FOSCAVIR

Foscavir Information

Foscavir, a brand name for Foscarnet, is a potent antiviral drug that has high efficiency in preventing certain viral agents from multiplying in the human organism. This drug is typically employed only after several other drugs have been tried with no satisfactory results.

Foscavir Indications

Foscavir is typically employed in the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients affected by AIDS – although it is not a cure for the infection. The infection may progress after or even during the treatment. Foscavir may also be employed for the treatment of herpes simplex virus in patients with their immune system weakened by medication therapy or by certain medical conditions. In the case of HSV, this medicine is only administered after other antiviral therapies have failed.

Foscavir may also be prescribed for the treatment of other medical affections that are not listed here. If you are not suffering from any of the above and would like to learn more regarding the reasons you have been prescribed a treatment with this drug, it is best that you consult your personal health care provider.

Foscavir Warnings

You should not take Foscavir if you are suffering from hypersensitivity to this drug or to any of ingredient substances. If you are unsure regarding this, you should inform the prescriber of any substances you are allergic to, including foods, dyes or preservatives.

Patients with a medical history of heart or kidney disease, epilepsy or other seizure disorders, brain tumor, head injury or nerve disorders, electrolyte imbalance or low calcium, potassium or magnesium blood levels may not be able to start a therapy course with Foscavir, or may require special dosage adjustment.

This drug may not be safe for use during pregnancy and breast feeding. If you are or plan to become pregnant or if you are nursing a baby, you should consult your personal health care provider as better treatment options may be available.

Foscavir Intake Guidelines

Foscavir is typically administered through a slow IV infusion. The administration may take around 2 hours to complete. IV fluids may be administered simultaneously in order to prevent dehydration. The drug may need to be mixed with a diluent before administration.

During the Foscavir therapy, you may be required to undergo regular blood tests and clinical examinations in order to monitor your general health condition, your organism’s response to the treatment and to ensure that no harmful effects occur. The examinations may include evaluations of the kidney functions and visual accuracy. It is best that you do not miss any follow-up appointments.

Foscavir Dosage

The appropriate Foscavir dosage will be determined by the prescriber by taking into account a number of case-specific factors such as the infection that is being treated, the patient’s general health condition and medical history. Several other factors may also influence the medication dosage. As such, the Foscavir dosage prescribed to one patient may not be suitable for the treatment of another. You should always take the medication dosage that has been prescribed to you last, as the prescriber may also change your dosage during the 2-3 weeks of therapy.

Foscavir Overdose

The most common symptoms of an overdose with Foscavir are muscle weakness or pain, tachycardia, lightheadedness, drowsiness, confusion, fainting, changes in the urine volume, increased thirst, tingling or numbing sensations or seizures. These may develop into severe, possibly even lethal consequences. As such, it is best that you are always administered the appropriate Foscavir dosage. If you are being administered this medicine in a hospital or a clinic under the strict supervision of a health care specialist, the chances of becoming affected by an overdose with this medicine are very low.

Foscavir Missed Dose

As in most cases the Foscavir doses will be administered in a clinic or a hospital, it is unlikely to miss any doses of the medicine. However in some situations you may receive permission to administer this drug at home. If you happen to miss a dose of your medication, you should take it as soon as you remember unless this is too close to another scheduled intake of the medicine. In this situation it is best to completely skip the missed dose and take the next dose on time. It is strongly advised that you never take a larger Foscavir dose in order to make up for a missed one.

Foscavir Side Effects

Severe hypersensitivity reactions to Foscavir are possible. You should immediately stop taking this drug and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the typical signs and symptoms (breathing difficulties, closed throat, hives and swelling of the lips, face or tongue). Other severe side effects that require discontinuing your therapy may appear as well: tingling or numbness in the extremities or around the mouth; pale complexion; easy bleeding or bruising; tachycardia; muscle weakness or pain; nausea and vomiting; drowsiness, confusion, lightheadedness, fainting or seizures; increased thirst, changes in the urine volume, painful urination; restless movements of the muscles in or around the neck, jaw, tongue or eyes.

More commonly, this drug may cause the appearance of less severe side effects. If you experience any unusual signs or symptoms during your treatment with Foscavir, you should consult your health care provider.

Foscavir Drug Reactions

Foscavir may interact with several other drugs. You should inform your prescriber of any other medicines you are currently taking before starting a treatment with this drug. Diuretics, laxatives, certain cancer medications, IV sedatives or other antiviral medication may interact with this drug causing unwanted reactions. Other common medicines that may interact with Foscavir are Amphotericin B , Digoxin, Leucovorin, Pentamidine, IV Phenytoin, Promethazine, Tacrolimus, Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole or antibiotics such as Capreomycin, Vancomycin or Rifampin.