Foscarnet: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
Facts extracted from current FDA product labeling for Foscarnet. Educational only — not medical advice.
Reported adverse reactions
| Reaction | Highest frequency reported* |
|---|---|
| Fever | 65% |
| Nausea | 47% |
| Anemia | 33% |
| Diarrhea | 30% |
| Abnormal renal function | 27% |
| Vomiting | 26% |
| Headache | 26% |
| Death | 14% |
| Seizures | 10% |
| Marrow suppression | 10% |
*Highest percentage across placebo-controlled trial tables summarized in current labeling.
Labeled uses
CMV Retinitis Foscarnet sodium injection is indicated for the treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Combination therapy with foscarnet sodium injection and ganciclovir is indicated for patients who have relapsed after monotherapy with either drug. SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF FOSCARNET SODIUM INJECTION HAVE NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR TREATMENT OF OTHER CMV INFECTIONS (e.g., PNEUMONITIS, GASTROENTERITIS); CONGENITAL OR NEONATAL CMV DISEASE; OR NONIMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS. Mucocutaneous Acyclovir Resistant HSV Infections Foscarnet sodium injection is indicated for the treatment of acyclovir-resistant mucocutaneous HSV infections in immunocompromised patients. SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF FOSCARNET SODIUM INJECTION HAVE NOT BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR TREATMENT OF OTHER HSV INFECTIONS (e.g., RETINITIS, ENCEPHALITIS); CONGENITAL OR NEONATAL HSV DISEASE; OR HSV IN NONIMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS.
Medical disclaimer: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any medication.
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