|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (val
gan SYE kloh
veer) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Valcyte™ |
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|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Antiviral Agent |
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|
| What key warnings should I know
about before taking this
medicine? |
|
|
You can develop anemia, low platelet counts, or low white blood cell
counts. Change in dose or even stopping the medicine may be needed if you have
any of these side effects. |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
Do not take ganciclovir while taking this medicine.
If you have an allergy to valganciclovir or any other part of this
medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you are anemic or have a low blood cell count.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. |
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
This medicine is used to treat a viral
infection. |
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
Valganciclovir works to injure the virus and fight the
infection. |
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
Take this medicine with food. |
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible, with a meal.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses. |
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
If you have kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
To protect against sexually-transmitted diseases, use a latex condom.
Use birth control that you can trust during treatment and for 90 days
after treatment ends.
If you are a male and sexually active, protect your partner from
pregnancy during treatment and for 90 days after treatment ends. Use birth
control that you can trust.
Breast-feeding is not recommended in HIV
disease. |
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Anemia and low platelet count.
Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care,
sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
Diarrhea.
Inability to sleep. |
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
Have a yearly eye exam. |
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Numbness or tingling of hands or feet.
Difficulty breathing.
Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
Severe nausea or vomiting.
Severe diarrhea.
Unusual bruising or bleeding.
Feeling extremely tired or weak.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
Store at room temperature.
Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or
kitchen. |
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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