GANCICLOVIR belongs to a class of drugs known as 'antiviral,' which is used to treat viral infections. It plays a vital role in treating Cytomegalovirus infection in immunosuppressed people (having HIV/AIDS) or who underwent bone marrow or organ transplantation. Cytomegalovirus infection is a common herpes virus infection with no symptoms or symptoms like fever and fatigue. Severe infection may affect the eyes, brain, or other internal organs.
GANCICLOVIR contains Ganciclovir, an antiviral medication. It works by preventing the multiplication of viruses in human cells by acting on their DNA results in a decrease viral overload and the production of new viruses. Hence, this helps in clearing up the infection.
Take GANCICLOVIR as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food. You are advised to take GANCICLOVIR for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending upon your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience nausea, headache, dizziness, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, increase liver enzymes, injection site reaction, and stomach pain. Most of these side effects of GANCICLOVIR are temporary, do not require medical attention, and gradually subside over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor immediately.
Do not take GANCICLOVIR if you are allergic to it, aciclovir or any of its ingredients. Never encourage self-medication or suggest your medicine to someone else even if the symptoms occur similar. Check with your doctor if you're pregnant, currently breastfeeding or taking any other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines. Use protection while having sexual intercourse to avoid the transfer of infection to your partner. If you have a weak immune system, please inform your doctor before taking GANCICLOVIR as a dose adjustment may be required.
Cytomegalovirus Infection
GANCICLOVIR contains Ganciclovir which belongs to a class of drugs known as antiviral medicines. It is used to treat viral infections. It plays a vital role in treating Cytomegalovirus Infection in Immunosuppressed people who have undergone bone marrow or organ transplantation. In addition to this, it also reduces the risk of blindness in people with serious eye infections (CMV retinitis). It works by preventing the multiplication of viruses in human cells by acting on its DNA, resulting in decreased viral overload and new virus production. Hence, this helps in clearing up the infection.
Drug-Disease Interaction: GANCICLOVIR is known to interact in patients with low blood cell count, cancer, osteoporosis (bone problem), organ transplant rejection, bowel disorder, arthritis, kidney or liver problem.
Drug-Food Interaction: GANCICLOVIR interacts with non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
Drug-Drug Interaction: GANCICLOVIR is known to interact with blood thinners (warfarin), cancer medications (dapsone, flucytosine, heparin), immunosuppressants (azathioprine, cyclosporine, methotrexate, sirolimus, tacrolimus), medications to treat AIDS (didanosine, zalcitabine, zidovudine, adefovir), pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), steroids (dexamethasone, prednisone).
Alcohol is not known to cause any unpleasant side effects if taken along with GANCICLOVIR. But intake of alcohol with GANCICLOVIR may damage your liver. So intake of alcohol should be avoided with GANCICLOVIR.
GANCICLOVIR is a pregnancy Category C medicine. It is not known whether GANCICLOVIR will affect pregnant women or fetus or not. Hence, the intake of GANCICLOVIR should be only if prescribed and under medical supervision.
GANCICLOVIR is a pregnancy Category C medicine. It is not known whether GANCICLOVIR will pass through the milk in breastfeeding women or not. Hence, GANCICLOVIR should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor and under medical supervision.
GANCICLOVIR can affect alertness and coordination. So, operating machinery which requires concentration should be avoided.
GANCICLOVIR to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
GANCICLOVIR to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
GANCICLOVIR is not recommended for children below 12 years as its safety and efficacy are not established.
Cytomegalovirus Infection: It is a common herpes virus infection that may have no symptoms or symptoms like fever and fatigue. Severe infection may affect the eyes, brain or other internal organs. It is spread through nonsexual contact by body secretions in people who have undergone an organ transplant or are immunosuppressed and through sexual contact.
CMV retinitis: It is an eye infection caused by the herpes virus leading to inflammation of the eye's retina. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness.