What is Vistide?
Vistide is a medicine used to treat a condition called cytomegalovirus retinitis in people with HIV, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This medicine is only for people with AIDS who have CMV.Vistide does not cure CMV, and it may not even prevent vision changes.Vistide can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Vistide
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, or throat.
Vistide may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- White or yellow patches appear on the eyes.
- If you have kidney problems, they may include swelling, rapid weight gain, decreased urination, loss of appetite, and constipation.
- Low blood cell counts: fever; chills; fatigue; sores on the lips; sores on the skin; easy bruising and bleeding; pale or cold skin; hands or feet; or feeling lightheaded or short-of-breath.
- Pancreatitis: severe pain spreading from your upper stomach to your back. Nausea.
Vistide can cause the following side effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Pain, weakness;
- Rash;
- Headache
- Hair loss.
You may experience side effects while taking probenecid. These include:
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Skin rash
- Fever, chills,
There may be other side effects. To seek medical advice regarding side effects, contact your physician. If experiencing adverse reactions, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 immediately and report them as well.
Similar/related drugs
Valganciclovir, valcyte, foscarnet, and cidofovir
Warnings
One or two doses of Vistide may cause kidney damage. This medicine should not be given if you've taken any of these drugs in the last 7 days: Advil, Motrin, and Aleve for pain, arthritis, high blood pressure, or bowel disorders.
Before you take this drug
Vistide should not be used if:
- Moderate to severe kidney disease
- A history of a severe allergic reaction to a sulfa drug or probenecid
Do not use Vistide after using certain medicines in the 7 days prior to receiving this medicine injection.
- Blood pressure medicine;
- Cancer medicine
- Injectable drugs to treat osteoporosis, or Paget’s disease;
- Preventing organ rejection with medication
- Medicines for infections
- Medicines to treat a bowel condition;
- Some pain or arthritis medications (including Advil, Motrin, and Aleve)
Tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Pancreas problems
Vistide may harm an unborn child if either the mother or father uses it.
- Do not take Vistide while pregnant if you're a woman. Use birth control during treatment and for 1 month following your last dose.
- Use effective birth control if you're a man and your partner can get pregnant. Continue to use birth control at least three months after your last dose.
- If you or your partner become pregnant while using Vistide, tell your doctor immediately.
Breastfeeding is not recommended for women with HIV/AIDS. Even if the baby was born HIV-free, the virus can be transmitted to the infant through your breast milk.
How to take Vistide?
Vistide can be infused into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.You should have your doctor check the kidney function 48 hours prior to each dose ofbe sure to let your doctor know if you are also taking zidovudine for HIV treatment. On the day of your Vistide infusion, you may need to adjust your dose or stop it.
One or two doses of Vistide may cause kidney damage. While you receive this medicine, you will also be given oral probenecid and intravenous fluids (IV).Your entire treatment could take 6 hours.
If you have a stomach upset, take probenecid along with food. Continue to take probenecid as prescribed. Vistide can cause complications if you miss doses.Your next Vistide injection may be delayed due to the results of your medical tests.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss your Vistide appointment or miss a dose of Probenecid, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Vistide will only be administered in a medical environment. You will be closely monitored to ensure you don't receive too much Vistide. If you show overdose symptoms, your carers will treat you immediately.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Vistide can be affected by many drugs. Some drugs should not even be taken within seven days of receiving this medication. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you have started or stopped using. Included are prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not encompass all possible interactions.
