Clinical medicine profile
Ganciclovir
Antiviral / antiretroviral
- Route
- INTRAVENOUS
- Schedule
- POM
- ATC
- Not assigned
- PPB status
- registered
Safety essentials
The information most likely to change a prescribing or dispensing decision.
WARNING: HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY, FETAL TOXICITY, MUTAGENESIS AND CARCINOGENESIS Hematologic Toxicity: Granulocytopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia have been reported in patients treated with Ganciclovir Injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Impairment of Fertility: Based on animal data and limited human data, Ganciclovir Injection may cause temporary or permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis in males and suppression of fertility in females [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Fetal Toxicity: Based on animal data, Ganciclovir Injection has the potential to cause birth defects in humans [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis: Based on animal data, Ganciclovir Injection has the potential to cause cancers in humans [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5 )]. WARNING: HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY, FETAL TOXICITY, MUTAGENESIS AND CARCINOGENESISWARNING: HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY, FETAL TOXICITY, MUTAGENESIS AND CARCINOGENESIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Hematologic Toxicity: Granulocytopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and pancytopenia have been reported in patients treated with Ganciclovir Injection . ( 5.1 ) Impairment of Fertility: Based on animal data and limited human data, Ganciclovir Injection may cause temporary or permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis in males and suppression of fertility in females. ( 5.3 ) Fetal Toxicity: Based on animal data, Ganciclovir Injection has the potential to cause birth defects in humans. ( 5.4 ) Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis: Based on animal data, Ganciclovir Injection has the potential to cause cancer in humans. ( 5.5 )
Contraindications
- 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Ganciclovir Injection Ganciclovir Injection is contraindicated in patients who have experienced a clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to ganciclovir, valganciclovir, or any component of the formulation.
- Hypersensitivity to ganciclovir or valganciclovir.
Precautions
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Renal Impairment: Increased serum creatinine levels have been observed with the use of Ganciclovir Injection, particularly in elderly patients and transplant recipients receiving concomitant nephrotoxic drugs.
- Monitor renal function during therapy with Ganciclovir Injection, particularly in elderly patients and in patients taking other nephrotoxic drugs, and reduce dosage in patients with renal impairment.
- ( 5.2 )) 5.1 Hematologic Toxicity Granulocytopenia (neutropenia), anemia, thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia have been observed in patients treated with Ganciclovir Injection.
- The frequency and severity of these events vary widely in different patient populations .
- Ganciclovir Injection is not recommended if the absolute neutrophil count is less than 500 cells/mcL, hemoglobin is less than 8 g/dL, or the platelet count is less than 25,000 cells/mcL.
- Ganciclovir Injection should also be used with caution in patients with pre-existing cytopenias and in patients receiving myelosuppressive drugs or irradiation.
- Granulocytopenia (neutropenia) usually occurs during the first or second week of treatment but may occur at any time during treatment.
- Cell counts usually begin to recover within 3 to 7 days after discontinuing drug.
- Colony-stimulating factors have been shown to increase neutrophil and white blood cell counts in patients receiving Ganciclovir Injection Granulocytopenia (neutropenia), anemia, thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia have been observed in patients treated with Ganciclovir Injection.
- The frequency and severity of these events vary widely in different patient populations [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .
- Ganciclovir Injection is not recommended if the absolute neutrophil count is less than 500 cells/mcL, hemoglobin is less than 8 g/dL, or the platelet count is less than 25,000 cells/mcL.
- Ganciclovir Injection should also be used with caution in patients with pre-existing cytopenias and in patients receiving myelosuppressive drugs or irradiation.
Dosing matrix
Population and organ-function guidance, shown together for faster comparison.
