Valcyte

by Roche

Active ingredient: Valganciclovir

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About Valganciclovir

Antiviral, Systemic

Uses

Induction and maintenance treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis in AIDS patients; prevention of cytomegalovirus disease following solid organ transplantation from a cytomegalovirus-positive donor.

How to take it

CMV retinitis: Adults: Induction, 900 mg twice daily for 21 days then 900 mg once daily; induction regimen may be repeated if retinitis progress. Prevention of cytomegalovirus disease following solid organ transplantation: (Starting within 10 days of transplantation), Adults: 900 mg once daily for 100 days. Children: Not recommended.

Side effects

Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, dysphagia, hepatic dysfunction, dyspnoea, chest pain, cough, headache, insomnia, convulsions, dizziness, neuropathy, depression, anxiety, confusion, abnormal thinking, fatigue, weight loss, anorexia, infection, fever, night sweats, anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, renal impairment, myalgia, arthralgia; macular oedema, retinal detachment, vitreous floaters, eye pain, ear pain, taste disturbance, dermatitis, pruritus, injection-site reactions, less commonly mouth ulcers, pancreatitis, arrhythmias, hypotension, anaphylactic reactions, psychosis, tremor, male infertility, haematuria,…

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Ensure effective contraception during treatment and barrier contraception for men during and for at least 90 days after treatment. Hypersensitivity to ganciclovir or acyclovir, abnormally low haemoglobin, neutrophil, or platelet counts. Precautions: Close monitoring of full blood count; history of cytopenia; low platelet count; potential carcinogen and teratogen; renal impairment; radiotherapy; ensure adequate hydration during intravenous administration; vesicant-infuse into vein with adequate flow preferably using plastic cannula; children (possible risk of long-term carcinogenic or…

Advice

Take with meals. Regular laboratory tests and eye examinations are required during therapy. Contact prescriber if there is chills, fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, unrecovered sores, infection, vaginal discharge, white plaques in mouth, confusion, nightmares, hallucinations, weakness, no sensation in nerves or muscles. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber. Avoid highly crowded places to prevent infections. Do not get vaccinated without consulting prescriber. Avoid direct sunlight, wear sunscreen, proper eyewear and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity.

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Interactions with Valganciclovir

Imipenem-cilastatin, didanosine, myelosuppresants, drugs affecting renal function, probenecid, mycophenolate mofetil, drugs inhibiting mitosis, zidovudine.

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Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

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