CYTOVENE -IV
(ganciclovir sodium) for Injection
FOR INTRAVENOUS INFUSION ONLY
WARNING
THE CLINICAL TOXICITY OF CYTOVENE-IV INCLUDES GRANULOCYTOPENIA, ANEMIA AND THROMBOCYTOPENIA. IN ANIMAL STUDIES GANCICLOVIR WAS CARCINOGENIC, TERATOGENIC AND CAUSED ASPERMATOGENESIS.
CYTOVENE-IV IS INDICATED FOR USE ONLY IN THE TREATMENT OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS (CMV) RETINITIS IN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENTS AND FOR THE PREVENTION OF CMV DISEASE IN TRANSPLANT PATIENTS AT RISK FOR CMV DISEASE (see INDICATIONS).
Ganciclovir is a synthetic guanine derivative active against cytomegalovirus (CMV). CYTOVENE-IV is the brand name for ganciclovir sodium for injection.
CYTOVENE-IV is available as sterile lyophilized powder in strength of 500 mg per vial for intravenous administration only. Each vial of CYTOVENE-IV contains the equivalent of 500 mg ganciclovir as the sodium salt (46 mg sodium). Reconstitution with 10 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, USP, yields a solution with pH 11 and a ganciclovir concentration of approximately 50 mg/mL. Further dilution in an appropriate intravenous solution must be performed before infusion (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Ganciclovir is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a molecular formula of C9H13N504 and a molecular weight of 255.23. The chemical name for ganciclovir is 9-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)-ethoxy]methyl]guanine. Ganciclovir is a polar hydrophilic compound with a solubility of 2.6 mg/mL in water at 25°C and an n-octanol/water partition coefficient of 0.022. The pKas for ganciclovir are 2.2 and 9.4.
Ganciclovir, when formulated as monosodium salt in the IV dosage form, is a white to off-white lyophilized powder with the molecular formula of C9H12N5Na04, and a molecular weight of 277.22. The chemical name for ganciclovir sodium is 9-[[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)-ethoxy]methyl]guanine, monosodium salt. The lyophilized powder has an aqueous solubility of greater than 50 mg/mL at 25°C. At physiological pH, ganciclovir sodium exists as the un-ionized form with a solubility of approximately 6 mg/mL at 37°C.
The chemical structures of ganciclovir sodium and ganciclovir are:
 |
All doses in this insert are specified in terms of ganciclovir.
Last updated on RxList: 4/2/2009
CYTOVENE-IV is indicated for the treatment of CMV retinitis in immunocompromised patients, including patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). CYTOVENE-IV is also indicated for the prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients at risk for CMV disease (see Clinical Trials).
SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF CYTOVENE-IV HAVE NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR CONGENITAL OR NEONATAL CMV DISEASE; NOR FOR THE TREATMENT OF ESTABLISHED CMV DISEASE OTHER THAN RETINITIS; NOR FOR USE IN NON-IMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS.
CAUTION - DO NOT ADMINISTER CYTOVENE-IV SOLUTION BY RAPID OR BOLUS INTRAVENOUS INJECTION. THE TOXICITY OF CYTOVENE-IV MAY BE INCREASED AS A RESULT OF EXCESSIVE PLASMA LEVELS.
CAUTION - INTRAMUSCULAR OR SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION OF RECONSTITUTED CYTOVENE-IV SOLUTION MAY RESULT IN SEVERE TISSUE IRRITATION DUE TO HIGH pH (11).
THE RECOMMENDED DOSE FOR CYTOVENE-IV SOLUTION SHOULD NOT BE EXCEEDED. THE RECOMMENDED INFUSION RATE FOR CYTOVENE-IV SOLUTION SHOULD NOT BE EXCEEDED.
The recommended initial dosage for patients with normal renal function is 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) every 12 hours for 14 to 21 days.
Following induction treatment, the recommended maintenance dosage of CYTOVENE-IV solution is 5 mg/kg given as a constant-rate intravenous infusion over 1 hour once daily, 7 days per week, or 6 mg/kg once daily, 5 days per week.
For patients who experience progression of CMV retinitis while receiving maintenance treatment with CYTOVENE-IV, reinduction treatment is recommended.
The recommended initial dosage of CYTOVENE-IV solution for patients with normal renal function is 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days, followed by 5 mg/kg once daily, 7 days per week or 6 mg/kg once daily, 5 days per week.
The duration of treatment with CYTOVENE-IV solution in transplant recipients is dependent upon the duration and degree of immunosuppression. In controlled clinical trials in bone marrow allograft recipients, treatment with CYTOVENE-IV was continued until day 100 to 120 posttransplantation. CMV disease occurred in several patients who discontinued treatment with CYTOVENE-IV solution prematurely. In heart allograft recipients, the onset of newly diagnosed CMV disease occurred after treatment with CYTOVENE-IV was stopped at day 28 posttransplant, suggesting that continued dosing may be necessary to prevent late occurrence of CMV disease in this patient population (see INDICATIONS section for a more detailed discussion).
For patients with impairment of renal function, refer to Table 8 for recommended doses of CYTOVENE-IV solution and adjust the dosing interval as indicated:
Table 8: Dosing for Patients with Renal Impairment
| Creatinine Clearance* (mL/min) | CYTOVENE-IV Induction Dose (mg/kg) | Dosing Interval (hours) | CYTOVENE-IV Maintenance Dose (mg/kg) | Dosing Interval (hours) |
| ≥ 70 | 5.0 | 12 | 5.0 | 24 |
| 50–69 | 2.5 | 12 | 2.5 | 24 |
| 25–49 | 2.5 | 24 | 1.25 | 24 |
| 10–24 | 1.25 | 24 | 0.625 | 24 |
| < 10 | 1.25 | 3 times per week, following hemodialysis | 0.625 | 3 times per week, following hemodialysis |
| * Creatinine clearance can be related to serum creatinine by the formulas given below. | ||||
| Creatinine clearance for males = | (140 - age [yrs]) (body wt [kg]) |
| (72) (serum creatinine [mg/dL]) | |
| Creatinine clearance for females = 0.85 x male value | |
Dosing for patients undergoing hemodialysis should not exceed 1.25 mg/kg 3 times per week, following each hemodialysis session. CYTOVENE-IV should be given shortly after completion of the hemodialysis session, since hemodialysis has been shown to reduce plasma levels by approximately 50%.
Due to the frequency of granulocytopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia in patients receiving ganciclovir (see ADVERSE EVENTS), it is recommended that complete blood counts and platelet counts be performed frequently, especially in patients in whom ganciclovir or other nucleoside analogues have previously resulted in cytopenia, or in whom neutrophil counts are less than 1000 cells/µL at the beginning of treatment. Patients should have serum creatinine or creatinine clearance values followed carefully to allow for dosage adjustments in renally impaired patients (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Dosage reductions in renally impaired patients are required for CYTOVENE-IV (see Renal Impairment). Dosage reductions should also be considered for those with neutropenia, anemia and/or thrombocytopenia (see ADVERSE EVENTS). Ganciclovir should not be administered in patients with severe neutropenia (ANC less than 500/µL) or severe thrombocytopenia (platelets less than 25,000/µL).
Each 10 mL clear glass vial contains ganciclovir sodium equivalent to 500 mg of ganciclovir and 46 mg of sodium. The contents of the vial should be prepared for administration in the following manner:
Caution should be exercised in the handling and preparation of solutions of CYTOVENE-IV. Solutions of CYTOVENE-IV are alkaline (pH 11). Avoid direct contact of the skin or mucous membranes with CYTOVENE-IV solutions. If such contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water; rinse eyes thoroughly with plain water.
Because ganciclovir shares some of the properties of antitumor agents (ie, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity), consideration should be given to handling and disposal according to guidelines issued for antineoplastic drugs. Several guidelines on this subject have been published.7-9
There is no general agreement that all of the procedures recommended in the guidelines are necessary or appropriate.
CYTOVENE -IV (ganciclovir sodium for injection) is supplied in 10 mL sterile vials, each containing ganciclovir sodium equivalent to 500 mg of ganciclovir, in cartons of 25 (NDC 0004-6940-03).
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
REFERENCES
7. Recommendations for the Safe Handling of Cytotoxic Drugs. US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, September 1992. NIH Publication No. 92-2621.
8. American Society of Hospital Pharmacists technical assistance bulletin on handling cytotoxic and hazardous drugs. Am J Hosp Pharm. 1990; 47:1033-1049.
9. Controlling Occupational Exposures to Hazardous Drugs. US Department of Labor. Occupational Health and Safety Administration. OSHA Technical Manual. Section V - Chapter 3. September 22, 1995.
Distributed by: Roche Laboratories Inc. 340 Kingsland Street. Nutley, New Jersey 07110-1199. Revised August 2008.
Last updated on RxList: 4/2/2009
Adverse events that occurred during clinical trials of CYTOVENE-IV solution are summarized below, according to the participating study subject population.
Three controlled, randomized, phase 3 trials comparing CYTOVENE-IV and ganciclovir capsules for maintenance treatment of CMV retinitis have been completed. During these trials, CYTOVENE-IV or ganciclovir capsules were prematurely discontinued in 9% of subjects because of adverse events. Laboratory data and adverse events reported during the conduct of these controlled trials are summarized below.
Table 4: Selected Laboratory Abnormalities in Trials for
Treatment of CMV Retinitis
| CMV Retinitis Treatment* | ||
| Treatment | Ganciclovir Capsules† 3000 mg/day |
CYTOVENE-IV‡ 5 mg/kg/day |
| Subjects, number | 320 | 175 |
| Neutropenia: | ||
| < 500 ANC/µL | 18% | 25% |
| 500 – < 749 | 17% | 14% |
| 750 – < 1000 | 19% | 26% |
| Anemia Hemoglobin: | ||
| < 6.5 g/dL | 2% | 5% |
| 6.5 – < 8.0 | 10% | 16% |
| 8.0 – < 9.5 | 25% | 26% |
| Maximum Serum Creatinine: | ||
| ≥ 2.5 mg/dL | 1% | 2% |
| ≥ 1.5 – < 2.5 | 12% | 14% |
| * Pooled data from Treatment Studies, ICM 1653, Study ICM
1774 and Study AVI 034 † Mean time on therapy = 91 days, including allowed reinduction treatment periods ‡ Mean time on therapy = 103 days, including allowed reinduction treatment periods (See Clinical Trials.) |
||
The following table shows selected adverse events reported in 5% or more of the subjects in three controlled clinical trials during treatment with either CYTOVENE-IV solution (5 mg/kg/day) or ganciclovir capsules (3000 mg/day), and in one controlled clinical trial with CYTOVENE capsules (3000 mg/day).
Table 5: Selected Adverse Events Reported in ≥ 5% of Subjects
in Three Randomized Phase 3 Studies Comparing Ganciclovir Capsules to CYTOVENE-IV
Solution for Maintenance Treatment of CMV Retinitis
| Body System | Adverse Event | Maintenance Treatment Studies | |
| Capsules (n=326) |
IV (n=179) |
||
| Body as a Whole | Fever | 38% | 48% |
| Infection | 9% | 13% | |
| Chills | 7% | 10% | |
| Sepsis | 4% | 15% | |
| Digestive System | Diarrhea | 41% | 44% |
| Anorexia | 15% | 14% | |
| Vomiting | 13% | 13% | |
| Hemic and Lymphatic System | Leukopenia | 29% | 41% |
| Anemia | 19% | 25% | |
| Thrombocytopenia | 6% | 6% | |
| Nervous System | Neuropathy | 8% | 9% |
| Other | Sweating | 11% | 12% |
| Pruritus | 6% | 5% | |
| Catheter Related* | Total Catheter Events | 6% | 22% |
| Catheter Infection | 4% | 9% | |
| Catheter Sepsis | 1% | 8% | |
| *Some of these events also appear under other body systems. | |||
The following events were frequently observed in clinical trials but occurred with equal or greater frequency in placebo-treated subjects: abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence, pneumonia, paresthesia, rash.
Retinal detachment has been observed in subjects with CMV retinitis both before and after initiation of therapy with ganciclovir. Its relationship to therapy with ganciclovir is unknown. Retinal detachment occurred in 11% of patients treated with CYTOVENE-IV solution and in 8% of patients treated with ganciclovir capsules. Patients with CMV retinitis should have frequent ophthalmologic evaluations to monitor the status of their retinitis and to detect any other retinal pathology.
There have been three controlled clinical trials of CYTOVENE-IV solution for the prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients. Laboratory data and adverse events reported during these trials are summarized below.
The following table shows the frequency of granulocytopenia (neutropenia) and thrombocytopenia observed:
Table 6: Controlled Trials – Transplant Recipients
| CYTOVENE-IV | ||||
| Heart Allograft* | Bone Marrow Allograft† | |||
| CYTOVENE-IV (n=76) |
Placebo (n=73) |
CYTOVENE-IV (n=57) |
Control (n=55) |
|
| Neutropenia | ||||
| Minimum ANC < 500/µL | 4% | 3% | 12% | 6% |
| Minimum ANC 500-1000/µL | 3% | 8% | 29% | 17% |
| TOTAL ANC ≤ 1000/µL | 7% | 11% | 41% | 23% |
| Thrombocytopenia | ||||
| Platelet count < 25,000/µL | 3% | 1% | 32% | 28% |
| Platelet count25,000-50,000/µL | 5% | 3% | 25% | 37% |
| TOTAL Platelet ≤ 50,000/µL | 8% | 4% | 57% | 65% |
| * Study ICM 1496. Mean duration of treatment = 28 days †Study ICM 1570 and ICM 1689. Mean duration of treatment = 45 days (See Clinical Trials.) |
||||
The following table shows the frequency of elevated serum creatinine values in these controlled clinical trials:
Table 7: Controlled Trials - Transplant Recipients
| CYTOVENE-IV | ||||||
| Heart Allograft ICM 1496 |
Bone Marrow Allograft ICM 1570 |
Bone Marrow Allograft ICM 1689 |
||||
| Maximum Serum Creatinine Levels | CYTOVENE-IV (n=76) |
Placebo (n=73) |
CYTOVENE-IV (n=20) |
Control (n=20) |
CYTOVENE-IV (n=37) |
Placebo (n=35) |
| Serum Creatinine ≥ 2.5 mg/dL | 18% | 4% | 20% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Serum Creatinine ≥ 1.5 - < 2.5 mg/dL | 58% | 69% | 50% | 35% | 43% | 44% |
In these three trials, patients receiving CYTOVENE-IV solution had elevated serum creatinine levels when compared to those receiving placebo. Most patients in these studies also received cyclosporine. The mechanism of impairment of renal function is not known. However, careful monitoring of renal function during therapy with CYTOVENE-IV solution is essential, especially for those patients receiving concomitant agents that may cause nephrotoxicity.