2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Ganciclovir Injection is administered only intravenously. 2.1 Dosage in Adult Patients with Normal Renal Function Treatment of CMV retinitis ( 2.3 ) Induction: 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) every 12 hours for 14 to 21 days. Maintenance: 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) once daily for 7 days per week, or 6 mg/kg once daily for 5 days per week. Prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients ( 2.4 ) Induction: 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days. Maintenance: 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) once daily, 7 days per week, or 6 mg/kg once daily, 5 days per week until 100 to 120 days post-transplantation. Adults with renal impairment: Adjust dosage based on creatinine clearance. ( 2.5 ) 2.1 Important Dosing and Administration Information To avoid phlebitis/pain at the infusion site, Ganciclovir Injection must only be administered by intravenous infusion over 1 hour, preferably via plastic cannula, into a vein with adequate blood flow to permit rapid dilution and distribution. only be administered by intravenous infusion over 1 hour, preferably via plastic cannula, into a vein with adequate blood flow to permit rapid dilution and distribution. Do not administer Ganciclovir Injection by rapid or bolus intravenous injection which may increase toxicity as a result of excessive plasma levels. The recommended dosage and infusion rate for Ganciclovir Injection should not be exceeded. Do not administer the reconstituted Ganciclovir Injection solution intramuscularly or subcutaneously because it may result in severe tissue irritation due to high pH [see Description (11) ] . Administration of Ganciclovir Injection should be accompanied by adequate hydration. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. 2.2 Testing Before and During Treatment Females of reproductive potential should undergo pregnancy testing before initiation of treatment with Ganciclovir Injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3 )]. Complete blood counts with differential and platelet counts should be performed frequently, especially in patients in whom Ganciclovir Injection or other nucleoside analogues have previously resulted in cytopenias, or in whom absolute neutrophil counts are less than 1000 cells/mcL at the beginning of treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .[see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . All patients should be monitored for renal function before and during treatment with Ganciclovir Injection and dose should be adjusted as needed [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Patients with CMV retinitis should have frequent ophthalmological examinations during treatment with Ganciclovir Injection solution to monitor disease status and for other retinal abnormalities [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Treatment of CMV Retinitis in Adult Patients with Normal Renal Function The recommended initial dosage of Ganciclovir Injection Induction Dosage: The recommended initial dosage of Ganciclovir Injection for patients with normal renal function is 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) every 12 hours for 14 to 21 days. Following induction treatment, the recommended maintenance dosage of Ganciclovir Injection Maintenance Dosage: Following induction treatment, the recommended maintenance dosage of Ganciclovir Injection is 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) once daily for 7 days per week, or 6 mg/kg once daily for 5 days per week. 2.4 Recommended Dosage for the Prevention of CMV Disease in Adult Transplant Recipients with Normal Renal Function The recommended initial dosage of Ganciclovir Injection Induction Dosage: The recommended initial dosage of Ganciclovir Injection for patients with normal renal function is 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) every 12 hours for 7 to 14 days. Following induction, the recommended maintenance dosage of Ganciclovir Injection Maintenance Dosage: Following induction, the recommended maintenance dosage of Ganciclovir Injection is 5 mg/kg (given intravenously at a constant rate over 1 hour) once daily for 7 days per week, or 6 mg/kg once daily for 5 days per week until 100 to 120 days post-transplantation. 