Vistide

1 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX I 
 

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 
 

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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Vistide 75 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
Each ml contains 75 mg cidofovir anhydrous.  Each vial contains 375 mg/5 ml cidofovir anhydrous as 
the active substance. 
 
Excipients: 
Each vial contains approximately 2.5 mmol (or 57 mg) sodium per vial (5 ml) as a constituent of the 
excipients. 
For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Concentrate for solution for infusion. 
Clear solution. 
The formulation is adjusted to pH 7.4. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
Vistide is indicated for the treatment of CMV retinitis in adults with acquired immunodeficiency 
syndrome (AIDS) and without renal dysfunction.  Vistide should be used only when other agents are 
considered unsuitable. 
 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
The therapy should be prescribed by a physician experienced in the management of HIV infection. 
 
Before each administration of Vistide, serum creatinine and urine protein levels should be 
investigated.  Vistide must be administered with oral probenecid and intravenous saline as described 
below (see section 4.4 for appropriate recommendations, and under section 6.6 for information on 
obtaining probenecid). 
 
Posology 
 
Adults: 
 
Induction treatment.  The recommended dose of cidofovir is 5 mg/kg body weight (given as an 
intravenous infusion at a constant rate over 1 hour) administered once weekly for two consecutive 
weeks. 
 
Maintenance treatment.  Beginning two weeks after the completion of induction treatment, the 
recommended maintenance dose of cidofovir is 5 mg/kg body weight (given as an intravenous 
infusion at a constant rate over 1 hour) administered once every two weeks. 
Suspension of maintenance treatment with cidofovir should be considered in accordance with local 
recommendations for the management of HIV infected patients. 
 
Elderly population: 
The safety and efficacy of Vistide have not been established for the treatment of CMV disease in 
patients over 60 years of age.  Since elderly individuals frequently have reduced glomerular function, 

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particular attention should be paid to assessing renal function before and during administration of 
Vistide. 
 
Renal insufficiency: 
Renal insufficiency [creatinine clearance ≤ 55 ml/min or ≥ 2+ proteinuria (≥ 100 mg/dl)] is a 
contraindication for the use of Vistide (see sections 4.3 and 4.4). 
 
Hepatic insufficiency: 
The safety and efficacy of Vistide have not been established in patients with hepatic disease and 
therefore it should be used with caution in this patient population. 
 
Paediatric population: 
The safety and efficacy of Vistide in children below 18 years of age have not been established.  No 
data are available.  Vistide is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age. 
 
Method of administration 
Precautions to be taken before handling or administering the medicinal product: 
Adequate precautions including the use of appropriate safety equipment are recommended for the 
preparation, administration and disposal of Vistide.  The preparation of Vistide reconstituted solution 
should be done in a laminar flow biological safety cabinet.  Personnel preparing the reconstituted 
solution should wear surgical gloves, safety glasses and a closed front surgical-type gown with knit 
cuffs.  If Vistide contacts the skin, wash membranes and flush thoroughly with water.  (See 
section 6.6.) 
 
Vistide is for intravenous infusion only.  The recommended dose, frequency, or infusion rate must not 
be exceeded.  Vistide must be diluted in 100 millilitres 0.9% (normal) saline prior to administration.  
The entire volume should be infused intravenously into the patient at a constant rate over a period of 
1 hour by use of a standard infusion pump.  To minimise potential nephrotoxicity, oral probenecid and 
intravenous saline prehydration must be administered with each Vistide infusion (see section 4.4). 
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. 
 
Cidofovir administration is contraindicated in patients unable to receive probenecid or other sulfa-
containing medication (see section 4.4 Prevention of nephrotoxicity). 
 
Vistide is contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency (see section 4.2). 
 
Concomitant administration of Vistide and other potentially nephrotoxic agents is contraindicated (see 
section 4.4). 
 
Direct intraocular injection of Vistide is contraindicated; direct injection may be associated with 
significant decreases in intraocular pressure and impairment of vision. 
 
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
Vistide is formulated for intravenous infusion only and must not be administered by other methods 
including intraocular injection or topically.  Vistide should be infused only into veins with adequate 
blood flow to permit rapid dilution and distribution. 
 
The safety and efficacy of Vistide has not been demonstrated in diseases other than CMV retinitis in 
adults with AIDS. 
 
Renal insufficiency/Haemodialysis 
Treatment with Vistide must not be initiated in patients with creatinine clearance ≤ 55 ml/min, or ≥ 2+ 
proteinuria (≥ 100 mg/dl), as the optimum induction and maintenance doses for patients with moderate 

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to severe renal impairment are not known.  The efficacy and safety of cidofovir in such conditions has 
not been established. 
 
High flux haemodialysis has been shown to reduce the serum levels of cidofovir by approximately 
75%.  The fraction of the dose extracted during haemodialysis is 51.9 ± 11.0%. 
 
Nephrotoxicity 
Dose-dependent nephrotoxicity is the major dose-limiting toxicity related to administration of 
cidofovir (see section 4.8).  The safety of cidofovir has not been evaluated in patients receiving other 
known potentially nephrotoxic agents (e.g. tenofovir, aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, foscarnet, 
intravenous pentamidine, adefovir and vancomycin). 
 
Vistide should not be administered concurrently with medicinal products containing tenofovir 
disoproxil fumarate due to the risk of Fanconi syndrome (see section 4.5). 
 
It is recommended to discontinue potentially nephrotoxic agents at least 7 days before starting 
cidofovir. 
 
