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Foscarnet

Foscarnet Side Effects

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmDAllison Gourley, PharmD
Reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD, Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 25, 2023

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Less Common Side Effects

  • Seizures
  • Feeling tired
  • Chills
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Tinging in arms and legs
  • Uncontrolled muscle movements
  • Confusion
  • Rash

Foscarnet serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Seizures
  • Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pounding, trouble breathing, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Kidney damage: urinating less often than usual, swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands, unexplained weight gain, itchy skin
  • Electrolyte changes: tingling around the mouth, numbness, prickling sensation, muscle weakness or spasms, skipping heartbeats
  • Serious allergic reaction: swelling the face or throat, rash, trouble breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following Foscarnet side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Increased or decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine

increased thirst

Less common

Chills

convulsions

fever

muscle twitching

pain at the injection site

pain or numbness in hands or feet

tingling sensation around the mouth

tremor

unusual tiredness and weakness

Rare

Sores or ulcers on the mouth or throat, penis, or vulva

Incidence not known

Difficulty with breathing or swallowing

fainting

hives or welts, itching, or skin rash

irregular heartbeat recurrent

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

nausea

reddening of the skin, especially around the ears

swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain

anxious feeling

confusion

dizziness

headache

loss of appetite

nausea and vomiting

unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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