2.5 Recommended Dosage in Adult Patients with Renal Impairment For patients with impairment of renal function, refer to Table 1 for recommended doses of Ganciclovir Injection For patients with impairment of renal function, refer to Table 1 for recommended doses of Ganciclovir Injection for induction and maintenance dosage for treatment of CMV retinitis and prevention of CMV disease in transplant recipients. Carefully monitor serum creatinine or creatinine clearance before and during treatment to allow for dosage adjustments in patients with impaired renal function. Table 1. Recommended Induction and Maintenance Dosage for Adult Patients with Renal Impairment Creatinine Clearance Creatinine clearance can be related to serum creatinine by the formulas given below. (mL/min) Ganciclovir Injection Induction Dose (mg/kg) Dosing Interval (hours) for Induction Ganciclovir Injection Maintenance Dose (mg/kg) Dosing Interval (hours) for Maintenance Greater than or equal to 70 5 12 5 24 5069 2.5 12 2.5 24 2549 2.5 24 1.25 24 1024 1.25 24 0.625 24 Less than 10 1.25 3 times per week, following hemodialysis 0.625 3 times per week, following hemodialysis Creatinine clearance for males = (140 - age [yrs]) (body wt [kg]) (72) (serum creatinine [mg/dL]) Creatinine clearance for females = 0.85 × male valueCreatinine clearance for females = 0.85 × male value Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis Induction dosing for Ganciclovir Injection in patients undergoing hemodialysis should not exceed 1.25 mg/kg 3 times per week; and maintenance dosing should not exceed 0.625 mg/kg 3 times per week following each hemodialysis session. Ganciclovir Injection should be given shortly after completion of the hemodialysis session, since hemodialysis has been shown to reduce plasma levels by approximately 50% [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 2.6 Preparation of Ganciclovir Injection Ganciclovir Injection solution Ganciclovir Injection solution must be diluted under the supervision of a healthcare provider and administered as intravenous infusion. Each 10 mL clear glass vial contains 543 mg ganciclovir sodium equivalent to 500 mg of ganciclovir. Wearing disposable gloves is recommended during reconstitution and when wiping the outer surface of the vial and the table after reconstitution. The contents of the vial should be prepared for administration in the following manner: Sterile Solution of Ganciclovir Injection Instructions: a) Shake the vial b) Visually inspect the solution for particulate matter and discoloration prior to proceeding with infusion. Discard the vial if particulate matter or discoloration is observed.b) Visually inspect the solution for particulate matter and discoloration prior to proceeding with infusion. Discard the vial if particulate matter or discoloration is observed. Infusion Instructions: a) Based on patient weight, the appropriate volume of the solution (ganciclovir concentration 50 mg/mL) should be removed from the vial and added to an acceptable infusion fluid (typically 100 mL) for delivery over the course of 1 hour. Infusion concentrations greater than 10 mg/mL are not recommended. The following infusion fluids have been determined to be chemically and physically compatible with Ganciclovir Injection: 0.9% Sodium Chloride, 5% Dextrose, Ringer's Injection and Lactated Ringer's Injection, USP. a) Based on patient weight, the appropriate volume of the solution (ganciclovir concentration 50 mg/mL) should be removed from the vial and added to an acceptable infusion fluid (typically 100 mL) for delivery over the course of 1 hour. Infusion concentrations greater than 10 mg/mL are not recommended. The following infusion fluids have been determined to be chemically and physically compatible with Ganciclovir Injection: 0.9% Sodium Chloride, 5% Dextrose, Ringer's Injection and Lactated Ringer's Injection, USP. b) Ganciclovir Injection, when further diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride injection or other acceptable infusion fluid as specified above, should be used within 24 hours of dilution to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. The diluted infusion solution should be refrigerated (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. b) Ganciclovir Injection, when further diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride injection or other acceptable infusion fluid as specified above, should be used within 24 hours of dilution to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. The diluted infusion solution should be refrigerated (2°C to 8°C (36° to 46°F)). Do not freeze. 2.7 Handling and Disposal Caution should be exercised in the handling and preparation of solutions of Ganciclovir Injection. Solutions of Ganciclovir Injection are alkaline (pH 11). Avoid direct contact of the skin or mucous membranes with Ganciclovir Injection solution. If such contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water; rinse eyes thoroughly with plain water. Wearing disposable gloves is recommended. Because ganciclovir shares some of the properties of antitumor agents (i.e., carcinogenicity and mutagenicity), consideration should be given to handling and disposal according to guidelines issued for antineoplastic drugs 1 Discard any unused portion of the reconstituted solution [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) ].
