Foscarnet Availability
Foscarnet is an FDA-approved antiviral medication that is commercially available in most developed countries, including the United States, Canada, Europe, and many other regions worldwide. 1
Global Availability Status
Foscarnet is licensed and distributed by pharmaceutical manufacturers internationally and has been in clinical use since the early 1990s for treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections and acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus infections. 2, 3
The medication is available as an intravenous formulation only, as oral bioavailability is extremely poor (12-22%), making IV administration the only viable route. 2
In the United States, foscarnet is FDA-approved and available through hospital pharmacies and specialty infusion centers, though it requires intravenous administration and is not typically stocked in retail pharmacies. 1
Practical Access Considerations
Hospital-based availability is standard since foscarnet requires IV infusion over 1-2 hours with mandatory hydration protocols and close monitoring for nephrotoxicity and electrolyte disturbances. 1, 4, 5
Outpatient infusion centers can provide foscarnet therapy for maintenance regimens, though this requires coordination with specialty pharmacies and home health services. 1
Insurance authorization is typically required given the high cost (approximately $27,960-$36,770 annually for maintenance therapy), and prior authorization usually necessitates documentation of ganciclovir resistance, intolerance, or contraindication. 1
Regional Variations
Developed healthcare systems (US, Canada, EU, Australia, Japan) maintain consistent access through hospital formularies and specialty pharmacies. 1
Resource-limited settings may have restricted access due to cost, cold-chain storage requirements, and the need for intensive monitoring infrastructure (twice-weekly creatinine and electrolyte monitoring). 1, 4
Clinical Access Pathway
Contact your hospital pharmacy to confirm formulary status and ordering procedures, as foscarnet is typically a non-formulary or restricted medication requiring infectious disease consultation. 1
Verify insurance coverage before initiating therapy, as the medication requires pre-authorization in most insurance plans due to high cost and specialized monitoring requirements. 1
Ensure monitoring capabilities are in place, including twice-weekly laboratory access for serum creatinine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus levels throughout therapy. 4, 5