Other adverse events that were thought to be “probably” or “possibly” related to CYTOVENE-IV solution or ganciclovir capsules in controlled clinical studies in either subjects with AIDS or transplant recipients are listed below. These events all occurred in at least 3 subjects.
Body as a Whole: abdomen enlarged, asthenia, chest pain, edema, headache, injection site inflammation, malaise, pain
Digestive System:abnormal liver function test, aphthous stomatitis, constipation, dyspepsia, eructation
Hemic and Lymphatic System: pancytopenia
Respiratory System: cough increased, dyspnea
Nervous System: abnormal dreams, anxiety, confusion, depression, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, seizures, somnolence, thinking abnormal, tremor
Skin and Appendages: alopecia, dry skin
Special Senses: abnormal vision, taste perversion, tinnitus, vitreous disorder
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: creatinine increased, SGOT increased, SGPT increased, weight loss
Cardiovascular System: hypertension, phlebitis, vasodilatation
Urogenital System: creatinine clearance decreased, kidney failure, kidney function abnormal, urinary frequency
Musculoskeletal System: arthralgia, leg cramps, myalgia, myasthenia
The following adverse events reported in patients receiving ganciclovir may be potentially fatal: gastrointestinal perforation, multiple organ failure, pancreatitis and sepsis.
The following events have been identified during postapproval use of the drug. Because they are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. These events have been chosen for inclusion due to either the seriousness, frequency of reporting, the apparent causal connection or a combination of these factors:
acidosis, allergic reaction, anaphylactic reaction, arthritis, bronchospasm, cardiac arrest, cardiac conduction abnormality, cataracts, cholelithiasis, cholestasis, congenital anomaly, dry eyes, dysesthesia, dysphasia, elevated triglyceride levels, encephalopathy, exfoliative dermatitis, extrapyramidal reaction, facial palsy, hallucinations, hemolytic anemia, hemolytic uremic syndrome, hepatic failure, hepatitis, hypercalcemia, hyponatremia, inappropriate serum ADH, infertility, intestinal ulceration, intracranial hypertension, irritability, loss of memory, loss of sense of smell, myelopathy, oculomotor nerve paralysis, peripheral ischemia, pulmonary fibrosis, renal tubular disorder, rhabdomyolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, stroke, testicular hypotrophy, Torsades de Pointes, vasculitis, ventricular tachycardia
When the standard intravenous ganciclovir induction dose (5 mg/kg infused over 1 hour every 12 hours) was coadministered with didanosine at a dose of 200 mg orally every 12 hours, the steady-state didanosine AUC0-12 increased 70 ± 40% (range: 3% to 121%, n=11) and Cmax increased 49 ± 48% (range: -28% to 125%). In a separate study, when the standard intravenous ganciclovir maintenance dose (5 mg/kg infused over 1 hour every 24 hours) was coadministered with didanosine at a dose of 200 mg orally every 12 hours, didanosine AUC0-12 increased 50 ± 26% (range: 22% to 110%, n=11) and Cmax increased 36 ± 36% (range: -27% to 94%) over the first didanosine dosing interval. Didanosine plasma concentrations (AUC12-24) were unchanged during the dosing intervals when ganciclovir was not coadministered. Ganciclovir pharmacokinetics were not affected by didanosine. In neither study were there significant changes in the renal clearance of either drug.
At an oral dose of 1000 mg of ganciclovir every 8 hours, mean steady-state ganciclovir AUC0-8 decreased 17 ± 25% (range: -52% to 23%) in the presence of zidovudine, 100 mg every 4 hours (n=12). Steady-state zidovudine AUC0-4 increased 19 ± 27% (range: -11% to 74%) in the presence of ganciclovir. No drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted with IV ganciclovir and zidovudine.
Since both zidovudine and ganciclovir have the potential to cause neutropenia and anemia, some patients may not tolerate concomitant therapy with these drugs at full dosage.
At an oral dose of 1000 mg of ganciclovir every 8 hours (n=10), ganciclovir AUC0-8 increased 53 ± 91% (range: -14% to 299%) in the presence of probenecid, 500 mg every 6 hours. Renal clearance of ganciclovir decreased 22 ± 20% (range: -54% to -4%), which is consistent with an interaction involving competition for renal tubular secretion. No drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted with IV ganciclovir and probenecid.
Generalized seizures have been reported in patients who received ganciclovir and imipenem-cilastatin. These drugs should not be used concomitantly unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
It is possible that drugs that inhibit replication of rapidly dividing cell populations such as bone marrow, spermatogonia and germinal layers of skin and gastrointestinal mucosa may have additive toxicity when administered concomitantly with ganciclovir. Therefore, drugs such as dapsone, pentamidine, flucytosine, vincristine, vinblastine, adriamycin, amphotericin B, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole combinations or other nucleoside analogues, should be considered for concomitant use with ganciclovir only if the potential benefits are judged to outweigh the risks.
No formal drug interaction studies of CYTOVENE-IV and drugs commonly used in transplant recipients have been conducted. Increases in serum creatinine were observed in patients treated with CYTOVENE-IV plus either cyclosporine or amphotericin B, drugs with known potential for nephrotoxicity (see ADVERSE EVENTS). In a retrospective analysis of 93 liver allograft recipients receiving ganciclovir (5 mg/kg infused over 1 hour every 12 hours) and oral cyclosporine (at therapeutic doses), there was no evidence of an effect on cyclosporine whole blood concentrations.
Last updated on RxList: 4/2/2009
CYTOVENE-IV should not be administered if the absolute neutrophil count is less than 500 cells/µL or the platelet count is less than 25,000 cells/µL. Granulocytopenia (neutropenia), anemia and thrombocytopenia have been observed in patients treated with CYTOVENE-IV. The frequency and severity of these events vary widely in different patient populations (see ADVERSE EVENTS).
CYTOVENE-IV should, therefore, be used with caution in patients with pre-existing cytopenias or with a history of cytopenic reactions to other drugs, chemicals or irradiation. Granulocytopenia usually occurs during the first or second week of treatment but may occur at any time during treatment. Cell counts usually begin to recover within 3 to 7 days of discontinuing drug. Colony-stimulating factors have been shown to increase neutrophil and white blood cell counts in patients receiving CYTOVENE-IV solution for treatment of CMV retinitis.
Animal data indicate that administration of ganciclovir causes inhibition of spermatogenesis and subsequent infertility. These effects were reversible at lower doses and irreversible at higher doses (see PRECAUTIONS: Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis‡ and Impairment of Fertility‡). Although data in humans have not been obtained regarding this effect, it is considered probable that ganciclovir at the recommended doses causes temporary or permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis. Animal data also indicate that suppression of fertility in females may occur.
Because of the mutagenic and teratogenic potential of ganciclovir, women of childbearing potential should be advised to use effective contraception during treatment. Similarly, men should be advised to practice barrier contraception during and for at least 90 days following treatment with CYTOVENE-IV (see PRECAUTIONS: Pregnancy‡: Category C).