8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy of Ganciclovir Injection Safety and efficacy of Ganciclovir Injection have not been established in pediatric patients. A total of 120 pediatric patients with serious CMV infections participated in clinical trials. Granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were the most common adverse reactions. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of ganciclovir after administration of Ganciclovir Injection were studied in 27 neonates (aged 2 to 49 days) and 10 pediatric patients, aged 9 months to 12 years. In neonates, the pharmacokinetic parameters after ganciclovir intravenous doses of 4 mg/kg (n=14) and 6 mg/kg (n=13) were C 5.5 ± 1.6 and 7.0 ± 1.6 mcg/mL, systemic clearance 3.14 ± 1.75 and 3.56 ± 1.27 mL/min/kg, and t of 2.4 hours (harmonic mean) for both doses, respectively. A total of 120 pediatric patients with serious CMV infections participated in clinical trials. Granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were the most common adverse reactions. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of ganciclovir after administration of Ganciclovir Injection were studied in 27 neonates (aged 2 to 49 days) and 10 pediatric patients, aged 9 months to 12 years. In neonates, the pharmacokinetic parameters after ganciclovir intravenous doses of 4 mg/kg (n=14) and 6 mg/kg (n=13) were C max 5.5 ± 1.6 and 7.0 ± 1.6 mcg/mL, systemic clearance 3.14 ± 1.75 and 3.56 ± 1.27 mL/min/kg, and t 1/2 of 2.4 hours (harmonic mean) for both doses, respectively. In pediatric patients 9 months to 12 years of age, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of ganciclovir were the same after single and multiple (every 12 hours) intravenous doses (5 mg/kg). The steady-state volume of distribution was 0.64 ± 0.22 L/kg, C was 7.9 ± 3.9 mcg/mL, systemic clearance was 4.7 ± 2.2 mL/min/kg, and t was 2.4 ± 0.7 hours. In pediatric patients 9 months to 12 years of age, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of ganciclovir were the same after single and multiple (every 12 hours) intravenous doses (5 mg/kg). The steady-state volume of distribution was 0.64 ± 0.22 L/kg, C max was 7.9 ± 3.9 mcg/mL, systemic clearance was 4.7 ± 2.2 mL/min/kg, and t 1/2 was 2.4 ± 0.7 hours. Although the pharmacokinetics of Ganciclovir Injection in pediatric patients were similar to those observed in adults, the safety and efficacy of ganciclovir at these exposures in pediatric patients have not been established.Although the pharmacokinetics of Ganciclovir Injection in pediatric patients were similar to those observed in adults, the safety and efficacy of ganciclovir at these exposures in pediatric patients have not been established.
Dose-adjust renally cleared NRTIs; TDF nephrotoxicity monitoring.
- CrCl 0–120: Confirm renal dosing in product SmPC / primary label.
Several agents hepatotoxic; monitor with HBV/HCV co-infection.
Use, effects & interactions
Indications
- 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Ganciclovir Injection Ganciclovir Injection is a deoxynucleoside analogue cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA polymerase inhibitor indicated for the: treatment of CMV retinitis in immunocompromised adult patients, including patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- ( 1.1 ) prevention of CMV disease in adult transplant recipients at risk for CMV disease.
- ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Treatment of CMV Retinitis Ganciclovir Injection is indicated for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in immunocompromised adult patients, including patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) [see Clinical Studies (14.1 )]. 1.2 Prevention of CMV Disease in Transplant Recipients Ganciclovir Injection is indicated for the prevention of CMV disease in adult transplant recipients at risk for CMV disease [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ].
Adverse effects
- labeling: Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Renal Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Impairment of Fertility [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Most common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities reported in at least 20% of patients were: pyrexia, diarrhea, leukopenia, nausea, anemia, asthenia, headache, cough, decreased appetite, dyspnea, abdominal pain, sepsis, hyperhidrosis, and blood creatinine increased.
- ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pharmascience Inc. at 1-888-550-6060 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience in Adult Patients Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect rates observed in practice.
- The most common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities reported in at least 20% of patients were pyrexia, diarrhea, leukopenia, nausea, anemia, asthenia, headache, cough, decreased appetite, dyspnea, abdominal pain, sepsis, hyperhidrosis, and blood creatinine increased.
- Selected adverse reactions that occurred during clinical trials of Ganciclovir Injection are summarized below, according to the participating study patient population.
- Three controlled, randomized, phase 3 trials comparing Ganciclovir Injection and ganciclovir capsules for maintenance treatment of CMV retinitis have been completed.
- During these trials, Ganciclovir Injection or ganciclovir capsules were prematurely discontinued in 9% of subjects because of adverse reactions.
- Selected adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities reported during the conduct of these controlled trials are summarized in Table 2 and Table 3, respectively Adverse Reactions in Patients with CMV Retinitis: Three controlled, randomized, phase 3 trials comparing Ganciclovir Injection and ganciclovir capsules for maintenance treatment of CMV retinitis have been completed.
- During these trials, Ganciclovir Injection or ganciclovir capsules were prematurely discontinued in 9% of subjects because of adverse reactions.
- Selected adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities reported during the conduct of these controlled trials are summarized in Table 2 and Table 3, respectively [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] .
- Table 2.
- Pooled Selected Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 5% of Subjects Comparing Ganciclovir Injection to Ganciclovir Capsules for Maintenance Treatment of CMV Retinitis Maintenance Treatment Studies Adverse Reaction Ganciclovir Injection (n=179) Ganciclovir Capsules (n=326) Pyrexia 48% 38% Diarrhea 44% 41% Leukopenia 41% 29% Anemia 25% 19% Total catheter events 22% 6% Catheter infection 9% 4% Catheter sepsis 8% 1% Other catheter related events 5% 1% Sepsis 15% 4% Decreased appetite 14% 15% Vomiting 13% 13% Infection 13% 9% Hyperhidrosis 12% 11% Chills 10% 7% Neuropathy peripheral 9% 8% Thrombocytopenia 6% 6% Pruritus 5% 6% Retinal detachment has been observed in subjects with CMV retinitis both before and after initiation of therapy with ganciclovir.
- Its relationship to therapy with ganciclovir is unknown.
- Retinal detachment occurred in 11% of patients treated with Ganciclovir Injection Retinal Detachment: Retinal detachment has been observed in subjects with CMV retinitis both before and after initiation of therapy with ganciclovir.
- Its relationship to therapy with ganciclovir is unknown.
Drug interactions
Open multi-drug checker ↗- Use national HIV guidelines for first-line combinations.
- Do not cease ART without plan.
- For HSV/VZV: early therapy improves outcomes
- dose by IBW/renal function for IV aciclovir.
Mechanism & disposition
[see Microbiology (12.
Read complete mechanism
[see Microbiology (12.4) ] . Mechanism of Action Ganciclovir is a synthetic analogue of 2'-deoxyguanosine, which inhibits replication of human CMV in cell culture and in vivo . In CMV-infected cells, ganciclovir is initially phosphorylated to ganciclovir monophosphate by the viral protein kinase, pUL97. Further phosphorylation occurs by cellular kinases to produce ganciclovir triphosphate, which is then slowly metabolized intracellularly. As the phosphorylation is largely dependent on the viral kinase, phosphorylation of ganciclovir occurs preferentially in virus-infected cells. The virustatic activity of ganciclovir is due to inhibition of the viral DNA polymerase, pUL54, by ganciclovir triphosphate.
Varies (hours–days)
Regimen-dependent; ART lifelong
INTRAVENOUS
At the end of a 1-hour intravenous infusion of 5 mg/kg ganciclovir, total AUC ranged between 22.1 ± 3.2 (n=16) and 26.8 ± 6.1 mcg∙hr/mL (n=16) and C max ranged between 8.27 ± 1.02 (n=16) and 9.0 ± 1.4 mcg/mL (n=16).
