valganciclovir

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

Use birth control to prevent pregnancy, whether you are a man or a woman. Valganciclovir use by either parent may cause birth defects. A man taking valganciclovir should use a condom during treatment, and for at least 90 days after treatment ends.

Valganciclovir (Valcyte) and ganciclovir (Cytovene) must never be taken together.

What is valganciclovir?

Valganciclovir is an antiviral drug. It works by preventing viral cells from multiplying in your body.

Valganciclovir is used in adults to prevent infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) that may occur after an organ transplant (heart, kidney, or pancreas). Valganciclovir is also used to treat CMV infection of the eye in adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Valganciclovir is used in children at least 4 months old to prevent CMV infection after a kidney transplant. Valganciclovir is also used in children at least 1 month old to prevent CMV disease after a heart transplant.

Valganciclovir will not cure CMV but it can help control the infection. Valganciclovir is not for treating CMV that a baby is born with.

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?

Valganciclovir (Valcyte) and ganciclovir (Cytovene) must never be taken together.

To make sure valganciclovir is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• a blood cell disorder (such as anemia or low levels of platelets in your blood); or
• if you are receiving radiation treatment or drugs that weaken your immune system (such as cancer medicine or steroids).

HIV can be passed to your baby if you are not properly treated during pregnancy. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection. Valganciclovir will not prevent congenital (inherited) CMV in a newborn baby.

If a man fathers a child while using valganciclovir, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 90 days after you stop using valganciclovir.

This medication can affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman.

How should I take valganciclovir?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Valganciclovir tablets are for adults or children, but valganciclovir liquid is only for children. Adults should not use the oral solution or the dose may not be correct.

While using valganciclovir, you may need frequent blood tests.

You should have your eyes checked at least every 4 to 6 weeks while you are using valganciclovir. Your doctor may want you to have eye exams more often.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include urinating less than usual or not at all, swelling, weight gain, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, signs of infection (fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms), or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

What should I avoid while taking valganciclovir?

Taking this medicine will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people. Do not have unprotected sex or share razors or toothbrushes. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to prevent HIV transmission during sex. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury.

What are the possible side effects of valganciclovir?

• sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, cold or flu symptoms;
• painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, red or swollen gums;
• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum); or
• feeling light-headed or short of breath, chest discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack, rapid weight loss.

• a seizure (convulsions);
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• pain or swelling near your transplanted organ; or
• kidney problems --little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath.

Kidney problems may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• fever or other signs of infection;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• headache;
• tremors, loss of balance or coordination;
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat; or
• high blood pressure --severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, confusion, severe chest pain, irregular heartbeats.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect valganciclovir?

Valganciclovir can harm your kidneys. This effect is increased when you also use certain other medicines, including: antivirals, chemotherapy, injected antibiotics, medicine for bowel disorders, medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection, injectable osteoporosis medication, and some pain or arthritis medicines (including aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve).

Other drugs may interact with valganciclovir, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?/

Your pharmacist can provide more information about valganciclovir.