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Cytovene

Generic name: Ganciclovir (systemic) [ gan-SYE-kloe-veer ]
Drug class: Purine nucleosides

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 3, 2024.

Warning

  • Very bad and sometimes life-threatening blood and bone marrow problems like anemia, low platelet counts, or low white blood cell counts have happened with Cytovene (ganciclovir (systemic)). Change in dose or even stopping the drug may be needed if any of these side effects happen. Talk with the doctor.
  • This medicine has caused fertility problems in animals and some humans. Fertility problems may lead to not being able get pregnant or father a child. This may go back to normal but sometimes it may not. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
  • In animals, Cytovene (ganciclovir (systemic)) has caused harm to unborn babies and cancer. This medicine may have the same effects in humans. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.

Uses of Cytovene:

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Cytovene?

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Cytovene (ganciclovir (systemic)).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Cytovene (ganciclovir (systemic)) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Cytovene?

For all uses of Cytovene (ganciclovir (systemic)):

For CMV infections of the eye:

Children:

How is this medicine (Cytovene) best taken?

Use Cytovene (ganciclovir (systemic)) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

What are some other side effects of Cytovene?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Cytovene?

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.