The steady-state volume of distribution of ganciclovir after intravenous administration was 0.74 ± 0.15 L/kg (n=98). Ganciclovir diffuses across the placenta. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations obtained 0.25 to 5.67 hours post-dose in 3 patients who received 2.5 mg/kg ganciclovir...
When administered intravenously, ganciclovir exhibits linear pharmacokinetics over the range of 1.6 to 5.0 mg/kg. Renal excretion of unchanged drug by glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion is the major route of elimination of ganciclovir. In patients with normal rena...
was 3.5 ± 0.9 hours (n=98) following intravenous administration. Specific Populations Pharmacokinetics in Patients with Renal Impairment The pharmacokinetics following intravenous administration of Ganciclovir Injection solution were evaluated in 10 immunocompromised patients wit...
Pregnancy, lactation & diet
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary In animal studies, ganciclovir caused maternal and fetal toxicity and embryo-fetal mortality in pregnant mice and rabbits as well as teratogenicity in rabbits at exposures two times the exposure at the recommended human dose (RHD) [see Data] . Although placental transfer of ganciclovir has been shown to occur based on ex vivo experiments with human placenta and in at least one case report in a pregnant woman, no adequate human data are available to establish whether Ganciclovir Injection poses a risk to pregnancy outcomes. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo-fetal risk Most maternal CMV infections are asymptomatic or they may be associated with a self-limited mononucleosis-like syndrome. However, in immunocompromised patients (i.e., transplant patients or patients with AIDS), CMV infections may be symptomatic and may result in significant maternal morbidity and mortality. The transmission of CMV to the fetus is a result of maternal viremia and transplacental infection. Perinatal infection can also occur from exposure of the neonate to CMV shedding in the genital tract. Approximately 10% of children with congenital CMV infection are symptomatic at birth. Mortality in symptomatic infants is about 10% and approximately 50-90% of symptomatic surviving newborns experience significant morbidity, including mental retardation, sensorineural hearing loss, microcephaly, seizures, and other medical problems. The risk of congenital CMV infection resulting from primary maternal CMV infection may be higher and of greater severity than that resulting from maternal reactivation of CMV infection. Data Animal Data Daily intravenous doses of ganciclovir were administered to pregnant mice (108 mg/kg/day) and rabbits (60 mg/kg/day), and also to female mice (90 mg/kg) prior to mating, during gestation, and during lactation. Fetal resorptions were present in at least 85% of rabbits and mice. Additional effects observed in rabbits included fetal growth retardation, embryolethality, teratogenicity, and/or maternal toxicity. Teratogenic changes included cleft palate, anophthalmia/microphthalmia, aplastic organs (kidney and pancreas), hydrocephaly, and brachygnathia. In pre/postnatal development studies in mice, there were maternal/fetal toxicity and embryolethality which included fetal effects of hypoplasia of the testes and seminal vesicles in the male offspring, as well as pathologic changes in the nonglandular region of the stomach. The systemic exposure (AUC) of ganciclovir during these studies was approximately 2 times (pregnant mice and rabbits) and 1.7 times (pre/postnatal mice) the exposure in humans at the RHD [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] .
