VISTIDE

Drug Name: VISTIDE

VISTIDE DESCRIPTION:
CIDOFOVIR INJECTION (sye-DOH-foh-veer)

COMMON VISTIDE BRAND NAME(S):
Vistide

VISTIDE SIDE EFFECTS:
Report any fever, sore throat or infection that may develop during treatment as well as rash, swelling, trouble breathing, fatigue, thirst or change in amount of urine as soon as possible. Also, report promptly any eye or ear/hearing problems. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE VISTIDE:
VISTIDE: Initial treatment is usually given intravenously (IV) over 1 hour once weekly for two consecutive weeks. Long-term maintenance doses usually are given over 1 hour every other week. Probenecid is taken by mouth with food with each cidofovir dose. Four tablets (2 grams) are taken 3 hours before cidofovir, and 2 tablets (1 gram) are taken at 2 hours and again at 8 hours with food after the cidofovir dose is completed (total 4 grams). The probenecid is very important in order to help the cidofovir work properly. The probenecid must be taken exactly as directed each time you receive cidofovir. Fluid needs to be given by IV with each cidofovir dose. The saline is given over 1 to 2 hours just before the cidofovir. Before using VISTIDE visually check for any particles or discoloration. This indicates contamination and the solution should not be used.

VISTIDE WARNING:
Cidofovir is FDA-approved only to treat CMV retinitis (an eye infection) in people with AIDS. VISTIDE can cause major kidney problems or blood disorders (e.g., granulocytopenia). To decrease the chances of these occurring, intravenous normal saline and probenecid must be given with each dose of cidofovir. Immediately notify your doctor if you have symptoms of an infection such as persistent sore throat or fever, or if you have a change in amount of urine. Medications that cause kidney problems (e.g., gentamicin, vancomycin) must not be used while using cidofovir. Kidney function tests must be given within 48 hours before each dose. Blood tests may be performed during therapy.

VISTIDE USES:
VISTIDE is used in the treatment of infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the eye in patients with HIV infection. No cure exists for CMV infection and the eye disorder may or may not improve with this treatment.

OTHER USES OF VISTIDE:
VISTIDE may also be used to treat herpes simplex infections in cases where other medications have failed.

VISTIDE PRECAUTIONS:
Inform your prescriber if you have kidney disease, or any allergies. Cidofovir must be used in combination with probenecid. According to the manufacturer, if you have had a severe allergic reaction to either probenecid or sulfa drugs, cidofovir should not be used. To avoid HIV transmission, sex practices should be discussed with your doctor. Men should use latex condoms during and for 3 months after cidofovir treatment. Women should use effective birth control methods during and for one month following cidofovir treatment. VISTIDE should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if VISTIDE is excreted into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding.

VISTIDE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your prescriber or pharmacist about all the medicines you take (prescription and nonprescription), especially of: terfenadine, ketoconazole, astemizole, alprazolam, triazolam, nifedipine, cyclosporine, prednisone, hydrocortisone (all corticosteroids), cimetidine, erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin, rifabutin, rifampin, birth control pills. Also report drugs that can cause kidney problems such as: amphotericin, foscarnet, aminoglycosides, pentamidine, NSAID (e.g., indomethacin, ibuprofen, naproxen). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

VISTIDE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

VISTIDE NOTES:
The long-term effects of cidofovir are unknown at this time. Cidofovir has not been shown to reduce the chance of transmitting the HIV virus to others. Your prescriber will be monitoring kidney function (urine and blood tests) and blood/chemistry counts, usually before each dose of cidofovir. If kidney function becomes impaired your dosage may be changed or stopped.

MISSED VISTIDE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, consult your prescriber for instructions. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

VISTIDE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from moisture and light as directed. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tightly closed bottle.