cidofovir

What is the most important information I should know about cidofovir?

What is cidofovir?

Cidofovir is an antiviral medicine that is used to treat an eye infection called cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMV) in people who have AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Cidofovir is for treating CMV only in people who have AIDS.

Cidofovir is not a cure for CMV and may not prevent vision changes.

Cidofovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving cidofovir?

• moderate to severe kidney disease; or
• a history of severe allergic reaction to probenecid or sulfa drugs.

• blood pressure medicine;
• cancer medicine;
• injectable medications to treat osteoporosis or Paget's disease of bone;
• medication to prevent organ transplant rejection;
• medicines for infections;
• medicines to treat a bowel disorder; or
• some pain or arthritis medicines (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• diabetes; or
• pancreas problems.

• If you are a woman, do not use cidofovir if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using cidofovir.

How is cidofovir given?

Cidofovir is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Your doctor test your kidney function within 48 hours before each dose of cidofovir.

Make sure your doctor knows if you also take zidovudine to treat HIV. You may need to change your dose or stop taking it on the day you receive a cidofovir infusion.

Cidofovir can harm your kidneys after only one or two doses. You will be given intravenous (IV) fluids and oral probenecid while you are receiving cidofovir.

Cidofovir and IV fluids must be given slowly, and your entire treatment can take up to 6 hours to complete.

You will need frequent medical tests, and your next cidofovir infusion may be delayed based on the results.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Since cidofovir is given in a medical setting, you will be watched closely to make sure you do not receive too much of this medicine. Your caregivers will quickly treat you if you have overdose symptoms.

What should I avoid while receiving cidofovir?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of cidofovir?

• vision changes, white or yellow patches on your eyes;
• kidney problems --swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating, increased thirst, loss of appetite, constipation, pain in your side or lower back;
• low blood cell counts --fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or
• pancreatitis --severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• pain, weakness;
• rash;
• headache; or
• hair loss.

While taking probenecid, you may have side effects such as:

• nausea, vomiting;
• skin rash;
• fever, chills; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect cidofovir?

Many drugs can affect cidofovir, and some drugs should not be used within 7 days before you receive cidofovir. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about cidofovir.