Foscarnet  (Foscavir) 

Foscarnet is an alternative to ganciclovir and valganciclovir for treatment of CMV infection. It is approved for use in CMV retinitis, including progressive disease due to ganciclovir-resistant strains, and for treatment of acyclovir-resistant HSV or VZV infections. Foscarnet is more costly and generally less well tolerated than ganciclovir, and needs controlled infusion rates and large volumes of fluid. In allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients who develop CMV infection, treatment with foscarnet is as effective as IV ganciclovir and causes less hematologic toxicity.