Valganciclovir



Valcyte™







Valganciclovir

(val gan SYE kloh veer)

U.S. Brand Names
Valcyte™
Canadian Brand Names
Valcyte™
Pharmacologic Category
Antiviral Agent
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • You can develop anemia, low platelet counts, or low white blood cell counts. Change in dose or even stopping the medicine may be needed if you have any of these side effects.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not take ganciclovir while taking this medicine.
  • If you have an allergy to valganciclovir, acyclovir, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Anemic or have a low blood cell count.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a viral infection.
How does it work?
  • Valganciclovir works to injure the virus and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with food.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible, with a meal.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • To protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, use a latex condom.
  • Use birth control that you can trust during treatment and for 90 days after treatment ends.
  • If you are a male and sexually active, protect your partner from pregnancy during treatment and for 90 days after treatment ends. Use birth control that you can trust.
  • Breast-feeding is not recommended in HIV disease.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Anemia and low platelet count.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Inability to sleep.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Have a yearly eye exam.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Numbness or tingling of hands or feet.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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