Often used for:
Infections caused by cytomegalovirus or adenovirus
What is cidofovir?
Cidofovir is an antiviral medication used to control illness due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) or adenovirus in patients with a weakened immune system. It may also be used to treat viral infections of the eye. Patients may receive IV fluids and probenecid to help prevent kidney problems, and will have regular blood, urine, and vision tests to monitor health.
Possible side effects with long-term use
- Fertility problems
- Cancer
Possible side effects
- Increased protein in urine (proteinuria)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Low neutrophil count (neutropenia)
- Fatigue or weakness
- Headache
- Skin rash or itching
- Infection
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Kidney problems
- Anemia
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Cough
- Thrush (oral yeast infection)
- Eye problems, eye pain, or changes in vision
- Hearing loss
- Liver problems
- Not all patients who take cidofovir will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for families
- Discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Drink plenty of fluids as directed by the care team.
- Take probenecid exactly as prescribed to help prevent kidney damage. It is usually given 3 hours before infusion and 2 and 8 hours after the infusion.
- Sexually active patients should take steps to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 3 months after completion.
- Tell the doctor if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Caregivers should follow safe handling and disposal instructions and avoid contact with patient body fluids for 48 hours after treatment, as the drug can be present in fluids.
