What is this medication for?
Valganciclovir belongs to a group of medications known as antivirals. It is used to treat a viral eye infection called cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis for people with AIDS. It can also be used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in organ transplant patients who are at risk of the condition. It works by preventing the virus (CMV) that causes the infection from reproducing.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Valcyte® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
For people with active CMV retinitis and normal kidney function, the usual dose is 900 mg (two 450 mg tablets) twice a day with food for 21 days. After 21 days of treatment, or for people with inactive CMV retinitis, the dose is 900 mg (two 450 mg tablets) once a day with food.
For people who have received a solid organ transplant, the recommended dose is 900 mg (two 450 mg tablets) once daily with food starting within 10 days of transplantation and continuing until 100 days after the transplantation.
Those with poor kidney function will need to have the doctor adjust their medication dosage. Therefore, your doctor will schedule regular laboratory tests for monitoring purposes.
This medication should be taken with food. Finish all this medication, even if you have started to feel better.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.