Patients treated at 3.0 mg/kg, 5.0 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg without concomitant probenecid developed 
evidence of proximal tubular cell injury, including glycosuria, and decreases in serum phosphate, uric 
acid and bicarbonate, and elevations in serum creatinine.  The signs of nephrotoxicity were partially 
reversible in some patients.  Concomitant use of probenecid is essential for reducing the pronounced 
nephrotoxicity of cidofovir to an extent that results in an acceptable benefit/risk balance of cidofovir 
therapy. 
 
Prevention of nephrotoxicity 
Therapy must be accompanied by administration of oral probenecid and adequate intravenous saline 
prehydration (see section 6.6 for information on obtaining probenecid) with each cidofovir dose.  All 
clinical trials relevant to clinical efficacy evaluation were performed using probenecid concomitantly 
with cidofovir.  Two grams of probenecid should be administered 3 hours prior to the cidofovir dose 
and one gram administered at 2 and again at 8 hours after completion of the 1 hour cidofovir infusion 
(for a total of 4 grams).  In order to reduce the potential for nausea and/or vomiting associated with 
administration of probenecid, patients should be encouraged to eat food prior to each dose of 
probenecid.  The use of an anti-emetic may be necessary. 
 
In patients who develop allergic or hypersensitivity symptoms to probenecid (e.g., rash, fever, chills 
and anaphylaxis), prophylactic or therapeutic use of an appropriate antihistamine and/or paracetamol 
should be considered. 
 
Cidofovir administration is contraindicated in patients unable to receive probenecid because of a 
clinically significant hypersensitivity to the active substance or medicinal product or to other sulfa-
containing medicines.  Use of cidofovir without concomitant probenecid has not been clinically 
investigated.  A probenecid desensitisation program is not recommended for use. 
 
In addition to probenecid, patients must receive a total of one litre of 0.9% (normal) saline solution 
intravenously immediately prior to each infusion of cidofovir.  Patients who can tolerate the additional 
fluid load may receive up to a total of 2 litres of 0.9% saline intravenously with each dose of cidofovir.  
The first litre of saline solution should be infused over a 1 hour period immediately before the 
cidofovir infusion, and the second litre, if given, infused over a 1-3 hour period beginning 
simultaneously with the cidofovir infusion or starting immediately after the infusion of cidofovir. 
 
Cidofovir therapy should be discontinued and intravenous hydration is advised if serum creatinine 
increases by ≥ 44 µmol/l (≥ 0.5 mg/dl), or if persistent proteinuria ≥ 2+ develops.  In patients 
exhibiting ≥ 2+ proteinuria, intravenous hydration should be performed and the test repeated.  If 
following hydration, a ≥ 2+ proteinuria is still observed, cidofovir therapy should be discontinued.  
Continued administration of cidofovir to patients with persistent ≥ 2+ proteinuria following 

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intravenous hydration may result in further evidence of proximal tubular injury, including glycosuria, 
decreases in serum phosphate, uric acid and bicarbonate, and elevations in serum creatinine. 
 
Interruption, and possibly discontinuation, is required for changes in renal function.  For those patients 
who fully recover from cidofovir associated renal toxicity, the benefits-risk balance of reintroducing 
cidofovir has not yet been evaluated. 
 
Patient monitoring 
Proteinuria appears to be an early and sensitive indicator of cidofovir-induced nephrotoxicity.  Patients 
receiving cidofovir must have their serum creatinine and urine protein levels determined on specimens 
obtained within 24 hours prior to the administration of each dose of cidofovir.  Differential white 
blood cell counts should also be performed prior to each dose of cidofovir (see section 4.8). 
 
Ocular events 
Patients receiving cidofovir should be advised to have regular follow-up ophthalmologic examinations 
for possible occurrence of uveitis/iritis and ocular hypotony.  In case of uveitis/iritis cidofovir should 
be discontinued if there is no response to treatment with a topical corticosteroid or the condition 
worsens, or if iritis/uveitis reoccurs after successful treatment. 
 
Other 
Cidofovir should be considered a potential carcinogen in humans (see section 5.3). 
 
Caution should be applied when considering cidofovir treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus due 
to the potential increased risk of developing ocular hypotony. 
 
Male patients should be advised that cidofovir caused reduced testes weight and hypospermia in 
animals.  Although not observed in clinical studies of cidofovir, such changes may occur in humans 
and cause infertility.  Men should be advised to practice barrier contraceptive methods during and for 
3 months after treatment with cidofovir (see sections 4.6 and 5.3). 
 
Appropriate precautions should continue to be employed to prevent transmission of HIV. 
 
Excipients 
This medicinal product contains approximately 2.5 mmol (or 57 mg) sodium per vial which should be 
taken into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet. 
 
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
There is a risk that concomitant treatment of Vistide with products containing tenofovir disoproxil 
fumarate may give rise to a pharmacodynamic interaction and increase the risk of Fanconi syndrome 
(see section 4.4). 
 
Probenecid increases the AUC of zidovudine.  Patients receiving both drugs should be closely 
monitored for zidovudine induced haematological toxicity. 
 
For other NRTI drugs administered concomitantly with probenecid, reference should be made to their 
respective prescribing information for any appropriate recommendations. 
 
Interactions of cidofovir/probenecid and anti-HIV drugs or drugs used to treat common chronic viral 
infections in this population, such as HCV- and HBV-related hepatitis, have not been investigated in 
clinical trials. 
 
Probenecid is known to increase the exposure of many substances (e.g., paracetamol, acyclovir, 
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, aminosalicyclic acid, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, 
bumetanide, clofibrate, methotrexate, famotidine, furosemide, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, 
theophylline, and zidovudine). 
 

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Therefore, when co-prescribing cidofovir/probenecid with other agents, it is important for prescribers 
to consult the current probenecid SmPC (or an appropriate drug reference source) and the respective 
prescribing information of the other co-administered products for full information regarding drug 
interactions and other features of that product. 
 
