VALGANCICLOVIR- ORAL

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VALGANCICLOVIR- ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (val-gan-SIGH-klow-veer)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Valcyte

GENERIC NAME(S): valganciclovir HCl

Uses

USES: Valganciclovir is an anti-viral drug. It is changed in the body to the active form of the drug called ganciclovir. It is used to prevent disease caused by a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) in people who have received organ transplants. CMV disease can lead to serious infections in the body, including an infection in the eye, called CMV retinitis, that can cause blindness. Valganciclovir works by slowing the growth of the CMV virus. It helps prevent the spread of infection to other areas of the body. Valganciclovir is also used to treat CMV retinitis in people with advanced HIV disease (AIDS). This medication helps control CMV retinitis and decrease the risk of blindness. Valganciclovir is not a cure for CMV disease. Some people may have worsening CMV retinitis even with treatment. Therefore, it is important to have your eyes checked regularly by your doctor.


How to use VALGANCICLOVIR- ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking valganciclovir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with food, usually 1 to 2 times a day or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or break the tablets. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using the special measuring device provided. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Wash your hands well after handling this drug. Avoid contact with broken/crushed tablets and the liquid form of this medication on your skin, in your mucous membranes and eyes, and avoid breathing in the dust from the tablets. If contact should occur, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If this medication gets in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with plain water. The dosage and length of treatment is based on your medical condition (especially kidney function). In children, the dosage is also based on their body size. The doctor should keep track of your child's height and weight to make sure that the dose is right for them. 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. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or stop taking it even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Changing or skipping your dose without approval from your doctor may increase the risk of side effects or make the infection worse. Do not take ganciclovir instead of valganciclovir on your own without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The effects and the dosages of ganciclovir and valganciclovir are not equal. Keep all medical and laboratory appointments. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens (such as worsening vision).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, or shaking (tremors) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking valganciclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to ganciclovir or acyclovir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems (such as kidney dialysis), a low number of blood cells (red or white blood cells, platelets), radiation treatment. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. Older adults may be at greater risk for kidney problems while using this drug. Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Women of child-bearing age should have a pregnancy test before starting this medication. To prevent pregnancy, men with female partners should always use effective barrier protection (such as latex or polyurethane condoms) during all sexual activity during treatment and for at least 90 days after stopping the medication. Women of child-bearing age who are taking valganciclovir should use reliable forms of birth control (such as birth control pills and condoms) during treatment and for at least 30 days after stopping the medication. Consult your doctor for more details. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. If you have HIV, do not breast-feed because breast milk can transmit HIV.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: didanosine, imipenem/cilastatin. You may be taking other drugs that decrease bone marrow function and lower your number of blood cells (such as cancer chemotherapy, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, zidovudine) or other drugs that may cause kidney problems (such as cyclosporine). Your doctor or pharmacist will monitor you closely and adjust your medications to decrease your risk of serious side effects. Valganciclovir is very similar to ganciclovir. Do not use medications containing ganciclovir while using valganciclovir.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

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VALGANCICLOVIR 450 MG TABLET
VALGANCICLOVIR 450 MG TABLET
VALGANCICLOVIR 450 MG TABLET
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VALGANCICLOVIR 450 MG TABLET
VALGANCICLOVIR 450 MG TABLET
VALGANCICLOVIR 450 MG TABLET
color
pink
shape
oblong
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RDY, 762
VALGANCICLOVIR 450 MG TABLET
VALGANCICLOVIR 450 MG TABLET
VALGANCICLOVIR 450 MG TABLET
color
pink
shape
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RDY, 762

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Faq for VALGANCICLOVIR- ORAL

Valganciclovir-oral is primarily used for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS.

Valganciclovir-oral is an antiviral medication that works by inhibiting the replication of cytomegalovirus.

Common side effects of Valganciclovir-oral may include diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and decreased appetite.

Valganciclovir-oral should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is usually taken with food to help decrease stomach upset.

Yes, there are several precautions and warnings associated with Valganciclovir-oral. It may cause a decrease in blood cell counts, which can increase the risk of infection or bleeding. It is also important to use effective contraceptive methods during treatment as Valganciclovir-oral can cause harm to an unborn baby.

Yes, Valganciclovir-oral can interact with other medications. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking before starting Valganciclovir-oral to avoid any potential interactions.

The time it takes for Valganciclovir-oral to start working depends on the individual and the condition being treated. It may take several weeks to see the full effects of the medication.

Valganciclovir-oral is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it can cause harm to the unborn baby. It is also not recommended for use while breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and cause harm to the nursing infant.

If you miss a dose of Valganciclovir-oral, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

VALGANCICLOVIR- ORAL Pricing Page Get Discount Coupon

Warning

WARNING: Valganciclovir turns into the drug ganciclovir inside your body. Ganciclovir can decrease bone marrow function. This serious, possibly life-threatening side effect may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, and cause bleeding problems. Your doctor will check the results of your blood tests and adjust your treatment to reduce your risk for these side effects. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of anemia (such as unusual tiredness, fast breathing, pale skin, fast heartbeat), signs of infection (such as fever, chills, cough, persistent sore throat), and signs of bleeding (such as easy bruising/bleeding, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, bloody/black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds). Based on animal studies, ganciclovir may reduce fertility in men and women. It may also harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor for more details. Ganciclovir has caused tumors in laboratory animals. Although there is no information in humans, valganciclovir should be considered cancer-causing (carcinogenic). See also How to Use and Precautions sections.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.