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Vistogard Coupon - Vistogard 10g packet

Vistogard

uridine triacetate
Used for Chemotherapy Overdose
Used for Chemotherapy Overdose

Vistogard (uridine triacetate) is used for the emergency treatment of severe side effects or overdose from chemotherapy medications called fluorouracil and capecitabine (Xeloda). Vistogard (uridine triacetate) belongs to a drug class known as pyrimidine analogs. It helps block the effects of these chemotherapy medications on normal cells. Vistogard (uridine triacetate) comes as oral granules and can be used by both adults and children. It's taken by mouth 4 times a day for a total of 20 doses, and it can cause nausea and vomiting as side effects.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 15, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsDosageImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Vistogard (uridine triacetate)?

What is Vistogard (uridine triacetate) used for?

How Vistogard (uridine triacetate) works

The chemotherapy medications, fluorouracil and capecitabine (Xeloda), help kill cancer cells by blocking the body from making generic material that's needed for cell survival. But these medications can also damage normal, healthy cells. This causes side effects, which can sometimes be severe.

Vistogard (uridine triacetate) is an antidote. In the body, the medication is changed into uridine, which is one of the building blocks that make up your genetic material. By supplying your body with an essential component of your genetic material, Vistogard (uridine triacetate) blocks cell damage caused by fluorouracil and capecitabine (Xeloda). This helps treat toxicity and overdose from these chemotherapy medications.

Are you looking for information on Xuriden (uridine triacetate) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsVistogard
Drug ClassAntidote
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Vistogard (uridine triacetate)?

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

  • Vomiting (10%)
  • Nausea (5%)
  • Diarrhea (3%)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Vistogard (uridine triacetate)

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Pros

Improves survival in people who overdose on or have severe side effects from fluorouracil or capecitabine (Xeloda)

Easy to swallow since granules must be mixed with soft foods (e.g., applesauce, yogurt)

Can be used in adults and children

No known interactions with other medications

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Cons

Must take 4 times per day

Can't use for non-emergent side effects

Unknown whether it works well after 96 hours (4 days) since the end of your fluorouracil or capecitabine (Xeloda) dose

No lower-cost generic available

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Vistogard (uridine triacetate)

pharmacist

  • Discuss with your provider about what serious side effects to look out for from your treatment with fluorouracil or capecitabine (Xeloda). Know when you should call your provider if any of them happen.

    • If prescribed, take Vistogard (uridine triacetate) as soon as possible after an overdose or after severe side effects start. This gives the medication the best chance to work well for you.

      • Take all 20 doses of Vistogard (uridine triacetate) and the entire amount your provider tells you, even if you start feeling better. This makes sure you get the full benefit of the medication.

        • If you vomit within 2 hours of taking Vistogard (uridine triacetate), take another full dose of medication as soon as possible after you vomit. Then, take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time.

          • If you miss your dose of Vistogard (uridine triacetate), take the missed dose as soon as possible. Then, take your next dose at your regularly scheduled time.

            Tips on how to prepare and take your Vistogard (uridine triacetate) dose:

            • Mix the amount of Vistogard (uridine triacetate) prescribed by your provider with 3 to 4 ounces of soft foods like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt. Swallow the mixture within 30 minutes; don't chew the granules. Afterwards, drink at least 4 ounces (one-half cup) of water to make sure all the medication gets washed down to your stomach.

              • If you're an adult, you'll use a full packet for each dose. For children, the dose is either a full packet or less than a full packet, depending on your child's body size. Use a scale or graduated teaspoon that your child's provider gave you to measure the dose if it's less than a full packet. Call your provider if you have questions about your dose.

                • If you're not using a full packet of Vistogard (uridine triacetate), throw away the remaining granules in the packet. Don't save and use them for future doses; this medication can't be stored again once it's been opened. Use a new packet for each dose.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Vistogard (uridine triacetate)