Lactation: Breastfeeding is not recommended with use of Ganciclovir Injection. (8.2) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary In animal studies, ganciclovir caused maternal and fetal toxicity and embryo-fetal mortality in pregnant mice and rabbits as well as teratogenicity in rabbits at exposures two times the exposure at the recommended human dose (RHD) [see Data] . Although placental transfer of ganciclovir has been shown to occur based on ex vivo experiments with human placenta and in at least one case report in a pregnant woman, no adequate human data are available to establish whether Ganciclovir Injection poses a risk to pregnancy outcomes. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo-fetal risk Most maternal CMV infections are asymptomatic or they may be associated with a self-limited mononucleosis-like syndrome. However, in immunocompromised patients (i.e., transplant patients or patients with AIDS), CMV infections may be symptomatic and may result in significant maternal morbidity and mortality. The transmission of CMV to the fetus is a result of maternal viremia and transplacental infection. Perinatal infection can also occur from exposure of the neonate to CMV shedding in the genital tract. Approximately 10% of children with congenital CMV infection are symptomatic at birth. Mortality in symptomatic infants is about 10% and approximately 50-90% of symptomatic surviving newborns experience significant morbidity, including mental retardation, sensorineural hearing loss, microcephaly, seizures, and other medical problems. The risk of congenital CMV infection resulting from primary maternal CMV infection may be higher and of greater severity than that resulting from maternal reactivation of CMV infection. Data Animal Data Daily intravenous doses of ganciclovir were administered to pregnant mice (108 mg/kg/day) and rabbits (60 mg/kg/day), and also to female mice (90 mg/kg) prior to mating, during gestation, and during lactation. Fetal resorptions were present in at least 85% of rabbits and mice. Additional effects observed in rabbits included fetal growth retardation, embryolethality, teratogenicity, and/or maternal toxicity. Teratogenic changes included cleft palate, anophthalmia/microphthalmia, aplastic organs (kidney and pancreas), hydrocephaly, and brachygnathia. In pre/postnatal development studies in mice, there were maternal/fetal toxicity and embryolethality which included fetal effects of hypoplasia of the testes and seminal vesicles in the male offspring, as well as pathologic changes in the nonglandular region of the stomach. The systemic exposure (AUC) of ganciclovir during these studies was approximately 2 times (pregnant mice and rabbits) and 1.7 times (pre/postnatal mice) the exposure in humans at the RHD [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary No data are available regarding the presence of ganciclovir in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. When ganciclovir was administered to lactating rats, ganciclovir was present in milk [see Data]. Advise nursing mothers that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Ganciclovir Injection because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.3 , 5.4 , 5.5 ), Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that HIV-infected mothers not breastfeed their infants to avoid potential postnatal transmission of HIV. Data Animal Data Ganciclovir administered intravenously (at 0.13 mg/h) to lactating rats (on lactation day 15) resulted in passive transfer into milk. The milk-to-serum ratio for ganciclovir at steady state was 1.6 ± 0.33. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Females of reproductive potential should undergo pregnancy testing before initiation of treatment with Ganciclovir Injection Females of reproductive potential should undergo pregnancy testing before initiation of treatment with Ganciclovir Injection [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Contraception Females Because of the mutagenic and teratogenic potential of Ganciclovir Injection, females of reproductive potential should be advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 30 days following treatment with Ganciclovir Injection Because of the mutagenic and teratogenic potential of Ganciclovir Injection, females of reproductive potential should be advised to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 30 days following treatment with Ganciclovir Injection [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Warnings and Precautions (5.4) , Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . Males Because of its mutagenic potential, males should be advised to practice barrier contraception during and for at least 90 days following treatment with Ganciclovir Injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) , Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ]. Infertility Ganciclovir Injection at the recommended doses may cause temporary or permanent female and male infertility Ganciclovir Injection at the recommended doses may cause temporary or permanent female and male infertility [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . Data Human Data In a small, open-label, non-randomized clinical study, adult male renal transplant patients