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)