VITRAVENE

Drug Name: VITRAVENE

VITRAVENE DESCRIPTION:
FOMIVIRSEN - OPHTHALMIC (INTRAVITREAL) (foam-eh-VEER-sen)

COMMON VITRAVENE BRAND NAME(S):
Vitravene

VITRAVENE SIDE EFFECTS:
Minor pain, redness or swelling of the eye may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly vision changes or severe pain, bleeding or discharge from the eye. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE VITRAVENE:
VITRAVENE: VITRAVENE is injected directly into the eye (in the intravitreal space). Generally, it is administered once every other week for the first two treatments and then every four weeks thereafter, or as directed. Follow all instructions for proper administration. Consult your pharmacist. Due to increased side effects, use of VITRAVENE within 4 weeks of treatment with cidofovir is not recommended. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you are currently taking antiviral drugs, continue to take them exactly as prescribed.

VITRAVENE USES:
VITRAVENE is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, a type of eye infection. VITRAVENE does not treat CMV infection in other parts of your body, nor is it a cure for this infection.

VITRAVENE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies. VITRAVENE should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether VITRAVENE is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using VITRAVENE is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

VITRAVENE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially cidofovir or other eye medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

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

VITRAVENE NOTES:
Do not share VITRAVENE with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress. It is important to have regular follow-up examinations with your doctor/ophthalmologist.

MISSED VITRAVENE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor/ophthalmologist to establish a new dosing schedule.

VITRAVENE STORAGE:
Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature between 35 and 77 degrees F (2 - 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Discard any unused liquid in the vial.