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 
Women of childbearing potential/Contraception in males and females: 
Women of childbearing potential have to use effective contraception during and after treatment with 
cidofovir.  Men should be advised to practice barrier contraceptive methods during and for 3 months 
after treatment with cidofovir (see section 4.4). 
 
Pregnancy: 
There are no data from the use of cidofovir in pregnant women.  Studies in animals have shown 
reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). 
 
Vistide is not recommended during pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using 
contraception. 
 
Breast-feeding: 
It is unknown whether cidofovir/metabolites are excreted in human milk.  A risk to the 
newborns/infants cannot be excluded.  Breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with 
cidofovir. 
 
Fertility: 
There are no studies of cidofovir on the fertility of men or women.  Male patients should be advised 
that cidofovir caused reduced testes weight and hypospermia in animals. Although not observed in 
clinical studies of cidofovir, such changes may occur in humans and cause infertility. 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
Cidofovir has negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.  Adverse reactions such as 
asthenia may occur during cidofovir therapy.  The physician is advised to discuss this issue with the 
patient, and based upon the condition of the disease and the tolerance of medication, give his 
recommendation in the individual case. 
 
4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
The table below lists the adverse reactions identified through clinical trials or post-marketing 
surveillance by system organ class (SOC) and frequency.  Within each frequency grouping, adverse 
reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.  Frequencies are defined as: very common 
(≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100) or not known (cannot be 
estimated from the available data).  Adverse reactions identified from post-marketing experience are 
included in italics. 
 
Adverse reactions possibly or probably related to cidofovir based on clinical trial experience and 
post-marketing surveillance 
 
System Organ Class Adverse reactions 
Blood and lymphatic system disorders 
Very common Neutropenia 
Nervous system disorders 
Very common Headache 
Eye disorders 
Common Iritis, uveitis, hypotony of the eye  

(see section 4.4) 

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Ear and labyrinth disorders 
Not known Hearing impaired 
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders 
Common Dyspnea 
Gastrointestinal disorders 
Very common 
Common 
Not known 

Nausea, vomiting 
Diarrhoea 
Pancreatitis 

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders 
Very common Alopecia, rash 
Renal and urinary disorders 
Very common 
 
Common 
Uncommon 

Proteinuria, blood creatinine increased 
(see section 4.4) 
Renal failure 
Fanconi syndrome acquired 

General disorders and administration site conditions 
Very common 
Common 

Asthenia, fever 
Chills 

 
Reports of renal failure (plus events possibly caused by renal failure, e.g. blood creatinine increased, 
proteinuria, glycosuria) received during post-marketing surveillance include some which were fatal.  
Cases of acute renal failure have been reported after only one or two doses of cidofovir. 
 
The finding of any glycosuria, proteinuria/aminoaciduria, hypouricemia, hypophosphatemia and/or 
hypokalemia, should prompt for the consideration of cidofovir-related Fanconi syndrome. 
 
The following table lists adverse reactions possibly or probably related to probenecid based on clinical 
trial experience: 
 
System Organ Class Adverse reactions 
Nervous system disorders 
Common Headache 
Gastrointestinal disorders 
Very common Nausea, vomiting 
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders 
Very common Rash 
General disorders and administration site conditions 
Very common 
Common 

Fever 
Asthenia, chills 

 
In addition probenecid may also cause other adverse reactions including anorexia, gingival pain, 
flushing, alopecia, dizziness, anaemia, and pollakiuria.  Hypersensitivity reactions, with dermatitis, 
pruritus, urticaria and, rarely, anaphylaxis, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have occurred.  There have 
been reports of leukopenia, hepatic necrosis, nephrotic syndrome, and aplastic anaemia.  Haemolytic 
anaemia has also occurred, and may be associated with G6DP deficiency.  Therefore, when co-
prescribing probenecid with cidofovir, it is important for prescribers to consult the current probenecid 
SmPC (or an appropriate drug reference source) for full information on the safety profile and other 
features of that product. 
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
Two cases of cidofovir overdose have been reported.  In both cases, the overdose occurred during the 
first induction dose and no additional cidofovir therapy was administered.  One patient received a 
single dose of 16.4 mg/kg and the other patient received a single dose of 17.3 mg/kg.  Both patients 
were hospitalised and received prophylactic oral probenecid and vigorous hydration for 3 to 7 days.  

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One of these patients experienced a minor transient change in renal function, while the other patient 
had no change in renal function (see section 4.4). 
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antivirals for systemic use, nucleosides and nucleotides excluding 
reverse transcriptase inhibitors, ATC code: J05AB12 
 
General 
Cidofovir is a cytidine analogue with in vitro and in vivo activity against human cytomegalovirus 
(HCMV).  HCMV strains resistant to ganciclovir may still be susceptible to cidofovir. 
 
Mechanism of action 
Cidofovir suppresses HCMV replication by selective inhibition of viral DNA synthesis.  Biochemical 
data support selective inhibition of HSV-1, HSV-2 and HCMV DNA polymerases by cidofovir 
diphosphate, the active intracellular metabolite of cidofovir. 
 
Cidofovir diphosphate inhibits these viral polymerases at concentrations that are 8- to 600-fold lower 
than those needed to inhibit human cellular DNA polymerases alpha, beta, and gamma.  Incorporation 
of cidofovir into viral DNA results in reductions in the rate of viral DNA synthesis. 
 
Cidofovir enters cells by fluid-phase endocytosis and is phosphorylated to cidofovir monophosphate 
and subsequently to cidofovir diphosphate.  Prolonged antiviral effects of cidofovir are related to the 
half-lives of its metabolites; cidofovir diphosphate persists inside cells with a half-life of 17-65 hours 
and a cidofovir phosphate-choline adduct has a half-life of 87 hours. 
 