In clinical studies with CYTOVENE-IV, the maximum single dose administered was 6 mg/kg by intravenous infusion over 1 hour. Larger doses have resulted in increased toxicity. It is likely that more rapid infusions would also result in increased toxicity (see OVERDOSAGE). Administration of CYTOVENE-IV solution should be accompanied by adequate hydration.
Initially reconstituted solutions of CYTOVENE-IV have a high pH (pH 11). Despite further dilution in intravenous fluids, phlebitis and/or pain may occur at the site of intravenous infusion. Care must be taken to infuse solutions containing CYTOVENE-IV only into veins with adequate blood flow to permit rapid dilution and distribution (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Since ganciclovir is excreted by the kidneys, normal clearance depends on adequate renal function. IF RENAL FUNCTION IS IMPAIRED, DOSAGE ADJUSTMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR CYTOVENE-IV. Such adjustments should be based on measured or estimated creatinine clearance values (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Due to the frequency of neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia in patients receiving CYTOVENE-IV (see ADVERSE EVENTS), it is recommended that complete blood counts and platelet counts be performed frequently, especially in patients in whom ganciclovir or other nucleoside analogues have previously resulted in leukopenia, or in whom neutrophil counts are less than 1000 cells/µL at the beginning of treatment. Increased serum creatinine levels have been observed in trials evaluating CYTOVENE-IV. Patients should have serum creatinine or creatinine clearance values monitored carefully to allow for dosage adjustments in renally impaired patients (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Ganciclovir was carcinogenic in the mouse at oral doses of 20 and 1000 mg/kg/day (approximately 0.1x and 1.4x, respectively, the mean drug exposure in humans following the recommended intravenous dose of 5 mg/kg, based on area under the plasma concentration curve [AUC] comparisons). At the dose of 1000 mg/kg/day there was a significant increase in the incidence of tumors of the preputial gland in males, forestomach (nonglandular mucosa) in males and females, and reproductive tissues (ovaries, uterus, mammary gland, clitoral gland and vagina) and liver in females. At the dose of 20 mg/kg/day, a slightly increased incidence of tumors was noted in the preputial and harderian glands in males, forestomach in males and females, and liver in females. No carcinogenic effect was observed in mice administered ganciclovir at 1 mg/kg/day (estimated as 0.01x the human dose based on AUC comparison). Except for histiocytic sarcoma of the liver, ganciclovir-induced tumors were generally of epithelial or vascular origin. Although the preputial and clitoral glands, forestomach and harderian glands of mice do not have human counterparts, ganciclovir should be considered a potential carcinogen in humans.
Ganciclovir increased mutations in mouse lymphoma cells and DNA damage in human lymphocytes in vitro at concentrations between 50 to 500 and 250 to 2000 µg/mL, respectively. In the mouse micronucleus assay, ganciclovir was clastogenic at doses of 150 and 500 mg/kg (IV) (2.8 to 10x human exposure based on AUC) but not 50 mg/kg (exposure approximately comparable to the human based on AUC). Ganciclovir was not mutagenic in the Ames Salmonella assay at concentrations of 500 to 5000 µg/mL.
Ganciclovir caused decreased mating behavior, decreased fertility, and an increased incidence of embryolethality in female mice following intravenous doses of 90 mg/kg/day (approximately 1.7x the mean drug exposure in humans following the dose of 5 mg/kg, based on AUC comparisons). Ganciclovir caused decreased fertility in male mice and hypospermatogenesis in mice and dogs following daily oral or intravenous administration of doses ranging from 0.2 to 10 mg/kg. Systemic drug exposure (AUC) at the lowest dose showing toxicity in each species ranged from 0.03 to 0.1x the AUC of the recommended human intravenous dose.
Ganciclovir has been shown to be embryotoxic in rabbits and mice following intravenous administration and teratogenic in rabbits. Fetal resorptions were present in at least 85% of rabbits and mice administered 60 mg/kg/day and 108 mg/kg/day (2x the human exposure based on AUC comparisons), respectively. Effects observed in rabbits included: fetal growth retardation, embryolethality, teratogenicity and/or maternal toxicity. Teratogenic changes included cleft palate, anophthalmia/microphthalmia, aplastic organs (kidney and pancreas), hydrocephaly and brachygnathia. In mice, effects observed were maternal/fetal toxicity and embryolethality.
Daily intravenous doses of 90 mg/kg administered to female mice prior to mating, during gestation, and during lactation caused hypoplasia of the testes and seminal vesicles in the month-old male offspring, as well as pathologic changes in the nonglandular region of the stomach (see Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis‡). The drug exposure in mice as estimated by the AUC was approximately 1.7x the human AUC.
Ganciclovir may be teratogenic or embryotoxic at dose levels recommended for human use. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. CYTOVENE-IV should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits justify the potential risk to the fetus.
It is not known whether ganciclovir is excreted in human milk. However, many drugs are excreted in human milk and, because carcinogenic and teratogenic effects occurred in animals treated with ganciclovir, the possibility of serious adverse reactions from ganciclovir in nursing infants is considered likely (see Pregnancy‡: Category C). Mothers should be instructed to discontinue nursing if they are receiving CYTOVENE-IV.
The minimum interval before nursing can safely be resumed after the last dose of CYTOVENE-IV is unknown.
SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF CYTOVENE-IV IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS HAVE NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED. THE USE OF CYTOVENE-IV IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION WARRANTS EXTREME CAUTION DUE TO THE PROBABILITY OF LONG-TERM CARCINOGENICITY AND REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY. ADMINISTRATION TO PEDIATRIC PATIENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN ONLY AFTER CAREFUL EVALUATION AND ONLY IF THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF TREATMENT OUTWEIGH THE RISKS.
The spectrum of adverse events reported in 120 immunocompromised pediatric clinical trial participants with serious CMV infections receiving CYTOVENE-IV solution were similar to those reported in adults. Granulocytopenia (17%) and thrombocytopenia (10%) were the most common adverse events reported.
Sixteen pediatric patients (8 months to 15 years of age) with life- or sight-threatening CMV infections were evaluated in an open-label, CYTOVENE-IV solution, pharmacokinetics study. Adverse events reported for more than one pediatric patient were as follows: hypokalemia (4/16, 25%), abnormal kidney function (3/16, 19%), sepsis (3/16, 19%), thrombocytopenia (3/16, 19%), leukopenia (2/16, 13%), coagulation disorder (2/16, 13%), hypertension (2/16, 13%), pneumonia (2/16, 13%) and immune system disorder (2/16, 13%).
There has been very limited clinical experience using CYTOVENE-IV for the treatment of CMV retinitis in patients under the age of 12 years. Two pediatric patients (ages 9 and 5 years) showed improvement or stabilization of retinitis for 23 and 9 months, respectively. These pediatric patients received induction treatment with 2.5 mg/kg tid followed by maintenance therapy with 6 to 6.5 mg/kg once per day, 5 to 7 days per week. When retinitis progressed during once-daily maintenance therapy, both pediatric patients were treated with the 5 mg/kg bid regimen. Two other pediatric patients (ages 2.5 and 4 years) who received similar induction regimens showed only partial or no response to treatment. Another pediatric patient, a 6-year-old with T-cell dysfunction, showed stabilization of retinitis for 3 months while receiving continuous infusions of CYTOVENE-IV at doses of 2 to 5 mg/kg/24 hours. Continuous infusion treatment was discontinued due to granulocytopenia.
