Valcyte and/or Equivalents

Valcyte (Valganciclovir)

Valcyte Description

Valganciclovir hydrochloride or Valcyte is a drug that treats CMV or cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. CMV retinitis refers to the medical condition where the eyes get infected by the CMV virus. There are patients with a potentially severe risk of contracting CMV disease after undergoing a kidney or heart or pancreas-kidney transplant. The antiviral prescription drug Valcyte is administered to these adult patients in the tablet form to assist in preventing CMV disease. In case of children who are between 4 months and 16 years of age and have undergone a heart or kidney transplant, doctors prescribe Valcyte oral solution or tablets to prevent CMV disease. These patients are susceptible to CMV disease.

Conditions Treated by Valcyte

The anti viral drug Valganciclovir is used for preventing and treating CMV disease in patients who have undergone pancreas/kidney, heart or kidney transplants. It is also used for treating CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS or at an advanced stage of HIV disease. Valcyte retards the growth of CMV virus which can result in blindness and prevents spreading of infection to other body parts. However, it cannot cure CMV disease.

Valcyte Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

You should not crush or break the Valcyte tablets and these tablets should be taken with food. Valcyte tablets are meant for adults. Valcyte oral solution is not very effective for adults. Your physician will determine your Valcyte dosage and you should consume this medication exactly as prescribed. Valcyte tablets are usually available in 450 mg doses and the tablets are oval, convex and pink in colour. Valcyte oral solutions are prepared by the pharmacist as 100 ml solutions after constitution.

b.) Missing a Dose

Take your missed dose as soon as possible. But if it is time already for your next dose, take the next dose at your usual dosing schedule and throw out the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose.

c.) Overdosing

Valcyte overdose for several days at a stretch may result in fatal medullary aplasia or bone marrow depression and increased renal toxicity. In case of Valcyte overdose, rush the patient to the nearest ER. The patient who has overdosed on Valcyte will be subjected to dialysis as it can minimise concentrations of serum in the body. Medical personnel should also maintain adequate hydration. Other complications arising from Valcyte overdose are convulsions, generalised tremor, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, elevated creatinine, acute renal failure, worsened haematuria, liver function disorder, hepatitis, granulocytopenia, neutropenia, leukopenia, medullary aplasia and pancytopenia.Symptoms of Valcyte overdose include yellowing of eyes and skin, jaundice, flu symptoms, sore throat, chills, fever, signs of infection, nausea, stomach pain, weight gain, swelling, peeing less than normal or complete lack of urination. Call your provincial poison control centre or seek immediate medical intervention in case of Valcyte overdose.

Valcyte Warnings

There are certain circumstances when you need to inform your physician about your medical condition before starting this medication. Inform your physician if you are:

• Undergoing radiation treatment
• Having problems with blood cells
• Suffering from a variety of medical conditions including kidney problems
• Planning to breast feed or are already nursing
• Trying to conceive or are already pregnant.

Valcyte may or may not lead to birth defects in the foetus but research is inconclusive. Anyway, Valcyte is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If you are on Valcyte and trying to conceive, either stop trying or use reliable birth control methods for your entire treatment period and for 1 month after going off Valcyte. For men, doctors advise use of condoms during Valcyte treatment. Religiously continue to use condoms and other forms of reliable birth control methods for 3 months at least after going off Valcyte. You can discuss birth control options and queries with your physician. Valcyte lowers male sperm counts and leads to male fertility problems. Patients receiving haemodialysis should not use Valcyte tablets, nor should people who are allergic to Valcyte or any ingredient inside a Valcyte tablet. Don’t take Valcyte if you are severely allergic to Cytovene IV or to ganciclovir capsules. Allergic reaction symptoms include feelings of anxiety, swelling around the mouth, hives, wheezing, sudden breathing troubles and cold. Kidney problems including kidney failure can arise from regular use of Valcyte. You may be subjected to periodic kidney tests and regular blood tests to check the health of your kidneys while you are on this medication. Based on the test results, your physician may alter the dose. Children and adults who have undergone liver transplants should not take Valcyte. There are certain cases where it is not known clearly if Valcyte is safe for consumption or if it works effectively:

• Patients who are 65 years old or above that age
• Prevention of inborn and innate CMV disease
• Kids who are less than 4 months of age
• Solid organ transplants different from the ones described above

Valcyte Side Effects

Valcyte has been known to cause confusion, unsteady movements, dizziness, sleepiness and seizures. You are advised not to operate heavy machinery or drive a car or do anything that requires you to be alert while taking Valcyte. The commonest side effects of Valcyte reported in children and adults are rejection of the grafting or rejection of the transplanted organ, low levels of blood cells in your blood test report, tremors, shaking, fever, vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea. Children also report other common side effects such as colds, coughs, high blood pressure and constipation. If your side effects become severe or bothersome and refuse to go away, you should consult your physician.

Valcyte Drug Interactions

Known drug interactions are with:

• Trizivir, Retrovir, Combivir – Zidovudine
• Col Probenecid, Benemid – Probenecid
• Cellcept – Mycophenolate
• Videx – Didanosine

This is not a complete list of all the drugs that interact with Valcyte. Present your physician or pharmacist with a complete list of all prescription and non prescription OTC drugs that you take including herbal health supplements, herbal concoctions and vitamins. Do not start using a new medication without first consulting your physician.

If you have any questions about buying discount Valcyte online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Valcyte and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information