Valganciclovir
About Valganciclovir
Valganciclovir belongs to a class of drugs called antivirals used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the retina of the eye in adult AIDS patients. Also, Valganciclovir is used to prevent CMV infection in patients who received an organ transplant from a donor infected with CMV. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a viral infection of the retina (light-sensing cells) caused by cytomegalovirus.
Valganciclovir contains Valganciclovir which works by getting converted to ganciclovir in the body and inhibits the multiplication of the virus. Thereby, it helps to control the infection.
Take Valganciclovir as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Valganciclovir for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience diarrhea, loss of appetite, cough, headache, stomach pain, nausea, fever, tiredness, or sinusitis (sinus infection). Most of these side effects of Valganciclovir do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Valganciclovir or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Valganciclovir if you are pregnant as it may cause birth defects. If you are breastfeeding, do not take Valganciclovir as it may be excreted in human milk and cause adverse effects in the baby. Women are recommended to use effective contraceptive measures while taking Valganciclovir and for 30 days after treatment with Valganciclovir. Drive only if you are alert as Valganciclovir may cause dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, shakiness, or confusion.
Uses of Valganciclovir
Medicinal Benefits
Valganciclovir contains Valganciclovir, an antiviral drug used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the retina of the eye in adult AIDS patients. Valganciclovir gets converted to ganciclovir in the body and inhibits the multiplication of the virus. Thereby, it helps to control the infection. Additionally, Valganciclovir is used to prevent CMV infection in patients who received an organ transplant from a donor infected with CMV.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Valganciclovir
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Cough
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Sinusitis (sinus infection)
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Valganciclovir or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you have a low number of platelets, white blood cells or red blood cells and kidney problems, inform your doctor before taking Valganciclovir. Avoid taking Valganciclovir if you are pregnant as it may cause birth defects. If you are breastfeeding, do not take Valganciclovir as it may be excreted in human milk and cause adverse effects in the baby. Women are recommended to use effective contraceptive measures while taking Valganciclovir and 30 days after treatment with Valganciclovir. Men are advised to continue using contraceptive measures for 90 days after treatment with Valganciclovir. Drive only if you are alert as Valganciclovir may cause dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, shakiness or confusion. If you are having blood dialysis or radiotherapy, please inform your doctor before taking Valganciclovir.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Valganciclovir may interact with antibiotics (imipenem + cilastatin, trimethoprim, dapsone), gout medicine (probenecid), antifungals (amphotericin B, flucytosine), antiprotozoals (pentamidine), anti-cancer (vinblastine, hydroxyurea, vincristine, doxorubicin), immunosuppressants (tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, ciclosporin), HIV/AIDS medicines (tenofovir, zidovudine, stavudine, didanosine), medicines used to treat hepatitis B infection (adefovir).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have a low number of platelets, white blood cells or red blood cells and kidney problems, inform your doctor before taking Valganciclovir.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of alcohol with Valganciclovir is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Valganciclovir.
Pregnancy
unsafeValganciclovir is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause birth defects. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Valganciclovir as it may pass into breast milk. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionValganciclovir may cause dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, shakiness or confusion in some people. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience any of these symptoms after taking Valganciclovir.
Liver
cautionTake Valganciclovir with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Valganciclovir with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionValganciclovir should be used in children only if recommended by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Eat vitamin and nutrient-rich food such as dark-green, yellow, orange, and red vegetables and fruits as it helps to boost your immune system. Opt for lean protein and whole grains.
- Avoid eating raw meat and eggs. Consume properly boiled and cooked meat, poultry or seafood.
- Eat bland and low-fat foods and avoid spicy or oily foods if you experience nausea or vomiting.
Special Advise
- Regular eye tests are recommended if you have a history of cytomegalovirus retinitis to identify issues related to eye health.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis: It is a viral infection of the retina (light-sensing cells) caused by cytomegalovirus. In serious cases, it may lead to blindness. CMV retinitis is more likely to affect people with a weakened immune system from HIV/AIDS. The symptoms include blurred vision, a blind spot in vision, floaters in the eye, loss of peripheral vision or flashes in the eye.
FAQs
Valganciclovir contains Valganciclovir that works by getting converted to ganciclovir in the body and inhibits the multiplication of the virus. Thereby, it helps to control the infection.
Valganciclovir may be used to prevent cytomegalovirus infection in patients who received an organ transplant from a donor infected with CMV.
Valganciclovir may cause diarrhoea as a temporary side effect. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
Valganciclovir should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems and only in doses as prescribed by a doctor. However, regular blood tests are recommended while taking Valganciclovir to monitor kidney functioning.
You are not recommended to take Valganciclovir with tacrolimus (immunosuppressant) as it may increase the risk of kidney or nerve damage, cause side effects affecting bone marrow function leading to a low number of blood cells. Therefore, please consult a doctor before taking Valganciclovir with other medicines.
