Vistogard

Generic name:uridine triacetate [ URE-i-deen-trye-AS-e-tate ]
Drug classes:Antidotes, Miscellaneous metabolic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 14, 2021.

What is Vistogard?

Vistogard works by slowing down cell damage caused by certain cancer medicines (capecitabine or fluorouracil).

Vistogard is used to treat an overdose of capecitabine or fluorouracil.

Vistogard is also used in an emergency to treat life-threatening side effects caused by capecitabine or fluorouracil. This includes effects on the heart, nervous system, stomach, intestines, or blood cells.

This medicine may be given before overdose symptoms appear. However, treatment with Vistogard must begin within 96 hours after you last received capecitabine or fluorouracil.

Warnings

This medication guide provides information about the Vistogard brand of uridine triacetate. Xuriden is another brand of uridine triacetate that is not covered in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Before you use Vistogard, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, and all the medicines you are using. In some cases, you may not be able to use Vistogard, or you may need a dose adjustment or special precautions.

It is not known whether Vistogard will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether uridine triacetate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Vistogard?

Take Vistogard exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Vistogard must be taken every 6 hours, or 4 times per day. You will take a total of 20 doses for the full treatment. It should take 5 full days to complete all doses.

Vistogard comes in a packet of oral granules that must be mixed with soft food before taking. Do not eat the granules by themselves.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

One adult dose is 1 packet (10 grams) of oral granules. A child's dose is smaller than an adult dose, and is based on the child's weight and height.

For a child's dose, you will use less than 1 full packet of oral granules. Measure your child's dose very carefully to make sure you are not giving too much or too little Vistogard.

After measuring the child's dose, throw away the rest of the Vistogard in the opened packet. Do not save it for later use.

For both adults and children: Mix the measured dose with 3 to 4 ounces of soft food such as applesauce, pudding, or yogurt. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

After...