GENERIC NAME: VALGANCICLOVIR- ORAL (val-gan-SIGH-klow-veer)

BRAND NAME(S): Valcyte

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: This drug is changed in the body to its active form (ganciclovir), which may cause severe blood side effects (e.g., low platelets, low blood cell counts). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop unusual fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, or signs of an infection such as persistent fever or sore throat.

USES: Valganciclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat people with immune system problems (e.g., AIDS) who have a serious eye infection (cytomegalovirus or "CMV" retinitis). Valganciclovir is also used to prevent CMV disease in certain transplant patients (i.e., kidney/pancreas, heart, kidney). However, it is not effective in preventing CMV disease in liver transplant patients. This medication is not a cure for CMV retinitis.

HOW TO USE: This medication is taken by mouth usually once or twice daily with food, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage and frequency is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew this drug. Avoid skin or eye contact with any powder from broken or crushed doses because it may be harmful. Should skin contact with any of the powder occur, wash with plenty of soap and water. If eye contact occurs, rinse the eyes well with water. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed, or stop taking it (or other HIV-related medicine), even for a brief time, unless directed to do so by your doctor. This may cause the amount of virus to increase, may make the virus more difficult to treat, or may cause side effects to worsen. This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: stomach pain, fever, easy bleeding or bruising, persistent sore throat, chills, unusual weakness and fatigue, tingling or numbness of the hands or feet. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe bleeding, loss of vision, change in amount of urine, seizures, mental/mood changes, unusual or severe swelling. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.