CYTOVENE DESCRIPTION

Cytovene (Ganciclovir Sodium)

Cytovene is manufactured by Hoffmann-La-Roche. This medicine is an antiviral agent used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections of the eye. It is also used to prevent CMV infections in transplant patients. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Brand Name
Cytovene

Common Name
ganciclovir

Where can I order Cytovene From? Can I buy Cytovene at Canadian Prices?

Yes, if you are from the U.S. then you can buy Cytovene at Canadian prices. Currently we will only accept an order for Cytovene from U.S. and Canadian residents. Both U.S. and Canadian residents require a prescription to purchase Cytovene and when you order Cytovene it will be delivered with express shipping.

How does Cytovene work? What will it do for me?

Cytovene belongs to a group of medications known as antivirals. It is used to prevent and treat a viral eye infection called cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. This infection usually occurs for people with weakened immune systems, such as people who have had transplants or chemotherapy, and people who have AIDS. It works by killing the virus (CMV) that causes the infection. It is also used for the prevention of cytomegalovirus disease in people receiving a solid organ transplant who are at risk of developing the disease.

Your doctor may have suggested Cytovene for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Cytovene, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Cytovene without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Cytovene?

Intravenous: The intravenous (I.V.) form of Cytovene is used to treat and prevent CMV retinitis and to prevent CMV disease in transplant recipients at risk. It is given into a vein in a hospital setting. The dose will be determined by your doctor according to individual needs. For treatment of CMV retinitis, Cytovene is used for 14 to 21 days. For prevention of CMV retinitis, Cytovene is used for 7 to 14 days. For prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients, the length of treatment is determined by the doctor.

Oral: The oral ( by mouth) form of Cytovene is used to prevent CMV retinitis, and to treat this condition only after the IV medication has been used for at least 3 weeks. The usual dose for prevention of CMV retinitis is 1,000 mg three times daily with food. When used for treatment of CMV retinitis (after at least 3 weeks of IV treatment), the usual dose is 1,000 mg three times daily with food. A dose of 500 mg six times daily (during waking hours) with food may also be used. For prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients, the recommended dose is 1,000 mg three times daily with food.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that Cytovene be used on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of Cytovene, check with your health care professional. Do not double-up on doses.

What form(s) does Cytovene come in?

Cytovene® is available as capsules and as a sterile powder for injection.

Capsules:
250mg: Each opaque, green, hard gelatin capsule, printed in blue with the Roche logo and "CY250" on the cap and with 2 blue lines partially encircling the capsule body, contains Cytovene 250 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, gelatin, indigotine, iron oxide, magnesium stearate, povidone, and titanium dioxide.
500 mg: Each opaque yellow and opaque green, hard gelatin capsule, printed in blue with "CY500" on the cap and 2 blue lines partially encircling the capsule body, contains Cytovene 500 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, gelatin, indigotine, iron oxide, magnesium stearate, povidone, and titanium dioxide.

Sterile powder for preparation of injection: Each 10 mL clear, glass vial of sterile powder contains Cytovene 500 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: sodium.

Who should NOT take Cytovene?

Cytovene should not be used by people who are allergic to Cytovene, valCytovene, acyclovir, valacyclovir, or any ingredients of the medication.

What side effects are possible with Cytovene?

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Cytovene. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Cytovene with your health professional. They may be able to help you deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medication; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

Less common:

abdominal or stomach pain
loss of appetite
nausea and vomiting
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common:

sore throat and fever
unusual bleeding or bruising
Less common:

mood or other mental changes
nervousness
pain at place of injection
skin rash
tremor
unusual tiredness and weakness
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Cytovene.

What other drugs could interact with Cytovene?

The following medications may affect how Cytovene works, or increase the risk of side effects:
adriamycin
amphotericin B
dapsone
didanosine
flucytosine
pentamidine
probenecid
trimethoprim - sulfamethoxazole
vincristine
vinblastine
zidovudine
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

stop taking one of the medications,
change one of the medications to another,
change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Cytovene. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.