Often used for:
Infections caused by cytomegalovirus
About ganciclovir
Ganciclovir is an antiviral medication. It works to control illness due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in patients with a weakened immune system. Symptoms of CMV infection include fever, fatigue, and sore throat. Ganciclovir may also be used to treat a viral infection of the eye.
Patients receiving ganciclovir will have regular blood draws to check blood counts and monitor liver and kidney function.
Possible side effects with long-term use
- Fertility problems
- Cancer
Possible side effects
- Low blood counts (may cause increased risk of infection, bleeding, anemia and/or fatigue)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Hives/Itching or rash
- Fatigue or weakness
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Change in the taste of food
- Dry mouth
- Mouth sores
- Strange dreams
- Hair loss
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Muscle or joint pain
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- High blood pressure
- Visual changes (seeing flashes of light)
- Seizures
- Eye irritation or blurry vision (when given into the eye)
- Not all patients who take ganciclovir 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
- Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.
- While taking this medicine, it is important to drink plenty of fluids. Patients should follow the care team's instructions for appropriate fluid intake.
- Sexually active patients should take steps to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 3 months after completion of treatment.
- Patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Caregivers should follow instructions for safe handling and disposal of the medicine.
