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