Foscarnet is an antiviral medication used to treat cytomegalovirus retinitis (type of eye infection affecting AIDS patients) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). According to Drugs.com, it arrests viral growth and multiplication. Foscarnet is an intravenous infusion (administered through the vein slowly) given at your local hospital.
Typical Side Effects
Foscarnet can cause appetite loss, nausea, stomach pain, fatigue and headache. It can also cause emotional changes. You may feel sad and worthless if you suffer from depression. Other prevalent side effects include visual problems, diaphoresis (sweating) and stiff muscles, says Drugs.com. Visit your doctor regularly, as she can monitor you for these side effects.
Major Side Effects
In a study of 189 patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus retinitis, the National Library of Medicine says that 33 percent of these patients developed kidney problems when given 60 milligrams per kilogram of foscarnet three times daily. Signs of kidney dysfunction include decreased urination. Your doctor can also obtain a blood test to check for your creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. A high creatinine or BUN level indicates kidney disturbances.
In that same study, the National Library of Medicine says 15 to 30 percent of patients developed hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) and hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels), 6 percent developed hyperphosphatemia (high phosphate levels) and 16 to 48 percent developed hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
Other major side effects include seizures (7 percent), low red blood cells (9 percent) and even death (14 percent).
Drugs.com says that Foscarnet can cause fainting spells, tachycardia (fast heartbeat), genital ulcers and infection. You may also experience rectal bleeding, fatigue and vomiting.
Miscellaneous Concerns
Avoid foscarnet if you are allergic to it. Breathing troubles, hives and swelling of your face, throat and lips may occur.
Drugs.com warns you to avoid aminoglycoside medications such gentamicine and osteoporosis (brittle bone condition) medications such as alendondronate. Combining aminoglycoside drugs with foscarnet can lead to further kidney damage. Combining osteoporosis medications with foscarnet can put you at an increased risk for hypocalcemia (low calcium levels).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to get pregnant or breastfeeding. It is uncertain whether foscarnet can affect your baby, but your doctor can evaluate whether it is safe for you to continue using foscarnet.
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