Foscarnet (Foscavir)

 

 

KEY POINTS

• Foscarnet (Foscavir) is an antiviral medication with activity versus cytomegalovirus (CMV) and acyclovir-resistance herpes simplex virus (HSV)
• Requires dose-adjustment for kidney function
• Beware it’s many toxicities, including nephrotoxicity, dental effects, electrolyte imbalances, hematologic effects (e.g., granulocytopenia), seizures and vascular irritation
  • Electrolyte disturbances may include: hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia
  • Due to toxicities, foscarnet is not frequently prescribed

RESOURCES

• Foscarnet Package Insert
• Opportunistic Infections Guideline
• IDSA Practice Guidelines
• CDC Sexually Transmitted Diseases Guideline (2015)
• Review of CMV infections in solid organ transplantation (2013)