Brand name:
Valcyte
Pronounced: VAL-site
Generic name:
Valganciclovir
Why is Valcyte prescribed?
Valcyte tablets are used in the treatment of an eye disease
called cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, one of the many infections
that take hold when the immune system is undermined by AIDS.
Valcyte is also used to prevent CMV disease in people who've had
a kidney, heart, or kidney-pancreas transplant. Valcyte is not
approved for use in liver transplant patients.
Valcyte is very similar to the CMV medication Cytovene
(ganciclovir).
Most important fact about Valcyte
To avoid an overdose, it is essential to take only the prescribed
number of Valcyte tablets each day. These tablets are more potent
than Cytovene capsules, and cannot be substituted on a one-for-one
basis.
How should you take Valcyte?
Valcyte is usually taken twice a day for the first three weeks,
then once a day. It should be taken with food.
Be careful to avoid breaking Valcyte tablets. If a tablet does
break, keep the pieces out of direct contact with skin, eyes, and
mouth. If contact is unavoidable, wash thoroughly with soap and
water and rinse the eyes with plain water.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
Valcyte side effects
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
Why should Valcyte not be prescribed?
If Valcyte gives you an allergic reaction, or you've had an
allergic reaction to Cytovene, you will not be able to use this
medication.
You will not be able to use Valcyte if you are receiving
hemodialysis.
Special warnings about Valcyte
Valcyte may cause low blood counts. You will need to have
frequent blood tests to monitor for abnormalities. Your doctor will
be especially cautious if you have pre-existing blood problems or if
you are taking other medications that can reduce blood counts.
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.
Valcyte is not a cure for CMV retinitis and your disease may
worsen during or following treatment. You should have an eye exam at
least every 4 to 6 weeks while being treated with Valcyte tablets.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Valcyte
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)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Valcyte may cause birth defects and should not be used during
pregnancy. It's not certain whether Valcyte appears in breast milk,
but it would cause serious side effects if it did. Breastfeeding is
not recommended for women taking Valcyte--or for any woman with
AIDS, since the disease can be passed to the infant through breast
milk.
Recommended dosage for Valcyte
ADULTS
Overdosage
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
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