Cidofovir – Injection, Vistide
WARNING: This medication may cause serious kidney disease. To prevent kidney problems, your doctor will prescribe probenecid and direct you to receive fluids into a vein. Avoid other medications that may damage your kidneys. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms of kidney disease or signs of an infection. Tests should be performed before each dose to check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Cidofovir has caused tumors in laboratory animals and should be considered cancer-causing. See also How to Use section.
USES: This drug is used with probenecid to treat a viral eye infection (retinitis due to cytomegalovirus-CMV) in people with AIDS. It lowers the risk of blindness and other vision problems. Cidofovir belongs to a class of drugs known as antivirals. It works by stopping the growth of the virus. Cidofovir is also used to treat unresponsive herpes simplex virus infections.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given into a vein as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your condition, body weight, and response to treatment. IV fluids and probenecid should be taken before and after receiving cidofovir to prevent kidney problems. Drink plenty of fluids unless directed otherwise. Follow all instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Store and discard medical supplies safely. Use the probenecid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Keep all medical appointments.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, headache, and vomiting may occur. Contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly if these effects persist or worsen. Serious side effects may include a change in urine amount, bloody urine, swelling, loss of appetite, fatigue, stomach pain, muscle loss, signs of infection, vision changes, eye redness or irritation, mental/mood changes, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, rash, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using cidofovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. Do not use this medication if you have severe kidney disease. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially diabetes, ganciclovir eye implant, or mild/moderate kidney disease. This drug may cause vision changes, so avoid activities requiring clear vision. Elderly people may be at a greater risk for kidney damage while using this drug. During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Do not breast-feed while using this medication.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all the products you use. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Ask your doctor about temporarily stopping or decreasing dosage of certain medications while taking probenecid. Avoid other medications that may damage your kidneys. Check all medication labels for NSAIDs and use them safely. Contact a poison control center immediately if overdose is suspected. Medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Always use effective barrier methods during sexual activity to decrease the risk of spreading HIV disease.
Summary
Cidofovir injection (Vistide) is an antiviral drug used to treat an eye infection (cytomegalovirus retinitis, CMV) in people with HIV. It can also be used to treat unresponsive herpes simplex virus infections. Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, white patches on the lips or mouth, hair loss, cough, and a mild rash.