Antiviral activity 
Cidofovir is active in vitro against HCMV, a member of the herpesviridae family.  Antiviral activity is 
seen at concentrations significantly below those which cause cell death. 
 
The in vitro sensitivity to cidofovir is shown in the following table: 
 

Cidofovir inhibition of virus  
multiplication in cell culture 
Virus  IC50 (µM) 
wild-type CMV isolates 
ganciclovir-resistant CMV isolates 
foscarnet-resistant CMV isolates 

 0.7 (± 0.6) 
7.5 (± 4.3) 
0.59 (± 0.07) 

 
In vivo activity against HCMV was confirmed with controlled clinical studies of cidofovir for the 
treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS, which demonstrated statistically significant delays 
in time to CMV retinitis progression for patients on cidofovir when compared to control patients.  The 
median times to retinitis progression in the two efficacy studies (GS-93-106 and GS-93-105), were 
120 days and not reached for the treatment arms vs. 22 days and 21 days for the untreated (deferred 
treatment) arms, respectively. 
 
In study GS-93-107 conducted in patients who had relapsed after treatment with other agents, the 
median time to retinitis progression was 115 days. 
 
Viral resistance 
Following in vitro selection of ganciclovir-resistant HCMV isolates, cross-resistance between 
ganciclovir and cidofovir was seen with ganciclovir-selected mutations in the HCMV DNA 
polymerase gene but not with mutations in the UL97 gene.  No cross-resistance between foscarnet and 

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cidofovir was seen with foscarnet-selected mutants.  Cidofovir-selected mutants had a mutation in the 
DNA polymerase gene and were cross-resistant to ganciclovir, but susceptible to foscarnet. 
 
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
The major route of elimination of cidofovir was by renal excretion of unchanged drug by a 
combination of glomerular filtration and tubular secretion.  In patients with normal renal function, 80 
to 100% of the intravenous dose was recovered in the urine over 24 hours as unchanged cidofovir.  No 
metabolites of cidofovir have been detected in serum or urine of patients. 
 
At the end of a one-hour infusion of cidofovir 5 mg/kg administered with concomitant oral 
probenecid, the mean (± SD) serum concentration of cidofovir was 19.6 (± 7.18) µg/ml.  The mean 
values of total serum clearance, volume of distribution at steady-state and terminal elimination half-
life were 138 (± 36) ml/h/kg, 388 (± 125) ml/kg and 2.2 (± 0.5) h, respectively.  Dose-independent 
kinetics were demonstrated with single doses of cidofovir given over the dose range 3 to 7.5 mg/kg. 
 
In vitro protein binding 
In vitro protein binding of cidofovir to plasma or serum protein was 10% or less over the cidofovir 
concentration range 0.25 to 25 µg/ml. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
Preclinical animal studies demonstrated that nephrotoxicity was the major dose-limiting toxicity of 
cidofovir.  Evidence for a nephroprotective effect for probenecid was shown in a 52-week study 
conducted in cynomolgus monkeys administered cidofovir 2.5 mg/kg once weekly intravenously with 
1 g of probenecid given orally. 
 
Carcinogenesis 
In a 26-week intravenous toxicity study, a significant increase in incidence of mammary 
adenocarcinomas was seen in female rats and of Zymbal’s gland carcinomas in male and female rats at 
subtherapeutic plasma levels of cidofovir.  In a separate study, once weekly subcutaneous injections of 
cidofovir for 19 consecutive weeks resulted in mammary adenocarcinomas in female rats at doses as 
low as 0.6 mg/kg/week.  In both studies, tumours were observed within 3 months of dosing.  No 
tumours were observed in cynomolgus monkeys administered cidofovir intravenously once weekly for 
52 weeks at doses up to 2.5 mg/kg/week. 
 
Mutagenicity and reproductive toxicology 
Studies have shown that cidofovir is clastogenic in vitro at 100 µg/ml and is embryotoxic in rats and 
rabbits. 
 
No mutagenic response was elicited by cidofovir at dose levels up to 5 mg/plate, in the presence and 
absence of metabolic activation by rat liver S-9 fraction, in microbial assays involving Salmonella 
typhimurium for base pair substitutions or frameshift mutations (Ames) and Escherichia coli for 
reverse mutations. 
 
An increase in formation of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes was observed in vivo in mice 
receiving a high, toxic intraperitoneal dose of cidofovir (≥ 2,000 mg/kg). 
 
Cidofovir induced chromosomal aberrations in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro without 
metabolic activation (S-9 fraction).  At the 4 cidofovir levels (12.5 to 100 µg/ml) tested, the 
percentage of damaged metaphases and number of aberrations per cell increased in a concentration-
dependent manner. 
 
Male patients should be advised that cidofovir caused reduced testes weight and hypospermia in 
animals.  No adverse effects on fertility or general reproduction were seen following once weekly 
intravenous injections of cidofovir in male rats for 13 consecutive weeks at doses up to 
15 mg/kg/week.  Female rats dosed intravenously once weekly at 1.2 mg/kg/week or higher for up to 

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6 weeks prior to mating and for 2 weeks post mating had decreased litter sizes and live births per litter 
and increased early resorptions per litter.  Peri- and post-natal development studies in which female 
rats received subcutaneous injections of cidofovir once daily at doses up to 1.0 mg/kg/day from day 7 
of gestation through day 21 postpartum (approximately 5 weeks) resulted in no adverse effects on 
viability, growth, behaviour, sexual maturation or reproductive capacity in the offspring.  Daily 
intravenous administration of cidofovir during the period of organogenesis led to reduced fetal body 
weights when administered to pregnant rats at 1.5 mg/kg/day and to pregnant rabbits at 1.0 mg/kg/day.  
A significantly increased foetal incidence of external, soft tissue and skeletal anomalies occurred in 
rabbits at 1.0 mg/kg/day, which was also maternally toxic.  The no-observable-effect doses for 
embryotoxicity were 0.5 mg/kg/day in rats and 0.25 mg/kg/day in rabbits. 
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Sodium hydroxide 
Hydrochloric acid 
Water for injections 
 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
This medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products or diluents except those 
mentioned in section 6.6. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
 
3 years. 
 
