Things You'll Need:
- Kampo
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Step 1
Modify the treatment regimen to fit the risk factor profile of the patient. Although researchers have developed new approaches to the management of CMV, some of these anti-viral agents cause organ toxicity. Weigh the benefit and the risk to the patient.
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Step 2
Treat diseases that make the body susceptible to cytomegalovirus. Patients with HIV comprise one group vulnerable to this virus. The HIV virus can weaken the body to the point that normal immune defenses can't keep the cytomegalovirus in check.
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Step 3
Take anti-viral medications for CMV retinitis. This complication occurs when cytomegalovirus infects the retina of the eye, which can cause blindness. Two drugs used for CMV retinitis include gancyclovir and foscarnet.
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Step 4
Consider taking part in a clinical trial investigating new ways of treating cytomegalovirus. Researchers are evaluating valaciclovir and valgancyclovir. You must receive a referral from a doctor to enroll in a clinical trial.
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Step 5
Ask the doctor if you belong to an at risk group of patients that benefit from taking gancyclovir for subclinical CMV infections. Patients with positive CMV markers but no evidence of disease can sometimes benefit from this anti-viral, including some organ transplant patients.
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Step 6
Complement your standard CMV treatments with Kampo, a Japanese herbal medicine. Research demonstrated that three different Kampo preparations, derived from multiple herbs, decreased the growth of CMV without affecting healthy cells.
