain may develop at the injection site (eg. forearm) when the ganciclovir is given into the smaller
veins in the arm. This problem may be prevented by slowing the rate of infusion and changing the I.V. site more
frequently. This problem is also avoided by infusing the drug into a central vein (e.g. using Port a Cath or Hickman central venous catheters).
Your blood tests will also be checked for any changes in liver function as well as how well your kidneys are working.
If you have reacted to acyclovir (Zovirax) in the past, please inform your doctor and pharmacist as these two medications are chemically similar.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM.
What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug ?
If while handling the drug, it accidentally spills, avoid contact with your skin, eyes, or mucous membranes (eg. nose).
Wear rubber gloves while cleaning up any spills. If the drug comes in contact with your skin or mucous membranes, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, and rinse thoroughly with water.
Do not stop taking this medications without checking with your doctor first, even if you begin to feel better. Maintain your
regular visits and inform your doctor of any new medical problems that develop while you are taking ganciclovir.
Ganciclovir may cause temporary or permanent sterility or infertility in both men and women. Birth defects have occurred
in animals, therefore ganciclovir is not recommended during pregnancy, and men and women should practise barrier
contraception during and for 90 days following treatment. It is not known if ganciclovir is excreted in breast milk. Because
of abnormalities which have occurred in animals treated with ganciclovir,it is possible that nursing infants may also be
affected, therefore ganciclovir should not be given to breastfeeding mothers. If these issues are a concern to you. please discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other medications may affect the way ganciclovir works and so increase the chance of side effects. Also ganciclovir may
affect the way other agents work (ie. ddI). Therefore, inform your doctor and pharmacist about all of the medications you are taking, and do not start taking other medciations without discussing this first.
How should this medication be STORED ?
The ready-to-use Ganciclovir solution can be stored either at room temperature (15-30°C) or in the refrigerator. It is usable
for up to thirty days if stored in either place.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR PHARMACIST OR PHYSICIAN OR NURSE.
WRITE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS DOWN TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED.
A pharmacist at ___________________ is available to answer questions.
The telephone number is ___________. Please ask for ____________________.
Adapted from Medication Teaching Manual, American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, copyright 1991, personal
communication Caremark Inc., 1994, Sanford's guide to HIV/AIDS therapy 1994. edited by the CSHP Ont. Branch
Professional Specialty Group in HIV Disease, in conjunction with the HIV/AIDS Outpatient Network Coordinators Sub-Group, 1996.
