Valcyte

The active ingredient in Valcyte is valganciclovir hydrochloride. The body metabolises (breaks down) valganciclovir to produce ganciclovir, an active antiviral drug. Ganciclovir inhibits an enzyme called DNA polymerase. Without this enzyme, the virus cannot replicate itself.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Valcyte. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Valcyte:

• Take Valcyte with food.
• Valcyte tablets are suitable for both adults and children; however, the liquid form of this medicine is just for children.
• Shake the oral solution before each use. Use the supplied measuring equipment (not a kitchen spoon) to determine the appropriate dose.
• Don't crush or break a Valcyte tablet. The medicine from a crushed or broken pill can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes or on your skin. If this happens, clean your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water.
• While taking Valcyte, you may require frequent blood testing.
• You should get your eyes tested every 4 to 6 weeks while taking Valcyte for CMV. Your doctor may recommend that you receive eye exams more frequently.

Some mild and common side effects of Valcyte include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Low blood cell count, including platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Eye pain.
• Back pain.
• Muscle pain.
• Headache.
• Sore throat.
• Abdominal pain.
• Low appetite.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Valcyte. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Retinal detachment causes sudden vision alterations, floaters, and flashes of light.
• Increased risk of infections with symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, slow-healing wounds, painful urination, general feeling of discomfort, or being unwell.
• Kidney problems with symptoms like urinating less frequently than normal, swelling in your feet, ankles, or wrists, and unexpected weight gain.
• Serious blood disorders such as anemia, thrombocytopenia (low platelets), neutropenia (low neutrophils), and aplastic anemia.
• Allergic reaction to the medication, such as hives, skin rash, and swelling.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Valcyte. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Valcyte, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Kidney disease (or dialysis).
• Low blood cell count.
• Radiation treatment.

Boxed Warning

Haematologic toxicity: Severe leukopenia, neutropenia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, and bone marrow failure, including aplastic, have been recorded.

Impaired fertility: Based on animal evidence and limited human data, valganciclovir may cause temporary or permanent impairment of spermatogenesis in males and suppression of female fertility.

Fetal toxicity: According to animal evidence, valganciclovir may cause birth abnormalities in humans.

Mutagenesis and carcinogenesis: According to animal studies, valganciclovir has the potential to cause cancer in people.

Serious allergic reaction to valganciclovir or ganciclovir (Cytovene IV).

Valcyte (valganciclovir) does not produce immediate results; it typically takes several days to weeks, depending on why it is administered. Doctors frequently monitor for improvement in CMV retinitis in HIV/AIDS patients within the first 1-2 weeks of treatment, while full recovery may take longer. For CMV prevention following an organ transplant, it begins working immediately to suppress the virus, but you will not "feel" the effect; it is monitored through regular blood tests.

When Valcyte is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Didanosine.
• Probenecid.
• Zidovudine.
• Creatinine.
• Dapsone.
• Pentamidine.
• Trimethoprim.
• Mycophenolate mofetil.
• Amphotericin B.
• Imipenem.

Valcyte is available in the following dosage forms and strengths: 450 mg valganciclovir tablets and 50 mg/mL oral solution.

Treatment of CMV Eye Infection

Adults: The normal oral dose is 900 mg by mouth twice a day for three weeks. Following that, your doctor will normally reduce your dose to 900 mg by mouth once daily.

Valcyte is also used for the prevention of CMV disease in people following a kidney transplant (4 months to 16 years of age), heart transplant (1 month to 16 years of age) at high risk, and adults with a kidney-pancreas transplant.

Adults undergoing kidney, heart, or kidney-pancreas transplants: The normal dose is 900 mg taken orally once daily beginning within 10 days of organ transplant. You will continue to take this medication for 100 to 200 days following the transplant, or as advised by your doctor

Children (kidney or heart transplant): Your child's dose will be determined by their height, weight, age, and kidney function. Typically, your kid will begin taking this medicine within 10 days of the organ transplant. They will continue to take it for 100 to 200 days following the transplant, or as prescribed by their doctor.

Your Valcyte dose may vary based on your renal function.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Roche Pharmaceuticals is the company that manufactures Valcyte.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Valcyte.

You should never stop taking Valcyte (valganciclovir) without consulting your doctor. Because it is used to treat or prevent serious viral infections such as CMV, stopping abruptly may cause the infection to worsen or return.

If you are pregnant, do not use Valcyte as it may harm your unborn baby. You may require a negative pregnancy test before beginning this treatment. Females should use an effective birth control or contraception to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication and for at least 30 days following the last dosage.

Males should use condoms during treatment and for at least 90 days following the last dose.

Women who are HIV or AIDS positive should not breastfeed their babies. Even if your kid is born HIV-free, the virus may be transmitted to the newborn through your breast milk.