Drug Interaction Report

Talk to your doctor before using ganciclovir together with cycloSPORINE. Combining these medications may increase the risk of kidney damage and/or side effects that affect your bone marrow function, resulting in low numbers of different types of blood cells. You may be more likely to develop anemia, bleeding problems, or infections due to low blood cell counts. Symptoms of kidney damage include swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, pain in your lower back, and urinating more or less than usual or not at all. If you take both medications together, tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use these medications together. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food can enhance the levels of ganciclovir in your body. To ensure maximal oral absorption, ganciclovir should be administered with or immediately after a meal. This will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the levels of cycloSPORINE in your body and should generally not be consumed during treatment. High blood levels of cycloSPORINE can lead to increased risk of serious side effects on kidney, liver, and nervous system functions. If you regularly consume grapefruits or grapefruit juice, you should be monitored for side effects and/or changes in cycloSPORINE levels. However, do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. You should also take cycloSPORINE on a consistent schedule with regard to time of day and relation to meals. Let your doctor know if you experience fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), decreased urination, excessive thirst, swelling, weight gain, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headache, blurred vision, numbness/burning/tingling in the hand and feet, tremors, or convulsions, as they may be symptoms caused by excessive effects of cycloSPORINE.