Valganciclovir (By Mouth)

Valganciclovir (val-gan-SYE-kloe-veer)

Treats cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.

Brand Name(s):

Valcyte
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to valganciclovir, acyclovir (Zovirax®), famciclovir (Famvir®), ganciclovir (Cytovene®), or valacyclovir (Valtrex®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If you took Cytovene® (ganciclovir) before switching to Valcyte™, the dose of your medicine may change. Although these medicines both treat the same problem, they are absorbed differently by your body. Make sure you understand the new directions for Valcyte™ so you do not take too many tablets.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Throw away any tablet that is broken or crushed. Do not allow anyone to touch a broken or crushed tablet. If this does happen, thoroughly rinse or wash the medicine off with soap and water.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir®), probenecid (Benemid®), didanosine (ddI, Videx®), mycophenolate (Cellcept®), or medicines that weaken the immune system (such as steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine can cause birth defects if it is used by the mother while she is pregnant or by the father when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Use two forms of birth control to avoid pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 90 days after your treatment ends. This is very important whether you are a man or a woman.
• If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine. The medicine may cause men or women to become infertile (unable to have children).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have a blood disorder or kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis.
• Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine.
• Your medical doctor and eye doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Eye pain or trouble seeing
• Problems with coordination or muscle control
• Unexplained fever, chills, sore throat, painful sores
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.