What it is used for

Treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). INDICATIONS AS AT 11 NOVEMBER 1994: For treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); and treatment of aciclovir resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections (defined by clinical trial or in-vitro resistance) in immunocompromised patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. NOTE: the indication for treatment of aciclovir resistant HSV infections in immunocompromised patients with HIV infections is based primarily on the results of one open label comparative study. This was of patients with HIV infections and herpetic lesions unresponsive to aciclovir administered intravenously for 10 days or more and in-vitro documented resistance to aciclovir. Eight patients were randomised to foscarnet (40mg/kg IV given eight hourly) and 6 were randomised to vidarabine 15mg/kg IV daily. The results showed a significant difference in favour of the foscarnet treatment group for clinical and virological endpoints, especially in time to complete healing of lesions and time to complete loss of pain. In 177 other patients treated with foscarnet in non-comparative studies, results were sufficiently similar to support the efficacy of foscarnet in this indication.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Intravenous. This medicine or fluids is given through a needle or tube (catheter) inserted into a vein.

• Store below 25 degrees Celsius
• Do not Refrigerate
• Shelf lifetime is 24 Months.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

A clear colourless solution.

Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine. open tool tip to find out more

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient foscarnet

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.