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Valcyte (val-gan-SYE-kloh-veer) is an antiviral. It is used to treat infections caused by viruses. Valcyte is used to treat the symptoms of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, an infection in the eyes of people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Valcyte will not cure this eye infection, but it may help to keep the symptoms from becoming worse. Valcyte may cause some serious side effects, including anemia and other blood problems. Before you begin treatment with Valcyte, you and your doctor should talk about the good Valcyte will do as well as the risks of using it. Valcyte is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Oral Tablets (U.S.)
Valcyte is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis (eye infection that can cause blindness) in people who have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Valcyte is also used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in people who have received a heart, kidney, or kidney-pancreas transplant and who have a chance of getting CMV disease. Valcyte is in a class of medications called antivirals. It works by preventing the spread of CMV disease or slowing the growth of CMV. Valcyte comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food once or twice a day. To help you remember to take Valcyte, take it around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Valcyte exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you used to take ganciclovir (Cytovene), your doctor may have prescribed Valcyte for you to take instead. Valcyte changes into ganciclovir in your body. However, Valcyte tablets contain a different amount of medication and are taken differently than ganciclovir capsules. Do not take the same number of Valcyte tablets at the same times that you used to take ganciclovir capsules Take Valcyte according to the directions you were given by your doctor. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about taking Valcyte. Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, break or crush them. Be careful when handling Valcyte tablets. Do not allow your skin, eyes, mouth, or nose to come into contact with broken or crushed Valcyte tablets. If such contact occurs, wash your skin well with soap and water or rinse your eyes well with plain water. Your doctor may start you on a high dose of Valcyte and decrease your dose after several weeks. Valcyte does not cure CMV retinitis. You may develop CMV retinitis or your symptoms may get worse while you are taking Valcyte. However, Valcyte may prevent blindness caused by CMV retinitis. It is important that you see your doctor regularly and continue to take Valcyte for as long as your doctor tells you that you should. Do not stop taking Valcyte without talking to your doctor and try not to miss any doses. If you stop taking Valcyte even for a short time, your condition may become worse and may be more difficult to treat. Brand names: - Valcyte - Valganciclovir |