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Common name
Cymevene (Ganciclovir)
Synonyms: Valcyte, Cytovene, Vitrasert
Description
Cymevene (Ganciclovir) is an antiviral medicine, which is used specifically to treat or prevent life-threatening or sight-threatening infections caused by a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV). Cymevene (Ganciclovir) works by blocking the action of a viral component called DNA polymerase. This compound is required by the virus for it to copy genetic material (from RNA to DNA), a process that is needed for the virus to multiply and survive. Cymevene (Ganciclovir) is also incorporated into the viral DNA. By blocking the action of DNA polymerase and disrupting viral DNA, ganciclovir prevents CMV from multiplying. Normally the body fights viral infections with a type of white blood cell called T-lymphocytes. In certain situations, the number of these cells is decreased, leaving the body with a reduced ability to fight infection. This occurs in people with HIV or AIDS, and people having medical treatment that suppresses the immune system (eg chemotherapy or following organ transplants). These people are referred to as being immunocompromised, and are more likely to become infected with CMV. Cymevene (Ganciclovir) is given as an intravenous infusion to treat life-threatening or sight-threatening cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in immunocompromised people. Cymevene (Ganciclovir) is only given by mouth as capsules for the maintenance treatment of CMV infection of the eye (retinitis) in people with AIDS. It is only used following at least three weeks of intravenous therapy, and only if the condition is stable. Cymevene (Ganciclovir) is also given to prevent CMV infection in people who have had kidney or liver transplants, as these people will be immunosuppressed. In this situation either the infusion or capsules can be used.
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What is it used for?
• Cytomegalovirus infection in immunocompromised people
• Prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in people who have had liver or kidney transplants
Contracdictions and cautions:
Warning!
• This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.
• Adequate fluid intake is necessary during administration of this medicine.
• This medicine can cause abnormal development of the foetus if women taking this medicine, or partners of men taking this medicine, become pregnant. Women taking this medicine should use effective contraception. Men taking this medicine should use barrier contraceptives, such as condoms, during, and for at least 3 months after treatment with this medicine.
• The capsules should be taken with food. Ganciclovir capsules should not be opened or crushed.
• Regular blood tests to monitor levels of blood components and kidney function are required during treatment with this medicine.
• This medicine has the potential to cause cancer and birth defects. It may also inhibit sperm production in men, which may be temporary or permanent, and may suppress fertility in women. For this reason, this medicine is only used when the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. You can discuss this with your doctor.
Use with caution in
• Anaemia
• Children
• Decreased kidney function
• Elderly people
• Low levels of a type of white blood cell (neutrophils) in the blood (neutropenia)
• Low white blood cell count (leucopenia)
• Reduced platelet count in the blood
Not to be used in
• Allergy to ganciclovir or aciclovir
• Breastfeeding
• Cytomegalovirus infection present at birth, or in babies less than a month old
• Pregnancy This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
• This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
• There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Side effects :
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine.
Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
• Confusion
• Blood disorders
• Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
• Visual disturbances
• Fever (pyrexia)
• Dizziness
• Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
• Loss of appetite
• Seizures
• Difficulty in breathing (dyspnoea)
• Shaky movements and unsteady walk (ataxia)
• Sleepiness (somnolence)
• Skin disorders
• Decreased sex drive
• Anxiety and agitation
• Headache/migraine
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug is manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
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