Eleven of the 72 patients in the placebo-controlled trial in bone marrow transplant recipients were pediatric patients, ranging in age from 3 to 10 years (5 treated with CYTOVENE-IV and 6 with placebo). Five of the pediatric patients treated with CYTOVENE-IV received 5 mg/kg intravenously bid for up to 7 days; 4 patients went on to receive 5 mg/kg qd up to day 100 posttransplant. Results were similar to those observed in adult transplant recipients treated with CYTOVENE-IV. Two of the 6 placebo-treated pediatric patients developed CMV pneumonia vs none of the 5 patients treated with CYTOVENE-IV. The spectrum of adverse events in the pediatric group was similar to that observed in the adult patients.
The pharmacokinetic profiles of CYTOVENE-IV in elderly patients have not been established. Since elderly individuals frequently have a reduced glomerular filtration rate, particular attention should be paid to assessing renal function before and during administration of CYTOVENE-IV (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Clinical studies of CYTOVENE-IV did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. CYTOVENE-IV is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection. In addition, renal function should be monitored and dosage adjustments should be made accordingly (see Use in Patients With Renal Impairment and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
CYTOVENE-IV should be used with caution in patients with impaired renal function because the half-life and plasma/serum concentrations of ganciclovir will be increased due to reduced renal clearance (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and ADVERSE EVENTS).
Hemodialysis has been shown to reduce plasma levels of ganciclovir by approximately 50%.
‡Footnote: All dose comparisons presented in the Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis‡, Impairment of Fertility‡, and Pregnancy‡ subsections are based on the human AUC following administration of a single 5 mg/kg intravenous infusion of CYTOVENE-IV as used during the maintenance phase of treatment. Compared with the single 5 mg/kg intravenous infusion, human exposure is doubled during the intravenous induction phase (5 mg/kg bid). The cross-species dose comparisons should be divided by 2 for intravenous induction treatment with CYTOVENE-IV.
Last updated on RxList: 4/2/2009
Overdosage with CYTOVENE-IV has been reported in 17 patients (13 adults and 4 children under 2 years of age). Five patients experienced no adverse events following overdosage at the following doses: 7 doses of 11 mg/kg over a 3-day period (adult), single dose of 3500 mg (adult), single dose of 500 mg (72.5 mg/kg) followed by 48 hours of peritoneal dialysis (4-month-old), single dose of approximately 60 mg/kg followed by exchange transfusion (18-month-old), 2 doses of 500 mg instead of 31 mg (21-month-old).
Irreversible pancytopenia developed in 1 adult with AIDS and CMV colitis after receiving 3000 mg of CYTOVENE-IV solution on each of 2 consecutive days. He experienced worsening GI symptoms and acute renal failure that required short-term dialysis. Pancytopenia developed and persisted until his death from a malignancy several months later. Other adverse events reported following overdosage included: persistent bone marrow suppression (1 adult with neutropenia and thrombocytopenia after a single dose of 6000 mg), reversible neutropenia or granulocytopenia (4 adults, overdoses ranging from 8 mg/kg daily for 4 days to a single dose of 25 mg/kg), hepatitis (1 adult receiving 10 mg/kg daily, and one 2 kg infant after a single 40 mg dose), renal toxicity (1 adult with transient worsening of hematuria after a single 500 mg dose, and 1 adult with elevated creatinine (5.2 mg/dL) after a single 5000 to 7000 mg dose), and seizure (1 adult with known seizure disorder after 3 days of 9 mg/kg). In addition, 1 adult received 0.4 mL (instead of 0.1 mL) CYTOVENE-IV solution by intravitreal injection, and experienced temporary loss of vision and central retinal artery occlusion secondary to increased intraocular pressure related to the injected fluid volume.
Since ganciclovir is dialyzable, dialysis may be useful in reducing serum concentrations. Adequate hydration should be maintained. The use of hematopoietic growth factors should be considered (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Renal Impairment).
CYTOVENE-IV is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to ganciclovir or acyclovir.
Last updated on RxList: 4/2/2009
Ganciclovir is an acyclic nucleoside analogue of 2'-deoxyguanosine that inhibits replication of herpes viruses. Ganciclovir has been shown to be active against cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) in human clinical studies.
To achieve anti-CMV activity, ganciclovir is phosphorylated first to the monophosphate form by a CMV-encoded (UL97 gene) protein kinase homologue, then to the di- and triphosphate forms by cellular kinases. Ganciclovir triphosphate concentrations may be 100-fold greater in CMV-infected than in uninfected cells, indicating preferential phosphorylation in infected cells. Ganciclovir triphosphate, once formed, persists for days in the CMV-infected cell. Ganciclovir triphosphate is believed to inhibit viral DNA synthesis by (1) competitive inhibition of viral DNA polymerases; and (2) incorporation into viral DNA, resulting in eventual termination of viral DNA elongation.
The median concentration of ganciclovir that inhibits CMV replication (IC50) in vitro (laboratory strains or clinical isolates) has ranged from 0.02 to 3.48 µg/mL. Ganciclovir inhibits mammalian cell proliferation (CIC50) in vitro at higher concentrations ranging from 30 to 725 µg/mL. Bone marrow-derived colony-forming cells are more sensitive (CIC50 0.028 to 0.7 µg/mL). The relationship of in vitrosensitivity of CMV to ganciclovir and clinical response has not been established.
In a study of CYTOVENE-IV treatment of life- or sight-threatening CMV disease in immunocompromised patients, 121 of 314 patients had CMV cultured within 7 days prior to treatment and sequential posttreatment viral cultures of urine, blood, throat and/or semen. As judged by conversion to culture negativity, or a greater than 100-fold decrease in in vitro CMV titer, at least 83% of patients had a virologic response with a median response time of 7 to 15 days.
Antiviral activity of CYTOVENE-IV was demonstrated in two randomized studies for the prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients (see Table 1).
Table 1: Patients With Positive CMV Cultures
| Heart Allograft* (n = 147) | Bone Marrow Allograft (n = 72) | |||||||
| Time | CYTOVENE-IV† | Placebo | CYTOVENE-IV‡ | Placebo | ||||
| Pretreatment | 1/67 | (2%) | 5/64 | (8%) | 37/37 | (100%) | 35/35 | (100%) |
| Week 2 | 2/75 | (3%) | 11/67 | (16%) | 2/31 | (6%) | 19/28 | (68%) |
| Week 4 | 3/66 | (5%) | 28/66 | (43%) | 0/24 | (0%) | 16/20 | (80%) |
| * CMV seropositive or receiving graft from seropositive donor † 5 mg/kg bid for 14 days followed by 6 mg/kg qd for 5 days/week for 14 days ‡ 5 mg/kg bid for 7 days followed by 5 mg/kg qd until day 100 posttransplant |
||||||||
In trials comparing CYTOVENE-IV with Ganciclovir capsules for the maintenance treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS, serial urine cultures and other available cultures (semen, biopsy specimens, blood and others) showed that a small proportion of patients remained culture-positive during maintenance therapy with no statistically significant differences in CMV isolation rates between treatment groups.
