Foscavir (Foscarnet Sodium Injection) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

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May 27, 2012

Foscavir

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Foscavir

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PATIENT INFORMATION

CMV Retinitis: Patients should be advised that FOSCAVIR (foscarnet sodium injection) is not a cure for CMV retinitis, and that they may continue to experience progression of retinitis during or following treatment. They should be advised to have regular ophthalmologic examinations.

Mucocutaneous Acyclovir-Resistant HSV Infections: Patients should be advised that FOSCAVIR (foscarnet sodium injection) is not a cure for HSV infections. While complete healing is possible, relapse occurs in most patients. Because relapse may be due to acyclovir-sensitive HSV, sensitivity testing of the viral isolate is advised. In addition, repeated treatment with FOSCAVIR (foscarnet sodium injection) has led to the development of resistance associated with poorer response. In the case of poor therapeutic response, sensitivity testing of the viral isolate also is advised.

General: Patients should be informed that the major toxicities of foscarnet are renal impairment, electrolyte disturbances, and seizures, and that dose modifications and possibly discontinuation may be required. The importance of close monitoring while on therapy must be emphasized. Patients should be advised of the importance of reporting to their physician's symptoms of perioral tingling, numbness in the extremities or paresthesias during or after infusion as possible symptoms of electrolyte abnormalities. Should such symptoms occur, the infusion of FOSCAVIR (foscarnet sodium injection) should be stopped, appropriate laboratory samples for assessment of electrolyte concentrations obtained, and a physician consulted before resuming treatment. The rate of infusion must be no more than 1 mg/kg/minute. The potential for renal impairment may be minimized by accompanying FOSCAVIR (foscarnet sodium injection) administration with hydration adequate to establish and maintain a diuresis during dosing.

Last reviewed on RxList: 9/11/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.