From a microbiological point of view, the product must be used immediately. 
 
Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for up to 24 hours at 2 - 8ºC when 
dilution is performed under controlled and validated aseptic conditions.  Storage beyond 24 hours or 
freezing is not recommended.  Refrigerated solutions should be allowed to warm to room temperature 
prior to use. 
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
Do not store above 30°C.  Do not refrigerate or freeze. 
 
For storage conditions of the diluted medicinal product, see section 6.3. 
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container 
 
5 ml clear glass vials with a 5 ml nominal fill volume.  The container/closure components include: 
Type I clear borosilicate glass vials, Teflon faced grey butyl plug stoppers, and aluminium crimp seals 
with a flip off plastic tab.  Each pack contains one 5 ml vial. 
 
Vistide is supplied in single-use vials.  Partially used vials should be discarded. 
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling 
 
Method of preparation and administration 
Vistide vials should be visually inspected for particulate matter and discolouration prior to 
administration. 
 

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With a syringe, transfer under aseptic conditions the appropriate dose of Vistide from the vial to an 
infusion bag containing 100 ml 0.9% (normal) saline solution, and mix thoroughly.  The entire volume 
should be infused intravenously into the patient at a constant rate over a period of 1 hour by use of a 
standard infusion pump.  Vistide should be administered by health care professionals adequately 
experienced in the care of AIDS patients. 
 
The chemical and physical stability of Vistide admixed with saline has been demonstrated in glass 
bottles, in infusion bags composed of either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or ethylene/propylene 
copolymer, and in PVC based vented IV administration sets.  Other types of IV set tubing and infusion 
bags have not been studied. 
 
Compatibility with Ringer’s Solution, Lactated Ringer’s Solution or bacteriostatic infusion fluids has 
not been evaluated. 
 
Handling and disposal 
Adequate precautions including the use of appropriate safety equipment are recommended for the 
preparation, administration and disposal of Vistide.  The preparation of Vistide reconstituted solution 
should be done in a laminar flow biological safety cabinet.  Personnel preparing the reconstituted 
solution should wear surgical gloves, safety glasses and a closed front surgical-type gown with knit 
cuffs.  If Vistide contacts the skin, wash membranes and flush thoroughly with water.  Excess Vistide 
and all other materials used in the admixture preparation and administration should be placed in a 
leak-proof, puncture-proof container for disposal.  Any unused product or waste material should be 
disposed of in accordance with local requirements. 
 
Obtaining probenecid 
Probenecid is not supplied with Vistide and should be obtained via the Marketing Authorisation 
Holder of probenecid.  However, in case of difficulty in obtaining probenecid the local representative 
of the Marketing Authorisation Holder of Vistide should be contacted for information (see also 
sections 4.2 and 4.4). 
 
 
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Gilead Sciences International Limited 
Cambridge 
CB21 6GT 
United Kingdom 
 
 
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/97/037/001 
 
 
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation : 23 April 1997 
Date of last renewal  : 23 April 2007 
 
 
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
 
 
Detailed information on this product is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency 
http://www.ema.europa.eu/. 

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ANNEX II 
 
 

A. MANUFACTURING AUTHORISATION HOLDER RESPONSIBLE FOR 
BATCH RELEASE 

 
B. CONDITIONS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION 

 

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A. MANUFACTURING AUTHORISATION HOLDER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH 
RELEASE 

 
Name and address of the manufacturer responsible for batch release 
 
Gilead Sciences Limited 
IDA Business & Technology Park 
Carrigtohill Co. Cork 
Ireland 
 
 
B. CONDITIONS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION 
 
• CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE IMPOSED ON 

THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (see Annex I: Summary of Product 
Characteristics, section 4.2). 
 
• CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Not applicable. 
 

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14 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX III 
 

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 

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15 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A. LABELLING 
 

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16 
 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 
 
Carton 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Vistide 75 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion 
Cidofovir 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each ml contains 75 mg cidofovir anhydrous.  Each vial contains 375 mg/5 ml cidofovir anhydrous. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Sodium hydroxide 
Hydrochloric acid 
Water for injections 
 
See the package leaflet for further information. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
1 vial 
375 mg/5 ml 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
For intravenous use only. 
Dilute before use. 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the reach and sight of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP  
 
 

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17 
 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Do not store above 30°C.  Do not refrigerate or freeze. 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Gilead Sciences Intl Ltd 
Cambridge 
CB21 6GT 
United Kingdom 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/97/037/001 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
Medicinal product subject to medical prescription. 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Justification for not including Braille accepted. 
 
 

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MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS 
 
Vial 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Vistide 75 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion 
Cidofovir 
For intravenous use only. 
 
