Cytovene
Generic name:ganciclovir (oral route, intravenous route) [ gan-SYE-kloe-vir ]
Drug class:Purine nucleosides
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 13, 2022.
The clinical toxicity of ganciclovir includes granulocytopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Ganciclovir capsules are indicated only for prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in patients with advanced HIV infection at risk for CMV disease, for maintenance treatment of CMV retinitis in immunocompromised patients, and for prevention of CMV disease in solid organ transplant recipients. Because ganciclovir is associated with a risk of more rapid rate of CMV retinitis progression, it should be used as maintenance treatment only in those patients for whom this risk is balanced by the benefit associated with avoiding daily IV infusions .
Intravenous route(Powder for Solution)Granulocytopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia have been reported in patients treated with ganciclovir sodium. Based on animal data and limited human data, ganciclovir sodium may cause temporary or permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis in males and suppression of fertility in females. Based on animal data, ganciclovir sodium has the potential to cause birth defects in humans. Based on animal data, ganciclovir sodium has the potential to cause cancers in humans .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Cytovene
- Cytovene IV
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antiviral
Pharmacologic Class: Viral DNA Polymerase Inhibitor
Chemical Class: Guanosine Nucleoside Analog
Uses for Cytovene
Ganciclovir is an antiviral. It is used to treat infections caused by viruses.
Ganciclovir is used to treat the symptoms of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the eyes in people whose immune system is not working fully. This includes patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Ganciclovir will not cure this eye infection, but it may help to keep the symptoms from becoming worse. It is also used to help prevent CMV infection in patients who receive organ or bone marrow transplants, as well as in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Ganciclovir may be used for other serious CMV infections as determined by your doctor. However, it does not work in treating certain viruses, such as the common cold or the flu.
This medicine may cause some serious side effects, including anemia and other blood problems. Before you begin treatment with ganciclovir, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
Ganciclovir is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor.
Before using Cytovene
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you
