Foscavir (Foscarnet Sodium) is an organic analogue of inorganic pyrophosphate that inhibits the replication of herpes viruses in vitro, including cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV1 and HSV-2). Healthcare professionals recommend using this drug in treating patients with CMV (Cytomegalovirus) retinitis in those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in immunocompromised patients.
Warning and Precautions
Contact of the drug with eyes and skin may be responsible for causing a burning sensation and local irritation. In case of accidental contact, the exposed area must be rinsed immediately with the help of cold water.
Healthcare professionals do not recommend Foscarnet injection for use in those patients who are undergoing haemodialysis as dosage guidelines have not been established.
One should use foscarnet with caution in those with reduced renal function. Since renal function impairment might occur during foscarnet uses, one should monitor serum creatinine every second day during induction therapy and once a week during maintenance treatment.
To scale down the risk of renal function impairment, one should maintain adequate hydration in all patients. The renal function of those with renal disease or taking concomitant treatment with other nephrotoxic medicines should be closely assessed.
Due to the existence of sodium in the Foscarnet drug, one should avoid its use when a saline load is difficult to be tolerated. All the respective patients should also consider this on a controlled sodium diet.
One should take specific caution with reduced calcium levels before treatment and those with other drugs known to influence serum calcium levels. Electrolytes, mainly magnesium and calcium, should be evaluated prior to and during Foscarnet Sodium injection, 24mg/mL in 250 mL therapy and deficiencies corrected.
One should monitor patients precisely with any known existing prolongation of cardiac conduction intervals, mainly QTc, in those with electrolyte disturbances, or bradycardia, as well as those with underlying cardiac diseases due to increased probability of ventricular arrhythmia.
Seizures related to alterations in plasma minerals and electrolytes have been linked with foscarnet treatment. Status epilepticus may occur. Therefore, one should carefully monitor patients for such changes and their potential sequelae. Mineral and electrolyte supplementation can be used.
The medicine Foscarnet might be excreted in high concentrations in the urine and might be responsible for genital irritation and ulceration. Precisely attention to personal hygiene is required to prevent irritation and ulceration, and cleaning of the genital area after each micturition is required.
Since no clinical experience or investigational findings are available, Forscanet Sodium 24mg/mL in 250 mL should not be prescribed to pregnant women or to women who are lactating.
Women capable of childbearing must use appropriate and effective contraception methods during Foscarnet Sodium therapy. Men treated with this medicine should not have a child for 6 months after treatment.
Side-effects
There are several side-effects of Foscarnet Sodium are:
Fever
Flu-like symptoms
Chest pain
Headache
Back pain
Vomiting
Nausea
Diarrhoea