 
2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Dilute before use. 
Should not be administered by intraocular injection. 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT 
 
375 mg/5 ml 
 
 
6. OTHER 
 
EU/1/97/037/001 

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19 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 
 

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20 
 

PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER 
 

Vistide 75 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion 
Cidofovir 

 
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine. 
- Keep this leaflet.  You may need to read it again. 
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for you.  Do not pass it on to others.  It may harm them, even 

if their symptoms are the same as yours. 
- If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, 

please tell your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
In this leaflet: 
1. What Vistide is and what it is used for 
2. Before you use Vistide 
3. How to use Vistide 
4. Possible side effects 
5. How to store Vistide 
6. Further information 
 
 
1. What Vistide is and what it is used for 
 
Vistide is used to treat an eye infection called CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS (Acquired 
Immunodeficiency Syndrome).  Vistide will not cure CMV retinitis but may improve your condition 
by delaying progression of the disease. 
 
The safety and efficacy of Vistide has not been demonstrated in diseases other than CMV retinitis in 
patients with AIDS. 
 
Vistide must be administered by a healthcare professional (doctor or nurse) in a hospital setting. 
 
What is CMV retinitis? 
 
CMV retinitis is an eye infection caused by a virus named cytomegalovirus (CMV).  CMV attacks the 
retina of the eye and may cause loss of vision, and eventually lead to blindness.  Patients with AIDS 
are at high risk of developing CMV retinitis or other forms of CMV disease such as colitis (an 
inflammatory bowel disease).  Treatment for CMV retinitis is necessary to reduce the potential for 
blindness. 
 
Vistide is an antiviral medicine which blocks the replication of CMV by interfering with viral DNA 
production. 
 
 
2. Before you use Vistide 
 
Do not use Vistide 
 
• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to cidofovir or any of the other ingredients of Vistide. 
• If you have ever had kidney disease. 
• If you cannot take the medicine probenecid because of a serious allergy to probenecid or 

other sulfa-containing medicines (e.g. sulfamethoxazole). 
 
If any of these apply to you, talk to your doctor.  You are not to be given Vistide. 
 

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Take special care with Vistide 
 
• Kidney damage is the major side effect of Vistide treatment.  To reduce the risk of kidney 

damage, you will receive intravenous fluids (normal saline) before each dose of Vistide and 
probenecid tablets before and after each dose of Vistide (see section 3 below for more 
information).  Your doctor may also instruct you to drink plenty of fluids.  Your doctor will 
monitor your kidney function before each dose of Vistide.  Your treatment with Vistide may be 
stopped by your doctor if changes in kidney function occur. 

 
• Tell your doctor if you have diabetes mellitus.  Vistide should be used with caution in 

diabetic patients due to the potential increased risk of developing low pressure in the eye 
(ocular hypotony). 

 
• During treatment with Vistide you should receive regular follow-up eye examinations for 

possible eye irritation, inflammation or swelling.  If you get pain, redness or itching of the eye 
or changes in your vision, tell your doctor promptly. 

 
• Vistide caused reduced testes weight and low sperm count (hypospermia) in animals.  Although 

not observed in human studies of Vistide, such changes may occur in humans and cause 
infertility.  Men should practice barrier birth control methods during and for 3 months 
after treatment with Vistide. 

 
• Vistide is not used for the treatment of HIV infection.  Vistide will not stop you passing HIV 

infection onto other people so you should continue to take precautions to avoid infecting 
others. 

 
Use in children 
 
Vistide has not been studied in children.  Therefore, this medicine should not be used in children. 
 
Using other medicines 
 
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other 

medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, as these may interact with 
Vistide or probenecid. 

 
It is very important to tell your doctor if you are receiving other medicines that may damage 
your kidneys. 
 
These include: 
• tenofovir containing medicines, used to treat HIV-1 infection and/or chronic hepatitis B 

infection 
• aminoglycosides, pentamidine or vancomycin (for bacterial infections) 
• amphotericin B (for fungal infection) 
• foscarnet (for viral infection) 
• adefovir (for HBV infection) 
 
These medicines must be stopped at least 7 days before taking Vistide. 
 
• Probenecid may interact with other medicines commonly used in the treatment of AIDS and 

AIDS-related illnesses, such as zidovudine (AZT).  If you are taking zidovudine, you should 
discuss with your doctor whether to temporarily stop taking zidovudine or decrease the dose of 
zidovudine by 50% on days when Vistide and probenecid are given. 

 
• The potential for interactions between Vistide and anti-HIV protease inhibitors has not been 

studied. 

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22 
 

 
Using Vistide with food and drink 
 
Food should be taken before you are given Vistide.  Your doctor may instruct you to drink plenty of 
fluids before receiving Vistide. 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding 
 
• You should not be given Vistide if you are pregnant.  If you become pregnant while 

receiving this medication, you must inform your doctor immediately.  Vistide has been shown 
to cause damage in unborn animals and should not be used during pregnancy unless the 
potential benefits justify the risks to the foetus.  If you could get pregnant, you must use an 
effective method of contraception to stop you getting pregnant during treatment with Vistide 
and for 1 month afterwards. 

 
• You should not be given Vistide if you are breast-feeding.  It is not known whether Vistide is 

passed on to the baby in human milk.  Because many medicines are passed through to human 
milk, nursing mothers should stop Vistide or stop breast-feeding if they continue to receive 
Vistide. 

 
• In general, women with HIV should not breast-feed in order to avoid passing HIV to their 

infant through the milk. 
 
Driving and using machines 
 
Vistide may cause short-term side effects such as fatigue or weakness.  If you drive or operate 
machinery, discuss this with your doctor to get their advice about stopping these activities based 
upon your disease and your tolerance of the medicine. 
 
Important information about some of the ingredients of Vistide 
 
This medicine contains 2.5 mmol (or 57 mg) sodium per vial which should be taken into consideration 
if you are on a controlled sodium diet. 
 