                  When would I need to use Vistogard (uridine triacetate)?
                  Vistogard (uridine triacetate) is used for emergency treatment in adults and children after an overdose of fluorouracil or capecitabine (Xeloda), with or without symptoms. It's also used for treating early signs of severe or life-threatening side effects within 96 hours (4 days) after getting a dose of fluorouracil or capecitabine (Xeloda). These severe side effects might affect your heart, nervous system, immune system, or stomach. Talk with your provider about the signs and symptoms to watch out for.
                  How do you administer Vistogard (uridine triacetate)?
                  Vistogard (uridine triacetate) comes as packets of granules. You'll need to mix each dose with 3 to 4 ounces of soft food, like applesauce or yogurt. The granules shouldn't be chewed because this could damage the medication or cause you to not get your full dose. Swallow your dose within 30 minutes of mixing. After you take your dose, drink 4 ounces (one-half cup) of water to make sure you swallow all of the medication.
                  Can I take Vistogard (uridine triacetate) to treat any kind of side effect I get from fluorouracil or capecitabine (Xeloda)?
                  No, Vistogard (uridine triacetate) shouldn't be used for non-emergency side effects from fluorouracil or capecitabine (Xeloda). Vistogard (uridine triacetate) might interfere with how well these chemotherapy medications work to treat your cancer. Vistogard (uridine triacetate) should only be used for emergencies like when you've overdosed on these chemotherapy medications or when you have severe or life-threatening side effects. Examples of normal, non-emergency side effects include vomiting up to 3 to 5 times per day, having diarrhea up to 6 times per day, hair thinning, and nail changes. Speak with your provider about how to tell between non-emergency and emergency side effects from your chemotherapy. Your provider can recommend ways to treat mild or moderate side effects from the chemotherapy.
                  How do I know if I'm having a severe side effect from fluorouracil or capecitabine (Xeloda)?
                  "Normal" side effects from fluorouracil or capecitabine (Xeloda) can start a week or so after your treatment. They might be uncomfortable, but should be mild or moderate in severity and feel manageable. If you have more severe or dangerous reactions, they usually begin within a couple of days after your first or second round of treatment. These reactions feel more intense, happen more often, and might feel unbearable. Examples of severe reactions are vomiting 6 or more times per day and very painful mouth sores that prevent you from eating, drinking, or swallowing. For capecitabine (Xeloda), a severe reaction can also be extreme pain, blisters, bleeding, or peeling on your hands or feet that makes everyday activities difficult. Take Vistogard (uridine triacetate) and get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms or other unbearable side effects.
                  How well does Vistogard (uridine triacetate) work to treat toxic side effects from fluorouracil or capecitabine (Xeloda)?
                  In clinical studies, 96% of people who took Vistogard (uridine triacetate) survived severe side effects from fluorouracil or capecitabine (Xeloda). It's important to know that Vistogard (uridine triacetate) only works if it's taken early. We don't know whether the medication works well if you start taking it more than 4 days after your chemotherapy treatment.
                  What's the difference between Vistogard (uridine triacetate) and Xuriden (uridine triacetate)?
                  Both Vistogard and Xuriden contain uridine triacetate granules as the active ingredient. But the two medications are used for different reasons. Only Vistogard is approved to treat serious side effects from certain chemotherapy medications. On the other hand, Xuriden is used to treat a rare, genetic condition called hereditary orotic aciduria. Xuriden shouldn't be used as an antidote to help with chemotherapy side effects.
                  Is Vistogard (uridine triacetate) toxic?
                  When it's taken at recommended doses, Vistogard (uridine triacetate) is well-tolerated by most people. The most common side effect of the medication reported in clinical studies was vomiting, and about 10% of people who took Vistogard (uridine triacetate) reported this side effect. Keep in mind that vomiting is also a common side effect from chemotherapy medications. So far, there aren't any known serious or toxic side effects from taking Vistogard (uridine triacetate). But let your provider know if you have any unbearable side effects while you're taking this medication so your provider can examine you and see what's going on.
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                  dosage

                  Vistogard (uridine triacetate) dosage forms

                  Typical dosing for Vistogard (uridine triacetate)

                  Each packet contains 10 grams of uridine triacetate. Follow the instructions to mix the dose with a small amount of soft food before you take the medication (please see Pharmacist Tips).

                  • Adults: The typical dose is 1 packet (10 grams) taken by mouth every 6 hours for a total of 20 doses.

                  • Children: Dosing is based on body surface area (BSA, in m2 units), which takes into account your child's weight and height. Your child's provider will calculate the right dose. The typical dose is 6.2 grams/m2 of BSA taken by mouth every 6 hours for a total of 20 doses. Each dose shouldn't be over 10 grams of medication.

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                  This medicine is White Packet.white - Vistogard 10g Granules

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  BTG International Inc. (n.d.). Dosage and administration.

                  BTG International Inc. (n.d.). Mechanism of action (MOA).

                  BTG International Inc. (n.d.). Normal side effects are not the same as a toxic reaction.

                  View All References (5)

                  BTG International Inc. (n.d.). Vistogard® (uridine triacetate) fights toxicity so you can continue fighting your cancer.

                  Ma, W. W., et al. (2017). Emergency use of uridine triacetate for the prevention and treatment of life-threatening 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine toxicity. Cancer. 

                  National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Nasogastric tube.

                  National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2018). Hereditary orotic aciduria.

                  Wellstat Therapeutics Corporation. (2018). Vistogard- uridine triacetate granule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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