receiving valganciclovir (the prodrug of ganciclovir) for CMV prophylaxis for up to 200 days post-transplantation were compared to an untreated control group. Patients were followed-up for six months after valganciclovir discontinuation. Among 24 evaluable patients in the valganciclovir group, the mean sperm density at the end of treatment visit decreased by 11 million/mL from baseline; whereas, among 14 evaluable patients in the control group the mean sperm density increased by 33 million/mL. However, at the follow-up visit among 20 evaluable patients in the valganciclovir group, the mean sperm density was comparable to that observed among 10 evaluable patients in the untreated control group (the mean sperm density at the end of follow-up visit increased by 41 million/mL from baseline in the valganciclovir group and by 43 million/mL in the untreated group). 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy of Ganciclovir Injection Safety and efficacy of Ganciclovir Injection have not been established in pediatric patients. A total of 120 pediatric patients with serious CMV infections participated in clinical trials. Granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were the most common adverse reactions. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of ganciclovir after administration of Ganciclovir Injection were studied in 27 neonates (aged 2 to 49 days) and 10 pediatric patients, aged 9 months to 12 years. In neonates, the pharmacokinetic parameters after ganciclovir intravenous doses of 4 mg/kg (n=14) and 6 mg/kg (n=13) were C 5.5 ± 1.6 and 7.0 ± 1.6 mcg/mL, systemic clearance 3.14 ± 1.75 and 3.56 ± 1.27 mL/min/kg, and t of 2.4 hours (harmonic mean) for both doses, respectively. A total of 120 pediatric patients with serious CMV infections participated in clinical trials. Granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were the most common adverse reactions. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of ganciclovir after administration of Ganciclovir Injection were studied in 27 neonates (aged 2 to 49 days) and 10 pediatric patients, aged 9 months to 12 years. In neonates, the pharmacokinetic parameters after ganciclovir intravenous doses of 4 mg/kg (n=14) and 6 mg/kg (n=13) were C max 5.5 ± 1.6 and 7.0 ± 1.6 mcg/mL, systemic clearance 3.14 ± 1.75 and 3.56 ± 1.27 mL/min/kg, and t 1/2 of 2.4 hours (harmonic mean) for both doses, respectively. In pediatric patients 9 months to 12 years of age, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of ganciclovir were the same after single and multiple (every 12 hours) intravenous doses (5 mg/kg). The steady-state volume of distribution was 0.64 ± 0.22 L/kg, C was 7.9 ± 3.9 mcg/mL, systemic clearance was 4.7 ± 2.2 mL/min/kg, and t was 2.4 ± 0.7 hours. In pediatric patients 9 months to 12 years of age, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of ganciclovir were the same after single and multiple (every 12 hours) intravenous doses (5 mg/kg). The steady-state volume of distribution was 0.64 ± 0.22 L/kg, C max was 7.9 ± 3.9 mcg/mL, systemic clearance was 4.7 ± 2.2 mL/min/kg, and t 1/2 was 2.4 ± 0.7 hours. Although the pharmacokinetics of Ganciclovir Injection in pediatric patients were similar to those observed in adults, the safety and efficacy of ganciclovir at these exposures in pediatric patients have not been established.Although the pharmacokinetics of Ganciclovir Injection in pediatric patients were similar to those observed in adults, the safety and efficacy of ganciclovir at these exposures in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of Ganciclovir Injection did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Ganciclovir Injection is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because renal clearance decreases with age, Ganciclovir Injection should be administered to elderly patients with special consideration of their renal status. Renal function should be monitored and dosage adjustments should be made accordingly Clinical studies of Ganciclovir Injection did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Ganciclovir Injection is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because renal clearance decreases with age, Ganciclovir Injection should be administered to elderly patients with special consideration of their renal status. Renal function should be monitored and dosage adjustments should be made accordingly [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . 8.6 Renal Impairment Dose reduction is recommended when administering Ganciclovir Injection to patients with renal impairment Dose reduction is recommended when administering Ganciclovir Injection to patients with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) , and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . 8.7 Hepatic Impairment The safety and efficacy of Ganciclovir Injection have not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment.
Brands & loaded prices
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | Observed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLOVIRAX | GALAXY PHARMACEUTICAL LTD | Gel | Unavailable |
Sources & review state
Decision support only. Confirm patient-specific decisions against the current product SmPC, Kenya STG/EML, and professional judgement.