 
3. How to use Vistide 
 
Vistide is given by intravenous infusion (a drip into a vein).  It must not be administered by other 
methods including intraocular injection (direct injection into the eye) or topically (on the skin).  
Vistide must be given by a doctor or nurse with appropriate experience in treating people with AIDS. 
 
The doctor or nurse will transfer the appropriate dose of Vistide from the vial to an infusion bag 
containing 100 ml 0.9% (normal) saline solution.  The entire volume of the bag will be infused into 
your vein at a constant rate over a period of 1 hour using a standard infusion pump.  The 
recommended dose, frequency of use, or rate of infusion must not be exceeded.  At the end of this 
leaflet, there is further information for healthcare professionals on how to administer Vistide. 
 
To lower the risk of kidney damage, probenecid tablets and intravenous fluids (saline solution) 
must be given on the day of each Vistide infusion.  (See sub-sections “How to take probenecid with 
Vistide” and “How IV fluids are given before Vistide” below.) 
 

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23 
 

Dose in adults 
 
The dose you will need is calculated based on your body weight. 
 
Starting (induction) treatment 
The recommended dose of Vistide in patients with normal kidney function is 5 mg per kg of body 
weight given once weekly for two consecutive weeks. 
 
Maintenance treatment 
Beginning two weeks after completion of induction treatment, the recommended maintenance dose of 
Vistide in patients with normal kidney function is 5 mg per kg of body weight given once every two 
weeks. 
 
Dose adjustment 
If you have kidney problems, Vistide may not be appropriate treatment for you.  Samples of your 
urine and/or blood will be taken before each infusion of Vistide and used for testing kidney function.  
For patients with evidence of decreased kidney function, your Vistide dose may be interrupted or 
stopped depending on your individual case. 
 
If you have accidentally been given more Vistide than prescribed for you, tell your doctor 
immediately. 
 
How to take probenecid with Vistide 
 
Probenecid tablets are given to lower the risk of kidney damage.  You must take 3 doses of 
probenecid tablets orally on the same day as Vistide as shown in the following table: 
 

Time Dose 
3 hours before start of Vistide infusion 2 g probenecid 
2 hours after end of Vistide infusion 1 g probenecid 
8 hours after end of Vistide infusion 1 g probenecid 
Total 4 g probenecid 
 
Probenecid is only taken on the same day that Vistide is given. 
 
How IV fluids are given before Vistide 
 
Normal saline is given to lower the risk of kidney damage.  You should receive a total of one litre 
of 0.9% (normal) saline solution intravenously (as a drip into a vein) before each Vistide dose.  The 
saline solution should be infused over a 1 hour period immediately before the Vistide infusion.  If you 
can tolerate the additional fluid load, your doctor may administer a second litre of fluid.  If 
administered, the second litre of saline should be given either at the start of the Vistide infusion or 
immediately afterwards, and infused over a 1 to 3 hour period.  Your doctor may also tell you to drink 
plenty of fluids. 
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 
4. Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, Vistide can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 
 
These side effects usually disappear when treatment with Vistide is stopped.  If any of the side effects 
gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or 
pharmacist immediately. 
 

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The most common side effect observed with Vistide is damage to the kidneys. 
 
Very common side effects 
(These can affect more than 1 user in 10) 
• low white blood cell counts, headache, nausea, vomiting, protein in the urine, increase in blood 

creatinine (a measure of kidney function), hair loss, rash, weakness/fatigue and fever. 
 
Common side effects 
(These can affect 1 to 10 users in 100) 
• inflammation of the eye, reduced pressure in the eyes, difficult or laboured breathing, shortness 

of breath, diarrhoea and chills. 
 
Any pain, redness or itching of the eye or changes in your vision should be promptly reported to 
your doctor so that your treatment can be reviewed. 
 
Additional reactions reported from post-marketing experience include kidney failure, damage to 
kidney tubule cells, inflammation of the pancreas and hearing impairment. 
 
Possible side effects of taking probenecid 
 
Very common side effects possibly related to probenecid 
(These can affect more than 1 user in 10) 
• nausea, vomiting, rash and fever. 
 
Common side effects possibly related to probenecid 
(These can affect 1 to 10 users in 100) 
• headache, weakness/fatigue, chills and allergic reactions. 
 
To reduce the risk of nausea and/or vomiting associated with taking probenecid, you should eat food 
before each dose.  Your doctor might instruct you to take other medicines such as anti-emetics (anti 
sickness medicines), antihistamines and/or paracetamol to decrease the side effects of probenecid. 
 
Probenecid may also cause other side effects including loss of appetite, sore gums, flushing, hair loss, 
dizziness, reduced red blood cell count and increased frequency of passing water (urinating).  Allergic 
reactions, with skin inflammation, itching, hives and, rarely, severe allergic reactions, and serious skin 
reaction have occurred.  There have been reports of reduced white blood counts, liver toxicity, kidney 
toxicity and destruction of red blood cells.  Reductions in blood cell and platelet counts have also 
occurred. 
 
Therefore before giving you probenecid your doctor should consult the current prescribing information 
regarding the safety of probenecid.  You should also read the probenecid package leaflet. 
 
 
5. How to store Vistide 
 
Keep out of the reach and sight of children. 
 
Do not use Vistide after the expiry date which is stated on the label. 
 
Do not store above 30°C.  Do not refrigerate or freeze. 
 
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.  Ask your pharmacist how to 
dispose of medicines no longer required.  These measures will help to protect the environment. 
 
 

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25 
 

6. Further information 
 
What Vistide contains 
 
The active substance of Vistide 75 mg/ml is cidofovir.  Each ml contains 75 mg cidofovir 
anhydrous.  Each vial contains 375 mg/5 ml cidofovir anhydrous. 
 
