Cytovene Description

Cytovene is an antiviral drug that can help to prevent and treat the cytomegalovirus that is especially problematic for individuals with a compromised immune system. If you are healthy and become infected with CMV, you may not even realize that you have it. This herpes-type virus cannot be cured once you are infected, but it can lay dormant until something triggers it.

Your doctor may recommend taking Cytovene or generic Ganciclovir as a preventive step if you already have: a weakened immune system from HIV; AIDS; had an organ transplant; or are pregnant. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How This Antiviral Drug Works

When taken as directed, Cytovene works by disrupting the process that the virus goes through in order to make copies of itself and spread to new cells. By inhibiting a certain enzyme only the virus has, it is unable to synthesize DNA so it cannot grow and multiply. If you are otherwise healthy, CMV could go unnoticed and stay dormant. If you find that you are experiencing diarrhea, fever, seizures, visual impairment, or other symptoms associated with CMV, you should see your doctor at once.

Conditions Treated by Cytovene

Cytomegalovirus retinitis is a serious viral eye infection that affects the light-sensing nerve layer that lines the back of your eye called the retina. This can be a significant threat to a newborn that has been infected through an active infection from the mother who may not even be aware of having CMV. There may be hearing loss and developmental delays so it’s important that testing be performed to rule out other conditions the baby may have.

The CMV virus is transmitted in much the same as HIV through direct contact with blood, saliva, semen, urine, and breast milk of an infected person. As an adult with CMV, your treatment may be started with Cytovene administered intravenously in a hospital for the first while to get the virus in check and then switched to pills you can take at home. The oral form is usually sufficient if Cytovene is prescribed as a preventive measure.

Before You Take Cytovene

Tell your doctor right away if are pregnant or breast feeding before taking Cytovene or use an effective birth control to prevent becoming pregnant during your treatment. Men taking Cytovene should also use protection to prevent their partner from becoming pregnant. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies you have and provide information about all OTC and Rx medication you are taking, including herbal remedies and vitamin or dietary supplements. This will assist your doctor in making an informed decision whether it is safe for you to take Cytovene.

Proper Care and Recommendations for Cytovene

Until you know how your body will react to Cytovene, you should avoid performing any tasks that are considered unsafe, such as driving or operating machinery. Cytovene may decrease the number of clot-forming cells in your blood so you should avoid taking part in activities that could cause injuries. Keep all meds out of children’s reach and never share them with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Cytovene

• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting

Drugs Similar to Cytovene

• Valcyte
• Zovirax
• Cytovene Vial