The current working definition of CMV resistance to ganciclovir in in vitro assays is IC50 > 3.0 µg/mL (12.0 µM). CMV resistance to ganciclovir has been observed in individuals with AIDS and CMV retinitis who have never received ganciclovir therapy. Viral resistance has also been observed in patients receiving prolonged treatment for CMV retinitis with CYTOVENE-IV. In a controlled study of oral ganciclovir for prevention of AIDS-associated CMV disease, 364 individuals had one or more cultures performed after at least 90 days of ganciclovir treatment. Of these, 113 had at least one positive culture. The last available isolate from each subject was tested for reduced sensitivity, and 2 of 40 were found to be resistant to ganciclovir. These resistant isolates were associated with subsequent treatment failure for retinitis.
The possibility of viral resistance should be considered in patients who show poor clinical response or experience persistent viral excretion during therapy. The principal mechanism of resistance to ganciclovir in CMV is the decreased ability to form the active triphosphate moiety; resistant viruses have been described that contain mutations in the UL97 gene of CMV that controls phosphorylation of ganciclovir. Mutations in the viral DNA polymerase have also been reported to confer viral resistance to ganciclovir.
BECAUSE THE MAJOR ELIMINATION PATHWAY FOR GANCICLOVIR IS RENAL, DOSAGE REDUCTIONS ACCORDING TO CREATININE CLEARANCE ARE REQUIRED FOR CYTOVENE-IV. FOR DOSING INSTRUCTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH RENAL IMPAIRMENT, REFER TO DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.
At the end of a 1-hour intravenous infusion of 5 mg/kg ganciclovir, total AUC ranged between 22.1 ± 3.2 (n=16) and 26.8 ± 6.1 µg·hr/mL (n=16) and Cmax ranged between 8.27 ± 1.02 (n=16) and 9.0 ± 1.4 µg/mL (n=16).
The steady-state volume of distribution of ganciclovir after intravenous administration was 0.74 ± 0.15 L/kg (n=98). Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations obtained 0.25 to 5.67 hours postdose in 3 patients who received 2.5 mg/kg ganciclovir intravenously q8h or q12h ranged from 0.31 to 0.68 µg/mL representing 24% to 70% of the respective plasma concentrations. Binding to plasma proteins was 1% to 2% over ganciclovir concentrations of 0.5 and 51 µg/mL.
When administered intravenously, ganciclovir exhibits linear pharmacokinetics over the range of 1.6 to 5.0 mg/kg and when administered orally, it exhibits linear kinetics up to a total daily dose of 4 g/day. Renal excretion of unchanged drug by glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion is the major route of elimination of ganciclovir. In patients with normal renal function, 91.3 ± 5.0% (n=4) of intravenously administered ganciclovir was recovered unmetabolized in the urine. Systemic clearance of intravenously administered ganciclovir was 3.52 ± 0.80 mL/min/kg (n=98) while renal clearance was 3.20 ± 0.80 mL/min/kg (n=47), accounting for 91 ± 11% of the systemic clearance (n=47). Half-life was 3.5 ± 0.9 hours (n=98) following IV administration and 4.8 ± 0.9 hours (n=39) following oral administration.
The pharmacokinetics following intravenous administration of CYTOVENE-IV solution were evaluated in 10 immunocompromised patients with renal impairment who received doses ranging from 1.25 to 5.0 mg/kg.
Table 2: Pharmacokinetics of Patients with Renal Impairment
| Estimated Creatinine Clearance (mL/min) | n | Dose | Clearance (mL/min) Mean ± SD | Half-life (hours) Mean ± SD |
| 50-79 | 4 | 3.2-5 mg/kg | 128 + 63 | 4.6 ± 1.4 |
| 25-49 | 3 | 3-5 mg/kg | 57 + 8 | 4.4 + 0.4 |
| < 25 | 3 | 1.25-5 mg/kg | 30 + 13 | 10.7 + 5.7 |
Based on these observations, it is necessary to modify the dosage of ganciclovir in patients with renal impairment (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Hemodialysis reduces plasma concentrations of ganciclovir by about 50% after intravenous administration.
The effects of race/ethnicity and gender were studied in subjects receiving a dose regimen of 1000 mg every 8 hours. Although the numbers of blacks (16%) and Hispanics (20%) were small, there appeared to be a trend towards a lower steady-state Cmax and AUC0-8 in these subpopulations as compared to Caucasians. No definitive conclusions regarding gender differences could be made because of the small number of females (12%); however, no differences between males and females were observed.
Ganciclovir pharmacokinetics were studied in 27 neonates, aged 2 to 49 days. At an intravenous dose of 4 mg/kg (n=14) or 6 mg/kg (n=13), the pharmacokinetic parameters were, respectively, Cmax of 5.5 ± 1.6 and 7.0 ± 1.6 µg/mL, systemic clearance of 3.14 ± 1.75 and 3.56 ± 1.27 mL/min/kg, and t½ of 2.4 hours (harmonic mean) for both.
Ganciclovir pharmacokinetics were also studied in 10 pediatric patients, aged 9 months to 12 years. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of ganciclovir were the same after single and multiple (q12h) intravenous doses (5 mg/kg). The steady-state volume of distribution was 0.64 ± 0.22 L/kg, Cmax was 7.9 ± 3.9 µg/mL, systemic clearance was 4.7 ± 2.2 mL/min/kg, and t½ was 2.4 ± 0.7 hours. The pharmacokinetics of intravenous ganciclovir in pediatric patients are similar to those observed in adults.
No studies have been conducted in adults older than 65 years of age.
The diagnosis of CMV retinitis should be made by indirect ophthalmoscopy. Other conditions in the differential diagnosis of CMV retinitis include candidiasis, toxoplasmosis, histoplasmosis, retinal scars and cotton wool spots, any of which may produce a retinal appearance similar to CMV. For this reason it is essential that the diagnosis of CMV be established by an ophthalmologist familiar with the retinal presentation of these conditions.
The diagnosis of CMV retinitis may be supported by culture of CMV from urine, blood, throat or other sites, but a negative CMV culture does not rule out CMV retinitis.
In a retrospective, non-randomized, single-center analysis of 41 patients with AIDS and CMV retinitis diagnosed by ophthalmologic examination between August 1983 and April 1988, treatment with CYTOVENE-IV solution resulted in a significant delay in mean (median) time to first retinitis progression compared to untreated controls [105 (71) days from diagnosis vs 35 (29) days from diagnosis]. Patients in this series received induction treatment of CYTOVENE-IV 5 mg/kg bid for 14 to 21 days followed by maintenance treatment with either 5 mg/kg once daily, 7 days per week or 6 mg/kg once daily, 5 days per week (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
In a controlled, randomized study conducted between February 1989 and December 1990,1 immediate treatment with CYTOVENE-IV was compared to delayed treatment in 42 patients with AIDS and peripheral CMV retinitis; 35 of 42 patients (13 in the immediate-treatment group and 22 in the delayed-treatment group) were included in the analysis of time to retinitis progression. Based on masked assessment of fundus photographs, the mean [95% CI] and median [95% CI] times to progression of retinitis were 66 days [39, 94] and 50 days [40, 84], respectively, in the immediate-treatment group compared to 19 days [11, 27] and 13.5 days [8, 18], respectively, in the delayed-treatment group.
