Valganciclovir

 
Generic Name: valganciclovir

Brands: Valcyte

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What is the most important information I should know about Valganciclovir?

· Take all of the Valganciclovir that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

· Take Valganciclovir with food to increase its absorption by the body.

· Valganciclovir may cause serious birth defects in children of both men and women. Women must use an effective form of birth control, and men must wear a condom during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Men should continue to use condoms for at least 90 days following treatment to prevent pregnancy.

· Treatment with Valganciclovir has been associated with severely low levels of red and white blood cells and platelets. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood with blood tests during treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience paleness, fatigue, unusual bruising or bleeding, or fever or other signs of infection.

· Valganciclovir has been associated with dizziness, confusion, weakness, and seizures. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. If you experience any of these side effects, avoid these activities.

 

What is Valganciclovir?

· Valganciclovir is an antiviral drug. After taking Valganciclovir, it is converted in the body to ganciclovir. Ganciclovir (also available as Cytovene) slows the growth and spread of the cytomegalovirus.

· Valganciclovir is used to treat and prevent infections caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Valganciclovir is also used to prevent CMV infection in kidney, heart, and kidney-pancreas transplant patients at high risk of infection.

· Valganciclovir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Valganciclovir?

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment with Valganciclovir.

· Valganciclovir is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Valganciclovir will be harmful to an unborn baby. Valganciclovir has caused birth defects in animals, and it is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy. Both men and women must use birth control while taking Valganciclovir. Men should continue to use condoms for at least 90 days following treatment to prevent pregnancy.

· It is not known whether Valganciclovir passes into breast milk. Generally, breast-feeding should be avoided during and immediately following treatment with Valganciclovir. Do not take Valganciclovir without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Valganciclovir?

· Take Valganciclovir exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Take each dose with food to increase the absorption of the drug by the body.

· Take all of the Valganciclovir that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

· Strictly follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Valganciclovir tablets cannot be substituted for ganciclovir (Cytovene) capsules on a one-to one basis.

· Valganciclovir tablets should not be broken or crushed. Since Valganciclovir may cause cancer, avoid direct contact of broken or crushed tablets with skin or mucous membranes. If skin contact occurs, thoroughly wash with soap and water and rinse the eyes thoroughly with plain water.

· It is important to take Valganciclovir regularly to get the most benefit.

· Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Valganciclovir to monitor progress and side effects.

· Store Valganciclovir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a Valganciclovir overdose may include tremors, convulsions, seizures, diarrhea, kidney damage (decreased urine production, blood in the urine), liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain), and bone marrow damage (paleness, increased chance of infection, fever and chills).

 

What should I avoid while taking Valganciclovir?

· If you have AIDS, follow your doctor's instructions with respect to high-risk activities such as unprotected sex and the sharing of needles.

· Valganciclovir may cause serious birth defects in children of both men and women. Women must use an effective form of birth control, and men must wear a condom during sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Men should continue to use condoms for at least 90 days following treatment to prevent pregnancy.

· Valganciclovir has been associated with dizziness, confusion, weakness, and seizures. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. If you experience any of these side effects, avoid these activities.

 

What are the possible side effects of Valganciclovir?

· Stop taking Valganciclovir and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·numbness or tingling in a part of the body;     ·seizures; or     ·hallucinations, confusion, or agitation.

· Treatment with Valganciclovir has been associated with severely low levels of red and white blood cells and platelets. Your doctor may want to monitor your blood with blood tests during treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience paleness, fatigue, unusual bruising or bleeding, or fever or other signs of infection.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Valganciclovir and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain;     ·diarrhea;     ·dizziness;     ·weakness;     ·headache; or     ·insomnia.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Valganciclovir?

· Before taking Valganciclovir, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:     ·zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT);     ·didanosine (Videx); or     ·probenecid (Benemid).

· You may not be able to take Valganciclovir, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Valganciclovir. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?/

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Valganciclovir written for health professionals that you may read.