Vistogard
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.
What is Vistogard (uridine triacetate)?
What is Vistogard (uridine triacetate) used for?
- Severe side effects within 96 hours (4 days) of receiving fluorouracil or capecitabine (Xeloda)
- Overdose of fluorouracil or capecitabine (Xeloda)
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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Vistogard |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antidote |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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%)
The following Vistogard (uridine triacetate) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Vistogard (uridine triacetate)
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
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 for Vistogard (uridine triacetate)
- 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.
- Refer to the instructions that came with the prescription or call your provider if you're giving Vistogard (uridine triacetate) to someone who has a nasogastric tube (NG tube) or gastrostomy tube (G-tube).
Vistogard (uridine triacetate) dosage
Typical dosage 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.
Vistogard (uridine triacetate) images