Table 3: Population Characteristics in Studies ICM 1653,
ICM 1774 and AVI 034
| ICM 1653 (n=121) |
ICM 1774 (n=225) |
AVI 034 (n=159) |
||
| Median age (years) Range | 38 24-62 | 37 22-56 | 39 23-62 | |
| Sex | Males | 116 (96%) | 222 (99%) | 148 (93%) |
| Females | 5 (4%) | 3 (1%) | 10 (6%) | |
| Ethnicity | Asian | 3 (3%) | 5 (2%) | 7 (4%) |
| Black | 11 (9%) | 9 (4%) | 3 (2%) | |
| Caucasian | 98 (81%) | 186 (83%) | 140 (88%) | |
| Other | 9 (7%) | 25 (11%) | 8 (5%) | |
| Median CD4 Count Range | 9.5 0-141 | 7.0 0-80 | 10.0 0-320 | |
| Mean (SD) Observation Time (days) | 107.9 (43.0) | 97.6 (42.5) | 80.9 (47.0) | |
ICM 1653: In this randomized, open-label, parallel group trial, conducted between March 1991 and November 1992, patients with AIDS and newly diagnosed CMV retinitis received a 3-week induction course of CYTOVENE-IV solution, 5 mg/kg bid for 14 days followed by 5 mg/kg once daily for 1 additional week.2 Following the 21-day intravenous induction course, patients with stable CMV retinitis were randomized to receive 20 weeks of maintenance treatment with either CYTOVENE-IV solution, 5 mg/kg once daily, or ganciclovir capsules, 500 mg 6 times daily (3000 mg/day). The study showed that the mean [95% CI] and median [95% CI] times to progression of CMV retinitis, as assessed by masked reading of fundus photographs, were 57 days [44, 70] and 29 days [28, 43], respectively, for patients on oral therapy compared to 62 days [50, 73] and 49 days [29, 61], respectively, for patients on intravenous therapy. The difference [95% CI] in the mean time to progression between the oral and intravenous therapies (oral - IV) was -5 days [-22, 12]. See Figure 1 for comparison of the proportion of patients remaining free of progression over time.
ICM 1774: In this three-arm, randomized, open-label, parallel group trial, conducted between June 1991 and August 1993, patients with AIDS and stable CMV retinitis following from 4 weeks to 4 months of treatment with CYTOVENE-IV solution were randomized to receive maintenance treatment with CYTOVENE-IV solution, 5 mg/kg once daily, ganciclovir capsules, 500 mg 6 times daily, or ganciclovir capsules, 1000 mg tid for 20 weeks. The study showed that the mean [95% CI] and median [95% CI] times to progression of CMV retinitis, as assessed by masked reading of fundus photographs, were 54 days [48, 60] and 42 days [31, 54], respectively, for patients on oral therapy compared to 66 days [56, 76] and 54 days [41, 69], respectively, for patients on intravenous therapy. The difference [95% CI] in the mean time to progression between the oral and intravenous therapies (oral - IV) was -12 days [-24, 0]. See Figure 2 for comparison of the proportion of patients remaining free of progression over time.
AVI 034: In this randomized, open-label, parallel group trial, conducted between June 1991 and February 1993, patients with AIDS and newly diagnosed (81%) or previously treated (19%) CMV retinitis who had tolerated 10 to 21 days of induction treatment with CYTOVENE-IV, 5 mg/kg twice daily, were randomized to receive 20 weeks of maintenance treatment with either ganciclovir capsules, 500 mg 6 times daily or CYTOVENE-IV solution, 5 mg/kg/day.3 The mean [95% CI] and median [95% CI] times to progression of CMV retinitis, as assessed by masked reading of fundus photographs, were 51 days [44, 57] and 41 days [31, 45], respectively, for patients on oral therapy compared to 62 days [52, 72] and 60 days [42, 83], respectively, for patients on intravenous therapy. The difference [95% CI] in the mean time to progression between the oral and intravenous therapies (oral - IV) was -11 days [-24, 1]. See Figure 3 for comparison of the proportion of patients remaining free of progression over time.
Comparison of other CMV retinitis outcomes between oral and IV formulations (development of bilateral retinitis, progression into Zone 1, and deterioration of visual acuity), while not definitive, showed no marked differences between treatment groups in these studies. Because of low event rates among these endpoints, these studies are underpowered to rule out significant differences in these endpoints.
Figure 1: ICM 1653
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Figure 2: ICM 1774
 |
Figure 3: AVI 034
 |
CYTOVENE-IV was evaluated in three randomized, controlled trials of prevention of CMV disease in organ transplant recipients.
ICM 1496: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 149 heart transplant recipients4 at risk for CMV infection (CMV seropositive or a seronegative recipient of an organ from a CMV seropositive donor), there was a statistically significant reduction in the overall incidence of CMV disease in patients treated with CYTOVENE-IV. Immediately posttransplant, patients received CYTOVENE-IV solution 5 mg/kg bid for 14 days followed by 6 mg/kg qd for 5 days/week for an additional 14 days. Twelve of the 76 (16%) patients treated with CYTOVENE-IV vs 31 of the 73 (43%) placebo-treated patients developed CMV disease during the 120-day posttransplant observation period. No significant differences in hematologic toxicities were seen between the two treatment groups (refer to Table 6 in ADVERSE EVENTS).
ICM 1689: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 72 bone marrow transplant recipients5 with asymptomatic CMV infection (CMV positive culture of urine, throat or blood) there was a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of CMV disease in patients treated with CYTOVENE-IV following successful hematopoietic engraftment. Patients with virologic evidence of CMV infection received CYTOVENE-IV solution 5 mg/kg bid for 7 days followed by 5 mg/kg qd through day 100 posttransplant. One of the 37 (3%) patients treated with CYTOVENE-IV vs 15 of the 35 (43%) placebo-treated patients developed CMV disease during the study. At 6 months posttransplant, there continued to be a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of CMV disease in patients treated with CYTOVENE-IV. Six of 37 (16%) patients treated with CYTOVENE-IV vs 15 of the 35 (43%) placebo-treated patients developed disease through 6 months posttransplant. The overall rate of survival was statistically significantly higher in the group treated with CYTOVENE-IV, both at day 100 and day 180 posttransplant. Although the differences in hematologic toxicities were not statistically significant, the incidence of neutropenia was higher in the group treated with CYTOVENE-IV (refer to Table 6 in ADVERSE EVENTS).
ICM 1570: A second, randomized, unblinded study evaluated 40 allogeneic bone marrow transplant recipients at risk for CMV disease.6 Patients underwent bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on day 35 posttransplant. Patients with histologic, immunologic or virologic evidence of CMV infection in the lung were then randomized to observation or treatment with CYTOVENE-IV solution (5 mg/kg bid for 14 days followed by 5 mg/kg qd 5 days/week until day 120). Four of 20 (20%) patients treated with CYTOVENE-IV and 14 of 20 (70%) control patients developed interstitial pneumonia. The incidence of CMV disease was significantly lower in the group treated with CYTOVENE-IV, consistent with the results observed in ICM 1689.
REFERENCES
1. Spector SA, Weingeis T, Pollard R, et al. A randomized, controlled study of intravenous ganciclovir therapy for cytomegalovirus peripheral retinitis in patients with AIDS. J Inf Dis. 1993; 168:557-563.
