Valcyte (Valganciclovir)

Do’s

• Before starting to take Valcyte, read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist and consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
• Take Valcyte by mouth with food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually 1 to 2 times a day. 
• Swallow the tablets whole.
• If using the liquid form, shake the bottle well before each dose and carefully measure the dose using the special measuring device provided.
• Wash your hands well after handling the medication.
• The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition, especially kidney function. In children, the dosage is also based on their body size, and the healthcare provider should monitor their height and weight to ensure the right dose.
• Take this medication at evenly spaced intervals to maintain a constant level of the drug in your body. Take it at the same time(s) each day to help remember.
• Continue taking Valcyte exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. 
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose.
• Store Valcyte tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat, and the liquid form in the refrigerator.
• Have regular eye check-ups while using Valcyte, and if your condition worsens, such as worsening vision, inform your healthcare provider.

Don’ts

• Do not crush or break the tablets.
• Do not use a household spoon when measuring the liquid form.
• Avoid contact with broken/crushed tablets or the liquid form on your skin, mucous membranes, eyes, and avoid breathing in the dust from the tablets.
• Do not change your dose or stop taking this medication without your healthcare provider's approval, as doing so may increase the risk of side effects or make the infection worse.
• Do not take ganciclovir instead of valganciclovir without consulting your healthcare provider, as the effects and dosages of these medications are not equal.
• Do not take two doses at one time.
• Do not freeze the liquid form, and discard any unused portion after 49 days.

Common Side Effects:

• Tremors
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing

Severe Side Effects (Seek Emergency Medical Help if Experienced):

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Other Potential Side Effects:

• Neutropenia (low levels of a type of white blood cell)
• Hypersensitivity to valganciclovir

Consult a healthcare provider for a complete understanding of the potential side effects of Valcyte. 

If you suspect an overdose or experience severe side effects, seek medical assistance immediately.

Severe leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, and bone marrow failure, including aplastic anemia, have been reported in patients treated with Valcyte.

Based on animal data and limited human data, Valcyte may cause temporary or permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis in males and suppression of fertility in females.

Caution should be exercised in the handling of Valcyte tablets and oral solution. Direct contact with broken or crushed tablets, the powder for oral solution, and the constituted oral solution with skin or mucous membranes should be avoided. If such contact occurs, thorough washing with soap and water, and rinsing of eyes is recommended.

Valcyte can cause birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy. Effective birth control should be used to prevent pregnancy, whether the individual is a man or a woman. Continue using birth control for a specific duration after the last dose of valganciclovir, as advised by a healthcare provider.

Contact a healthcare provider right away if signs of infection, such as fever, chills, tiredness, flu symptoms, mouth sores, skin sores, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, shortness of breath, or feeling light-headed, are experienced.

Regular visits to a healthcare provider are important to monitor the progress of treatment with Valcyte. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Valcyte does not cure CMV retinitis, and individuals may still experience retinitis or worsening of retinitis during or after treatment. Regular eye check-ups are recommended, at least every 4 to 6 weeks during treatment with Valcyte.

Consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive understanding of the warnings and precautions associated with Valcyte.