The other ingredients are 
• Sodium hydroxide 
• Hydrochloric acid 
• Water for injections 
 
What Vistide looks like and contents of the pack 
 
Vistide is supplied as a sterile concentrate for solution for infusion in clear, glass vials containing 
375 mg of the active ingredient, anhydrous cidofovir, formulated in 5 ml water for injections at a 
concentration of 75 mg/ml.  The formulation is pH-adjusted with sodium hydroxide (and hydrochloric 
acid if needed) and contains no preservatives. 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder 
Gilead Sciences International Limited 
Cambridge 
CB21 6GT 
United Kingdom 
 
Manufacturer 
Gilead Sciences Limited 
IDA Business & Technology Park 
Carrigtohill Co. Cork 
Ireland 
 
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder. 
 
België/Belgique/Belgien 
Gilead Sciences Belgium BVBA 
Tél/Tel: + 32 (0) 24 01 35 79 
 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 
Gilead Sciences Belgium BVBA 
Tél/Tel: + 32 (0) 24 01 35 79 
 

България 
Gilead Sciences International Ltd 
Тел.: + 44 (0) 20 7136 8820 
 

Magyarország 
Gilead Sciences International Ltd 
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7136 8820 
 

Česká republika 
Gilead Sciences International Ltd 
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7136 8820 
 

Malta 
Gilead Sciences International Ltd 
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7136 8820 
 

Danmark 
Gilead Sciences Sweden AB 
Tlf: + 46 (0) 8 5057 1849 
 

Nederland 
Gilead Sciences Netherlands B.V. 
Tel: + 31 (0) 20 718 3698 
 

Deutschland 
Gilead Sciences GmbH 
Tel: + 49 (0) 89 899890-0 
 

Norge 
Gilead Sciences Sweden AB 
Tlf: + 46 (0) 8 5057 1849 
 

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26 
 

Eesti 
Gilead Sciences Sweden AB 
Tel: + 46 (0) 8 5057 1849 
 

Österreich 
Gilead Sciences GesmbH 
Tel: + 43 1 260 830 
 

Ελλάδα 
Gilead Sciences Ελλάς Μ.ΕΠΕ. 
Τηλ: + 30 210 8930 100 
 

Polska 
Gilead Sciences Poland Sp. z o. o. 
Tel: + 48 22 262 8702 
 

España 
Gilead Sciences, S.L. 
Tel: + 34 91 378 98 30 
 

Portugal 
Gilead Sciences, Lda. 
Tel: + 351 21 7928790 
 

France 
Gilead Sciences 
Tél: + 33 (0) 1 46 09 41 00 
 

România 
Gilead Sciences International Ltd 
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7136 8820 
 

Ireland 
Gilead Sciences Ltd 
Tel: + 44 (0) 1223 897555 
 

Slovenija 
Gilead Sciences International Ltd 
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7136 8820 
 

Ísland 
Gilead Sciences Sweden AB 
Sími: + 46 (0) 8 5057 1849 
 

Slovenská republika 
Gilead Sciences International Ltd 
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7136 8820 
 

Italia 
Gilead Sciences S.r.l. 
Tel: + 39 02 439201 
 

Suomi/Finland 
Gilead Sciences Sweden AB 
Puh/Tel: + 46 (0) 8 5057 1849 
 

Κύπρος 
Gilead Sciences Ελλάς Μ.ΕΠΕ. 
Τηλ: + 30 210 8930 100 
 

Sverige 
Gilead Sciences Sweden AB 
Tel: + 46 (0) 8 5057 1849 
 

Latvija 
Gilead Sciences Sweden AB 
Tel: + 46 (0) 8 5057 1849 
 

United Kingdom 
Gilead Sciences Ltd 
Tel: + 44 (0) 1223 897555 
 

Lietuva 
Gilead Sciences Sweden AB 
Tel: + 46 (0) 8 5057 1849 
 

 

 
 
This leaflet was last approved in  
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu/. 
 
 
The following information is intended for medical or healthcare professionals only: 
 
Vistide vials should be inspected visually prior to use.  If visible particles or discolouration are 
observed, the vial should not be used. 
 
Adequate precautions including the use of appropriate safety equipment are recommended for the 
preparation, administration and disposal of Vistide.  The preparation of Vistide diluted solution should 
be done in a laminar flow biological safety cabinet.  Personnel preparing the solution should wear 

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27 
 

surgical gloves, safety glasses and a closed front surgical-type gown with knit cuffs.  If Vistide 
contacts the skin, wash membranes and flush thoroughly with water. 
 
The appropriate dose of Vistide should be transferred from the vial to an infusion bag containing 
100 ml 0.9% (normal) saline solution.  The entire volume of the bag should be infused into the 
patient’s vein at a constant rate over a period of 1 hour using a standard infusion pump.  The 
recommended dose, frequency of use, or rate of infusion must not be exceeded. 
 
The chemical stability of Vistide mixed in saline solution has been demonstrated in glass bottles, in 
infusion bags composed of either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composition or ethylene/propylene 
copolymer, and in PVC based vented IV administration sets.  Other types of IV set tubing and infusion 
bags have not been studied. 
 
Compatibility of Vistide with Ringer’s Solution, Lactated Ringer’s Solution or bacteriostatic infusion 
fluids has not been evaluated. 
 
From a microbiological point of view, the product must be used immediately. 
 
Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for up to 24 hours at 2 - 8ºC when 
dilution is performed under controlled and validated aseptic conditions.  Storage beyond 24 hours 
or freezing is not recommended.  Refrigerated infusion bags should be allowed to warm to room 
temperature prior to use. 
 
Vistide is supplied in single-use vials.  Partially used vials must be discarded. 
 

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	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	 A. MANUFACTURING AUTHORISATION HOLDER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET