Ganciclovir: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Ganciclovir What Medicine?

What is ganciclovir used for?

Ganciclovir is a type of antiviral drug. The way this drug works is to slow the growth and spread of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the retina of the eye (CMV retinitis) thereby preventing blindness.

This drug is available in powder form which is then mixed with liquid so that it becomes a liquid injection or infusion that is injected into a vein.

Ganciclovir is used to treat and prevent infections caused by cytomegalovirus. This infection usually occurs in patients with weakened immune systems such as patients with AIDS and patients who have recently undergone an organ transplant.

Ganciclovir may also be used for reasons other than those listed in this medication manual. This medicine is classified as a prescription drug, so you can only buy this medicine at the pharmacy only if you have included a prescription from your doctor.

How is ganciclovir used?

Here are the ways to use ganciclovir that you should pay attention to, including:

• Use ganciclovir exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Usually, this medicine will be given directly to you once every 12 hours.
• Do not give the injection quickly because it can cause side effects.
• While on this medication, it is recommended that you consume lots of water or drink beverages that do not contain caffeine.
• Your nursing staff will give you injectable ganciclovir as an intravenous infusion.
• If you are injecting ganciclovir at home, your healthcare provider will tell you how to use the medication.
• If you do not understand the instructions given, do not inject the medicine. Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions.
• Do not use ganciclovir if there is a discoloration or small particles appear in the liquid medicine.
• Throw unused ganciclovir after the length of time prescribed by your pharmacist or doctor.
• Use all of the ganciclovir that has been prescribed to you even if you feel better.
• Your symptoms may begin to improve before the infection clears up.
• Your doctor may ask you to have a blood test, eye exam, or other evaluation while on ganciclovir treatment to monitor the process and side effects.

How is ganciclovir stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Do not store in the bathroom or freeze in the freezer.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.