Vistide

Vistide is an antiviral drug for the treatment of viral infections. This drug is indicated to treat the symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

This drug helps keep the symptoms from becoming worse. This drug requires a prescription.

Before using Vistide, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

Consult with your healthcare professional about the benefits and risks of taking this drug, since this drug is associated with cancer and fertility problems.

• Studies have not determined the effects of this drug in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people.
• Adverse effects have been demonstrated in animal studies and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women or animal.
• Studies have not determined the possibility of infant risk when taking this drug during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

• Amikacin
• Dibekacin
• Foscarnet
• Framycetin
• Gentamicin
• Kanamycin
• Neomycin
• Netilmicin
• Pentamidine
• Streptomycin
• Tobramycin

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as kidney disease.

To use Vistide properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. This drug must be taken for the full time of treatment.

Vistide must be given on a regular schedule to maintain constant levels in the blood. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients.

The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed.

The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.

• Adults with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis are injected based on body weight. 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight is injected slowly into a vein once a week for two weeks in a row. Probenecid is taken along with each dose of cidofovir.
• Use and dose in children must be determined by your doctor.

Before using Vistide, there are some precautions you must take. Your health care provider should closely monitor the effectiveness of this drug as well as check for unwanted effects.

Consult with your ophthalmologist for any signs of loss of eyesight during cidofovir treatment.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Vistide. Inform your healthcare professional if you have any unusual symptoms such as blood and kidney problems, or cancer symptoms. Discuss these possible side effects with your healthcare professional.

As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.