Foscarnet Sodium 24mg/mL Injection — Antiviral for CMV Retinitis and Acyclovir-Resistant HSV Infections
Scarnet® (Foscarnet Sodium) — Antiviral Therapy for CMV and Resistant HSV Infections
A Sourcing Guide for Hospitals and Infectious Disease Centres
Scarnet® (Foscarnet Sodium) is a pyrophosphate analogue antiviral agent indicated, according to its approved prescribing information, for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS, and for acyclovir-resistant mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in immunocompromised patients. As with all antiviral therapies, the decision to prescribe Scarnet, including treatment duration and monitoring, rests entirely with the treating physician, in accordance with the approved label. This page provides sourcing and procurement information for hospitals and pharmacies, not clinical or treatment guidance.
As both a trusted medicine distributor in Delhi and a licensed pharmaceutical distributor in Delhi, A.K. Pharma supplies genuine Scarnet (Foscarnet Sodium) 24mg/mL to hospitals, infectious disease centres, and pharmacies across India, manufactured by Mediclone Healthcare Pvt Ltd.
Scarnet contains Foscarnet Sodium, an inorganic pyrophosphate analogue that acts as a direct inhibitor of viral DNA polymerase, distinguishing it mechanistically from many other antiviral agents.
How Foscarnet Differs From Other Antivirals:
According to published virology and pharmacology literature, many commonly used antiviral agents, such as acyclovir and ganciclovir, are nucleoside analogues that require intracellular activation by viral or cellular kinases before they can inhibit viral DNA polymerase. Resistance to these agents frequently arises through mutations in the viral kinase responsible for this activation step, rendering the drug ineffective even though the target polymerase itself may remain susceptible.
Foscarnet’s Mechanism: Foscarnet does not require this activation step. According to the manufacturer’s prescribing information, it directly binds to the pyrophosphate-binding site on viral DNA polymerase, blocking the enzyme without needing prior phosphorylation. This is precisely why Foscarnet retains activity against many acyclovir-resistant HSV strains and ganciclovir-resistant CMV strains — since resistance to those agents typically arises from kinase mutations that do not affect Foscarnet’s distinct, kinase-independent mechanism of action.
Full prescribing information is available at the FDA label for Foscarnet Sodium, with additional background on CMV and HSV infection management available via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Foundational CMV Retinitis Trials (Foscarnet in AIDS-Related CMV Retinitis)
Published in early clinical development literature supporting its original approval, foundational trials established Foscarnet’s efficacy in controlling CMV retinitis progression in patients with AIDS, at a time when treatment options for this sight-threatening complication were limited. These trials formed the basis for its regulatory approval and its continued relevance in cases involving ganciclovir resistance or intolerance.
Studies in Acyclovir-Resistant HSV Infections
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine and subsequent clinical literature, studies in immunocompromised patients (including those with HIV/AIDS) established Foscarnet’s efficacy against acyclovir-resistant mucocutaneous HSV infections, providing an important treatment option for a population with few alternatives at the time given the kinase-independent resistance profile distinguishing Foscarnet from nucleoside analogues.
For broader clinical guidance on antiviral management in immunocompromised patients, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) publishes ongoing treatment guidelines.
Scarnet is available as:
| Presentation | Strength | Pack Size |
|---|---|---|
| Scarnet Injection | 24mg/mL | 250mL glass bottle (6000mg total) |
Dosing regimen, including induction and maintenance phase schedules, is determined by the prescribing physician based on the specific indication, renal function, and body weight, in accordance with the approved prescribing information.
CMV Retinitis in Patients With AIDS:
Acyclovir-Resistant Mucocutaneous HSV Infections:
For detailed indication information refer to MedlinePlus Foscarnet.
Effective Against Resistant Viral Strains
Foscarnet’s kinase-independent mechanism provides a treatment option for CMV and HSV infections that have developed resistance to first-line nucleoside analogue antivirals, addressing a population with otherwise limited options.
Established Role in AIDS-Related CMV Retinitis
Foscarnet has a long-established clinical history in managing CMV retinitis, particularly valuable when ganciclovir-based therapy is not suitable due to resistance or haematological toxicity.
Distinct Resistance Profile
Because Foscarnet’s mechanism differs fundamentally from nucleoside analogues, cross-resistance between Foscarnet and drugs like acyclovir or ganciclovir is uncommon, making it a valuable option in sequential or salvage antiviral therapy.
