Treats cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.
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Valcyte |
Overview | Photos | How
To Use | Side
Effects | Precautions | Missed
Dose | Drug
Interactions | |
Valganciclovir
Valcyte Uses
Treats cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Throw away any tablet that is broken or crushed.
- Do not allow anyone to touch a broken or crushed tablet.
- If this does happen, thoroughly rinse or wash the medicine off with soap and water.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
How
To Use - APPEARANCE: Tablet.
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often.
- Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If you took Cytovene® (ganciclovir) before switching to Valcyte, the dose of your medicine may change.
- Although these medicines both treat the same problem, they are absorbed differently by your body.
- Make sure you understand the new directions for Valcyte so you do not take too many tablets.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Never share your medicine with anyone.
Side
Effects - Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Eye pain or trouble seeing
Problems with coordination or muscle control
Unexplained fever, chills, sore throat, painful sores
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Precautions
- You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to valganciclovir, acyclovir (Zovirax®), famciclovir (Famvir®), ganciclovir (Cytovene®), or valacyclovir (Valtrex®).
Missed
Dose - If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Drug
Interactions - This medicine can cause birth defects if it is used by the mother while she is pregnant or by the father when his sexual partner becomes pregnant.
- If a pregnancy occurs while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Use two forms of birth control to avoid pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 90 days after your treatment ends.
- This is very important whether you are a man or a woman.
If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
- The medicine may cause men or women to become infertile (unable to have children).
Make sure your doctor knows if you have a blood disorder or kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis.
Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine.
Your medical doctor and eye doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine.
- Be sure to keep all appointments.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy.
- Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
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CONDITIONS
OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information
is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions
or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular
drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional
should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or
discontinuing any course of treatment. |