Brand Names: Valcyte

Generic Name: valganciclovir (Pronunciation: val gan SYE kloe veer)

• What is valganciclovir (Valcyte)?
• What are the possible side effects of valganciclovir (Valcyte)?
• What is the most important information I should know about valganciclovir (Valcyte)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valganciclovir (Valcyte)?
• How should I take valganciclovir (Valcyte)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Valcyte)?
• What happens if I overdose (Valcyte)?
• What should I avoid while taking valganciclovir (Valcyte)?
• What other drugs will affect valganciclovir (Valcyte)?
• Where can I get more information?/

What is valganciclovir (Valcyte)?

Valganciclovir is an antiviral drug. It works by preventing viral cells from multiplying in your body. Valganciclovir will not cure CMV but it can help control the infection.

Valganciclovir treats cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the eye in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Valganciclovir also prevents CMV infection in patients who have received an organ transplant (kidney, heart, or kidney-pancreas).

Valganciclovir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Your doctor may have switched you from ganciclovir (Cytovene) to valganciclovir (Valcyte). Be aware that the strength of these two medications is different. A valganciclovir tablet contains more medicine than a ganciclovir capsule. You may not need to use as many valganciclovir tablets as you did ganciclovir capsules. To avoid overdosage, take only as many valganciclovir tablets as your doctor has prescribed. An overdose of this medication can cause serious illness.

Valcyte 450 mg

oblong, pink, imprinted with VGC, 450

What are the possible side effects of valganciclovir (Valcyte)?

Stop taking valganciclovir and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
• numbness or tingling in a part of the body;
• signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms); or
• seizure (convulsions).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take valganciclovir and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• headache;
• sleepiness or dizziness;
• weakness, lack of coordination;
• confusion;
• tremor (uncontrolled shaking); or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about valganciclovir (Valcyte)?

Valganciclovir (Valcyte) and ganciclovir (Cytovene) must never be taken together. If your doctor switched you from ganciclovir (Cytovene) to valganciclovir (Valcyte), the number of pills you use each day may change. To avoid overdosage, take only as many valganciclovir tablets as your doctor has prescribed.

Using valganciclovir while you are pregnant may cause harm to the unborn baby. If a man fathers a child while using this medication, the baby may have birth defects. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using valganciclovir. If you are a man, use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 90 days after you stop using valganciclovir.

Do not use a tablet that has been accidentally broken. The medicine from a crushed or broken tablet can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes, mouth, or nose, or on your skin. If you must handle a broken tablet, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to handle and dispose of the tablet safely.

Valganciclovir can lower the blood cells in your body that control bleeding and help you fight infection. Your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. Contact your doctor right away if you have any bleeding or signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches, or flu symptoms).