Valcyte Oral

Valcyte 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 Valcyte 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 1-2 times daily or as directed by your doctor. The dose for organ transplant patients is usually once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or break the tablets because doing so increases the risk of side effects. If you are taking this medication for CMV retinitis, your dose will be higher for the first 21 days to help get the infection under control.

Dosage is based on your weight, kidney function, medical condition, and response to therapy.

It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

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 or stop taking it even for a short time 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.

Inform your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., worsening vision).

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Dosage and Storage

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