Dosing of Scarnet is determined by the prescribing physician according to the approved label and the specific indication. General administration information from the manufacturer’s prescribing information includes:
Monitoring (per manufacturer prescribing information):
Full dosing guidelines are available in the manufacturer’s official prescribing information and should always be followed exactly as directed by the treating physician.
Scarnet is prescribed by infectious disease specialists, ophthalmologists, and physicians managing immunocompromised patients for:
Scarnet is prescribed in hospital settings with capacity for close renal function and electrolyte monitoring throughout treatment. A.K. Pharma supplies Scarnet to hospitals and infectious disease centres across Delhi and India.
Common side effects reported in clinical literature include nausea, fever, injection site reactions, and electrolyte disturbances.
Serious side effects include:
Nephrotoxicity: Foscarnet is well recognised to carry a significant risk of renal impairment; regular renal function monitoring and adequate hydration are required throughout treatment, per the approved prescribing information, with dose adjustment based on renal function.
Electrolyte Disturbances: Abnormalities in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphate levels have been reported, which can in some cases contribute to seizure risk; regular electrolyte monitoring is recommended per the approved label.
Seizures: Associated with electrolyte disturbances or the medicine itself in some cases; close monitoring is recommended, particularly in patients with risk factors.
Haematological Effects: Anaemia and other blood count abnormalities have been reported; complete blood count monitoring is recommended per the approved prescribing information.
Genital Ulceration: Local irritation and ulceration at the genital area has been reported, related to the concentration of Foscarnet excreted in urine; adequate hydration and hygiene measures are addressed in the approved label.
Full side effect information is available at FDA Foscarnet Safety Information.
As a responsible medicine distributor in Delhi, A.K. Pharma stores all antiviral medicines including Scarnet under manufacturer-recommended conditions ensuring product integrity for every supply.
Scarnet (Foscarnet Sodium) is manufactured by Mediclone Healthcare Pvt Ltd, an Indian pharmaceutical company. Foscarnet Sodium is the same active ingredient as the internationally recognised Foscavir, providing accessible access for Indian hospitals and patients requiring this antiviral therapy. A.K. Pharma supplies only genuine Scarnet sourced from authorised distributors.
Q. What is Scarnet used for?
Scarnet (Foscarnet Sodium) is used to treat CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS and acyclovir-resistant mucocutaneous HSV infections in immunocompromised patients.
Q. What is the generic name of Scarnet?
The generic name of Scarnet is Foscarnet Sodium, manufactured in India by Mediclone Healthcare Pvt Ltd, and equivalent to the internationally recognised Foscavir.
Q. Why is Foscarnet used when other antivirals like acyclovir don’t work?
Foscarnet works through a different mechanism than nucleoside analogue antivirals like acyclovir and ganciclovir — it does not require activation by viral kinases, which is often the point of resistance for those drugs. This allows Foscarnet to remain active against many acyclovir-resistant HSV and ganciclovir-resistant CMV strains.
Q. Why does Foscarnet require close monitoring during treatment?
Foscarnet carries a well-documented risk of kidney impairment and electrolyte disturbances, which is why regular renal function tests, electrolyte monitoring, and adequate hydration are required throughout treatment, per the approved prescribing information.
Q. Is Scarnet available in India?
Scarnet can be supplied to hospitals and infectious disease centres across India through licensed pharmaceutical distributors. Contact A.K. Pharma — medicine distributor in Delhi and pharmaceutical distributor in Delhi — for availability and pricing.
Q. What is the price of Scarnet in India?
Scarnet price in India varies by order quantity. Contact A.K. Pharma at 011 4172 6999 or WhatsApp +91 9810034827 for current pricing and bulk supply rates.
Q. How to order Scarnet from A.K. Pharma?
You can request a quote directly from this page, call us at 011 4172 6999, or WhatsApp us at +91 9810034827 with your requirements and we will respond promptly.
Q. Does A.K. Pharma supply Scarnet in bulk?
Yes. A.K. Pharma supplies Scarnet in bulk to hospitals and infectious disease centres across Delhi and India.
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📞 011 4172 6999
📱 WhatsApp: +91 9810034827
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Disclaimer: This page is intended for informational and sourcing/procurement purposes only and does not constitute medical or clinical advice. All treatment decisions, including drug selection and dosing, should be made by a qualified healthcare professional in accordance with the approved prescribing information. A.K. Pharma is a licensed medicine distributor and does not provide clinical guidance.