2. Drew WL, Ives D, Lalezari JP, et al. Oral ganciclovir as maintenance treatment for cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS. New Engl J Med. 1995; 333:615-620.
3. The Oral Ganciclovir European and Australian Cooperative Study Group. Intravenous vs oral ganciclovir: European/Australian comparative study of efficacy and safety in the prevention of cytomegalovirus retinitis recurrence in patients with AIDS. AIDS. 1995; 9:471-477.
4. Merigan TC, Renlund DG, Keay S, et al. A controlled trial of ganciclovir to prevent cytomegalovirus disease after heart transplantation. New Engl J Med. 1992; 326:1182-1186.
5. Goodrich JM, Mori M, Gleaves CA, et al. Early treatment with ganciclovir to prevent cytomegalovirus disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. New Engl J Med. 1991; 325:1601-1607.
6. Schmidt GM, Horak DA, Niland JC, et al. The City of Hope-Stanford-Syntex CMV Study Group. A randomized, controlled trial of prophylactic ganciclovir for cytomegalovirus pulmonary infection in recipients of allogeneic bone marrow transplants. New Engl J Med. 1991; 15:1005-1011.
Last updated on RxList: 4/2/2009
All patients should be informed that the major toxicities of ganciclovir are granulocytopenia (neutropenia), anemia and thrombocytopenia and that dose modifications may be required, including discontinuation. The importance of close monitoring of blood counts while on therapy should be emphasized. Patients should be informed that ganciclovir has been associated with elevations in serum creatinine.
Patients should be advised that ganciclovir has caused decreased sperm production in animals and may cause infertility in humans. Women of childbearing potential should be advised that ganciclovir causes birth defects in animals and should not be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to use effective contraception during treatment with CYTOVENE-IV. Similarly, men should be advised to practice barrier contraception during and for at least 90 days following treatment with CYTOVENE-IV.
Patients should be advised that ganciclovir causes tumors in animals. Although there is no information from human studies, ganciclovir should be considered a potential carcinogen.
These patients may be receiving zidovudine. Patients should be counseled that treatment with both ganciclovir and zidovudine simultaneously may not be tolerated by some patients and may result in severe granulocytopenia (neutropenia). Patients with AIDS may be receiving didanosine. Patients should be counseled that concomitant treatment with both ganciclovir and didanosine can cause didanosine serum concentrations to be significantly increased.
Ganciclovir is not a cure for CMV retinitis, and immunocompromised patients may continue to experience progression of retinitis during or following treatment. Patients should be advised to have ophthalmologic follow-up examinations at a minimum of every 4 to 6 weeks while being treated with CYTOVENE-IV. Some patients will require more frequent follow-up.
Transplant recipients should be counseled regarding the high frequency of impaired renal function in transplant recipients who received CYTOVENE-IV solution in controlled clinical trials, particularly in patients receiving concomitant administration of nephrotoxic agents such as cyclosporine and amphotericin B. Although the specific mechanism of this toxicity, which in most cases was reversible, has not been determined, the higher rate of renal impairment in patients receiving CYTOVENE-IV solution compared with those who received placebo in the same trials may indicate that CYTOVENE-IV played a significant role.
Last updated on RxList: 4/2/2009
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
GANCICLOVIR - INJECTION
(gan-SYE-klo-veer)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cytovene
WARNING: Ganciclovir has sometimes caused severe blood problems, including a decrease in red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (neutropenia), and platelets (thrombocytopenia). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of anemia (new/severe tiredness, fast breathing, weakness, bluish fingernails/lips, pale skin, fast heartbeat).
A low level of white blood cells increases the risk of serious (sometimes fatal) infections. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of a serious infection (e.g., new fever, severe chills, persistent cough, breathing problems, weight loss, persistent sore throat).
Severely low platelets can make you more likely to bleed. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of bleeding such as easy bruising, increased nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bloody/black bowel movements, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Ganciclovir has caused decreased sperm production in animals and may decrease the ability of men to father a baby.
Ganciclovir has caused tumors in laboratory animals. Although there is no information in humans, ganciclovir should be considered cancer-causing (carcinogenic). See also How to Use section.
USES: This drug is used in patients with immune system problems (e.g., acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-AIDS) to treat a serious infection inside the eye called CMV (cytomegalovirus) retinitis. It is also used to help prevent CMV problems in patients with certain organ transplants (e.g., kidney, heart).
Controlling CMV retinitis can help decrease the risk of blindness from the infection. It can also help to prevent CMV from causing disease elsewhere in the body.
Ganciclovir is not a cure for CMV diseases.
HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein or through an implanted vein tube (central venous catheter), usually over 1 hour. For CMV retinitis treatment, this medication is given every 12 hours for the first 14 to 21 days, then once daily until your doctor directs you to stop. If your condition improves, you may be switched to a medication that can be taken by mouth (oral ganciclovir or valganciclovir).
To prevent CMV problems in transplant recipients, this medication is given every 12 hours for the first 7 to 14 days, then 5 times weekly to once daily. The length of treatment may be as long as 120 days.
Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
Avoid direct contact of this medicine with the skin/eyes/mouth. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water. For eyes, rinse with a steady stream of tap water for at least 5 minutes. If you are the caregiver, wear rubber gloves to handle the medication and injection equipment. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Special disposal is required for this medication and all injection equipment used with it. Consult your pharmacist for more information.
Dosage is based on your weight, kidney function, medical condition, and response to treatment.
It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
Do not use more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if your condition worsens (e.g., your vision worsens).
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, shaking, swelling legs, constipation, back pain, drowsiness, dizziness, and trouble sleeping may occur. Pain/redness/irritation may occur at the injection site. If you experience pain/redness/milky discharge at the skin entry site of a central venous catheter, contact your doctor immediately. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (slowed thinking, confusion, depression), decreased sexual interest/ability, decrease in the amount of urine, tingling/numbness of hands or feet, hair loss, dry skin, strange taste in the mouth, muscle aches/cramps, mouth ulcers, unusual dreams.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, seizures, persistent nausea, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using ganciclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to valganciclovir or acyclovir; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: inability to make urine (anuria), kidney problems that require dialysis, severely low white/red blood cells, severely low platelets.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, low white blood cells, low red blood cells, low platelets, bone marrow problems, HIV, liver problems (e.g., hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis), radiation treatment.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.
Use in children has been limited. Discuss the risk and benefits with the doctor.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk of harm to an unborn baby. To prevent pregnancy, men with female partners should always use effective barrier protections (e.g., latex or polyurethane condoms) during all sexual activity during treatment and for at least 90 days after stopping the medication. Women who are taking ganciclovir should also use at least 2 forms of effective birth control (e.g., birth control pills and condoms) during treatment and for at least 90 days after stopping the medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risks to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: didanosine, drugs that may lower bone marrow function (e.g., trimethoprim, pyrimethamine, doxorubicin, vincristine, vinblastine, adriamycin, dapsone, flucytosine, zidovudine), probenecid, drugs that may lower kidney function (e.g., amphotericin B, cisplatin, cyclosporine), mycophenolate, imipenem/cilastatin.
If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting ganciclovir.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood counts, kidney test, eye exams) should be performed often to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is within 2 hours of your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store unmixed vials at temperatures below 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) away from light. Mixed solution bags should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours of mixing. Avoid freezing. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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