Valganciclovir Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (val-gan-SIGH-klow-veer)
Valganciclovir Oral Uses
This drug is used to help control a serious internal eye infection called CMV (cytomegalovirus) retinitis in patients with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It is also used to help prevent CMV problems in patients with certain organ transplants (kidney, heart, kidney with pancreas).
Controlling CMV retinitis can help decrease the risk of blindness from the infection. It can also help to prevent CMV from causing disease elsewhere in the body.
Valganciclovir is not a cure for CMV diseases.
How To Use Valganciclovir Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking valganciclovir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with food, usually 1 to 2 times daily or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.
Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or break the tablets because doing so increases the risk of side effects.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using the special measuring device provided by the manufacturer. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed, and do not stop taking it unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.
Valganciclovir and ganciclovir are not equal. Do not switch forms without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Tell your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., worsening vision).
Avoid contact with broken or crushed tablets, and avoid getting the liquid form on your skin or in your eyes. If contact with your skin occurs, wash the skin immediately and completely with soap and water. If the medication gets into your eyes, flush immediately and completely with water.
All people should wash their hands carefully after handling this drug. Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.
