Ganciclovir

Packaging- Single-dose Bag

Strength- 500 mg/250 mL

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Description

Ganciclovir is a nucleoside analogue CMV DNA polymerase inhibitor used for the:

  • Treatment of CMV retinitis in immunocompromised adult patients, including patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
  • Prevention of CMV disease in adult transplant recipients at risk for CMV disease.

Dosage and Side Effects

Do not administer the proposed dosage of ganciclovir injection by rapid or bolus intravenous injection which may increase the toxicity as a result of excessive plasma levels. Administration of this injection should be accompanied by adequate hydration.

  • Dosage for Treatment of CMV Retinitis in Adult Patients: Induction Dosage: The recommended initial dosage of Ganciclovir for patients with CMV Retinitis and normal renal function is 5 mg/kg (administered intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) every 12 hours for 14-21 days.
    Maintenance Dosage: After induction treatment, the recommended maintenance dosage of Ganciclovir for patients with CMV Retinitis is 5 mg/kg (administered intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) once daily for 7 days weekly, or 6 mg/kg once daily for 5 days weekly.
  • Dosage for Prevention of CMV Disease in Adult Transplant Recipients: Induction Dosage: The recommended initial dosage of ganciclovir injection for patients with normal renal function is 5 mg/kg (administered intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) every 12 hours for 7-14 days.
    Maintenance Dosage: After induction, the recommended maintenance dosage of Ganciclovir is 5 mg/kg (administered intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) once daily for 7 days weekly, or 6 mg/kg once daily for 5 days weekly until 100-120 days post-transplantation.

The most commonly reported Ganciclovir side effects include: fever, leukopenia, diarrhea, anemia, catheter-related events (including catheter infection and catheter sepsis), and elevated creatinine levels.

Warning and Precautions

  • Use of ganciclovir 500 mg is restricted in patients who have experienced clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to ganciclovir, valganciclovir or acyclovir.
  • The complete blood counts with differential and platelet counts need to be performed frequently, mainly in whom the absolute neutrophil counts are less than 1000 cells/μL at the starting of treatment.
  • Monitor patients for renal function before and during treatment with ganciclovir 500 mg injection and adjust the dosage as required.
  • Patients with CMV retinitis should have frequent ophthalmological examinations while on therapy with Ganciclovir to monitor disease status and for other retinal abnormalities.
  • Females of reproductive age/potential should undergo pregnancy testing prior to initiation of Ganciclovir therapy.
  • Nursing mothers should not breastfeed during treatment with ganciclovir 500 mg because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants and because HIV may be passed to the baby in breast milk.

FAQ's

What is Ganciclovir?

Ganciclovir is a medication aimed to prevent or treat the infections caused by cytomegalovirus (also called CMV). It is supplied as a clear liquid administered into a vein (IV).

Is Ganciclovir injection authorized for Intravitreal use?

Yes, The ganciclovir intravitreal injection has been used to treat cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR). 

What dosage strengths Ganciclovir is supplied?

Ganciclovir is supplied as Injection: 500 mg of ganciclovir in 250 mL (2mg/mL) sterile, unpreserved, colorless solution in a single-dose bag for intravenous use.

How is Ganciclovir administered?

Ganciclovir comes as an injection for the intravenous administration. 

What type of drug is Ganciclovir 500 mg injection?

The ganciclovir 500 mg injection specifically is a type of drug called antivirals. 

Where can I buy Ganciclovir?

You can buy Ganciclovir from any authorized whole-seller after getting a prescription from a qualified doctor. It is always better to check the credential of the whole-seller/supplier/exporter before buying the product.

The buyer should check the existing law in their home country before importing the product.