Valcyte (Valganciclovir Hcl) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Valcyte

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HIV facts

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of virus called a retrovirus, which infects humans when it comes in contact with tissues such as those that line the vagina, anal area, mouth, or eyes, or through a break in the skin.
HIV infection is generally a slowly progressive disease in which the virus is present throughout the body at all stages of the disease.
Three stages of HIV infection have been described.

The initial stage of infection (primary infection), which occurs within weeks of acquiring the virus, and often is characterized by a flu- or mono-like illness that generally resolves within weeks.
The stage of chronic asymptomatic infection (meaning a long duration of infection without symptoms) lasts an average of eight to 10 years.
The stage of symptomatic infection, in which the body's immune (or defense) system has...

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Valcyte Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valganciclovir (Valcyte)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease,
liver disease, or
a blood cell disorder (such as anemia).

Tell your doctor if you are on hemodialysis or if you have recently had a radiation treatment.

Valganciclovir is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known if it will be harmful to an unborn baby. A similar drug called ganciclovir (Cytovene) did cause birth defects in animal studies. Using valganciclovir while you are pregnant could also cause harm to the unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

If a man fathers a child while using valganciclovir, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 90 days after you stop using valganciclovir.

This medication can affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman.

You should not breast-feed while you are using valganciclovir. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. If you have HIV or AIDS, you should not breast-feed at all. Even if your baby is born without HIV, you may still pass the virus to the baby in your breast milk.

Valganciclovir may cause cancer. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.

How should I take valganciclovir (Valcyte)?

Valganciclovir should be used exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not take the medication for longer than your doctor has prescribed.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take valganciclovir with food.

Take this medication for as many days as it has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

It is very important to take this medicine at the same time each day. To best treat your condition, you should not miss any doses.

Do not crush or break a valganciclovir tablet. Do not use a tablet that has been accidentally broken. The medicine from a broken tablet can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If skin contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water or rinse the eyes thoroughly with plain water. If you must handle a broken tablet, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to dispose of the tablet safely.

You should have your eyes checked at least every 4 to 6 weeks while you are using valganciclovir. Your doctor may want you to have eye exams more often.

Valganciclovir can lower the blood cells in your body that help you fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store valganciclovir at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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