Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Foscavir

Generic Name: foscarnet (Pronunciation: fos KAR net)

• What is foscarnet (Foscavir)?
• What are the possible side effects of foscarnet (Foscavir)?
• What is the most important information I should know about foscarnet (Foscavir)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using foscarnet (Foscavir)?
• How is foscarnet given (Foscavir)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Foscavir)?
• What happens if I overdose (Foscavir)?
• What should I avoid while using foscarnet (Foscavir)?
• What other drugs will affect foscarnet (Foscavir)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is foscarnet (Foscavir)?

Foscarnet is an antiviral medication that prevents certain virus cells from multiplying in your body.

Foscarnet is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in people with AIDS.

Foscarnet is also used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) in people with a weak immune system. Foscarnet is usually given for HSV after other antiviral medications have been tried without successful treatment.

Foscarnet is not a cure for CMV or HSV, and your virus may progress during or after treatment.

Foscarnet may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of foscarnet (Foscavir)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using foscarnet and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting;
• swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• numbness or tingling around your mouth or in your hands or feet;
• dry mouth, increased thirst, restless feeling, increased urination, muscle pain or weakness, fainting, or seizure (convulsions);
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• pale skin, feeling light-headed, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
• trouble breathing; or
• pain or burning when you urinate.

Less serious side effects may include:

• anxiety, depressed mood;
• stomach pain;
• headache, dizziness;
• cough;
• increased sweating;
• skin rash;
• problems with vision;
• tired feeling;
• joint or muscle pain; or
• pain or swelling where the injection was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about foscarnet (Foscavir)?

Before using foscarnet, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, a seizure disorder, heart disease, a nerve disorder, or an electrolyte imbalance such as low calcium, potassium, or magnesium.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney function may also need to be tested, and you may also need regular eye exams. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Stop using foscarnet and call your doctor at once if you urinate less than usual or not at all, or if you have numbness or tingling around your mouth, uncontrolled muscle movements, or pain or burning when you urinate.

Foscarnet can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when foscarnet is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys. Before using foscarnet, tell your doctor about all other medications you use. Many other drugs (including some over-the-counter medicines) can be harmful to the kidneys.

Foscarnet is not a cure for CMV or HSV, and your virus may progress during or after treatment.

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