Cymevene

Drug name: Cymevene

Other names used:

Cytovene-IV®
DHPG Sodium®
GCV Sodium®
Nordeoxyguanosine®

Active Ingredients:

Ganciclovir

Therapeutic actions: Cymevene contains the active ingredient Ganciclovir that belongs to antiviral medicines. It works by blocking the activity of the enzyme called DNA polymerase that is responsible for the DNA replication(from RNA to DNA). As a result the can not multiply and then die. Ganciclovir can also wedge in the viral genetic material resulting in disruption of the DNA. This in its turn makes virus nonviable. Cymevene is effective against cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2, Epstein-Barr virus, Varicella Zoster and Hepatitis B virus.

Indications: Cymevene is used to treat:

Infectious diseases(retinitis,colitis, esophaginitis, pneumonia) caused by Cytomegalovirus in immunocompromised people
Prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in patients who experienced liver or kidney transplantation

Contraindications and cautions: You should not use Cymevene if you experience the following conditions:

Hypersensitivity to ganciclovir or aciclovir
Breastfeeding
In infants and children
Pregnancy

Talk with your health care provider prior to taking this medication in the following conditions:

Blood diseases such as anaemia
Kidney dysfunction
Low white blood cell count (leucopenia)
Elderly age
Low blood levels of white blood cell (neutrophils) in the blood (neutropenia)
Trombocytopenia

Adverse effects: There are possible side-effects associated with this that can affect individuals in different ways. If a side effect is stated here, that does not necessarily mean the fact that all people using Cymevene will experience it or any other.

CNS: dizziness, visual disturbances, seizures, ataxia, anxiety and agitation, and migraine, sleepiness, decreased appetite, confusion
Digestive system: diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
reactions: Skin disorders, hepatitis, fever, difficulty in breathing (dyspnoea)
Blood disorders
Decreased sex drive

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with Cymevene, please read the information provided with Cymevene or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and medicines, before you start treatment with Cymevene. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

Ganciclovir in combination with imipenem/cilastatin may increase the risk of seizures.
In combination with zidovudine , ganciclovir may cause myelosuppression.
Cymevene may increase the blood level of didanosine.
Probenecid reduces the elimination of ganciclovir from the body
While taking Ganciclovir be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking the following medications: chemotherapy , dapsone, pentamidine, amphotericin B, Co-trimoxazole, nucleoside analogues such as abacavir, didanosine, lamivudine.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE Ganciclovir with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.