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Valcyte

Generic name: Valganciclovir

Valganciclovir belongs to a group of medications known as antivirals . It is used to treat a viral eye infection called cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis for people with AIDS. It can also be used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in organ transplant patients who are at risk of the condition. It works by killing the virus (CMV) that causes the infection.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in this drug information article. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Valcyte Dosage

• For active CMV retinitis, the recommended starting dosage is 900 milligrams (two 450-milligram tablets) twice a day for 21 days. The dose can then be decreased to 900 milligrams (two 450-milligram tablets) once a day. Take each dose with food.
• Patients who have inactive CMV retinitis can start out at 900 milligrams once daily with food.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Uses of Valcyte

• Valcyte is also used to prevent CMV disease in people who've had a kidney, heart, or kidney-pancreas transplant.
• Valganciclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat people with immune system problems (e.g., AIDS) who have a serious eye infection

Side Effects of Valcyte

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Valcyte. Side effects may include:

• Abdominal pain, anemia and other blood abnormalities, burning or prickling feeling, diarrhea, fever, graft rejection, headache, high blood pressure, insomnia, mental changes, nausea, retinal detachment, tremors, vision problems, vomiting.

Warnings and precautions before taking Valcyte:

• People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests to check the levels of their blood components.
• Valcyte can also affect the kidneys, so your doctor will check them frequently. You should be aware that Valcyte is also considered a potential cancer-causing agent, although this possible effect has not been studied.
• Valcyte can diminish fertility in both men and women. It may also prove harmful to a developing baby. Women should use birth control while taking Valcyte, and men should use condoms during treatment and for 90 days thereafter.
• Convulsions, sedation, dizziness, weakness, and confusion have been reported with the use of Valcyte tablets. If any of these symptoms occur, do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any other task that requires you to be alert.
• 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).

Drug Interaction :- If Valcyte is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Valcyte with the following:

• Didanosine (Videx)
  
• Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
  
• Probenecid
  
• Zidovudine (Retrovir)

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. A overdose of Valcyte can cause blood abnormalities, kidney failure, and liver disorders. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Valcyte overdose may include:

• Abdominal pain, convulsions, diarrhea, vomiting, tremor.