Cidofovir Injection

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Cidofovir injection is used along with another medication (probenecid) to treat cytomegaloviral retinitis (CMV retinitis) in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Cidofovir is in a class of medications called antivirals. It works by slowing the growth of CMV.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Cidofovir injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It is usually given once every 2 weeks. The length of treatment depends on your body's response to the medication.

You must take probenecid tablets by mouth with each dose of cidofovir. Take a dose of probenecid 3 hours before receiving cidofovir injection and again 2 and 8 hours after your infusion is completed. Take probenecid with food to reduce nausea and stomach upset. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how these medications should be taken together.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before using cidofovir injection,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cidofovir, probenecid (Probalan, in Col-Probenecid), sulfa-containing medications, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in cidofovir injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• some medications should not be taken with cidofovir injection. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with cidofovir injection. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before using cidofovir injection with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while using cidofovir injection, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
• the following nonprescription products may interact with cidofovir injection: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve). Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start using cidofovir injection. Do not start any of these medications while using cidofovir injection without discussing with your healthcare provider.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you are a female using cidofovir injection, you should use effective birth control while receiving cidofovir and for 1 month after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that you can use during and after your treatment. If you are a male using cidofovir and your partner can become pregnant, you should use a barrier method (condom or diaphragm with spermicide) while you are using cidofovir injection and for 3 months after your final dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant while receiving cidofovir, call your doctor immediately.
• tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed if you are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS or are using cidofovir.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Cidofovir injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• vomiting
• nausea
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• headache
• hair loss
• sores on the lips, mouth, or throat

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash
• eye pain or redness
• vision changes such as light sensitivity or blurred vision
• fever, chills, or cough
• shortness of breath
• pale skin

Cidofovir injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your eye doctor. You should have regularly scheduled eye exams during your treatment with cidofovir injection.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about cidofovir injection.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: November 15, 2016.