Ganciclovir Oral
Generic Name: GANCICLOVIR - ORAL
Pronounced: (gan-SYE-klo-veer)
Ganciclovir Oral Uses
This drug is used in patients with AIDS (acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome) to help control a serious infection
inside the eye called CMV (cytomegalovirus) retinitis. It is also
used to help prevent CMV problems in patients with certain organ
transplants (e.g., kidney, heart).
Controlling CMV retinitis can help decrease the risk of
blindness from the infection. It can also help to prevent CMV from
causing disease elsewhere in the body.
Ganciclovir is not a cure for CMV diseases.
How To Use Ganciclovir Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist
before you start taking ganciclovir and each time you get a refill.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with food, usually 3-6 times daily
or as directed by your doctor. The dose for organ transplant
patients is usually 3 times daily. Swallow the capsules whole. Do
not open the capsules because doing so increases the risk of side
effects. If you are taking this medication for CMV retinitis, you
will be taking ganciclovir capsules after 14-21 days of treatment
with ganciclovir given into the vein.
Dosage is based on your weight, kidney function, medical
condition, and response to therapy.
It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly
as prescribed by your doctor.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body
is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly
spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times
each day.
Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop
taking it even for a short time unless directed to do so by your
doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your
doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the
infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side
effects.
Ganciclovir and valganciclovir do not have identical effects. Do
not switch forms without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Inform your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., worsening
vision).
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