Valganciclovir is used for viral infections.
This medicine is used to treat viral infections of the eye for those with weak immune system (e.g. HIV/AIDS).
It may also be used to prevent viral infections after an organ transplant.
Take Valganciclovir exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it the same time each day.
Valganciclovir is available as a tablet or as an oral solution.
Do not crush or break the tablets. If you are taking the oral solution, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the dosing dispenser provided to administer the solution.
Take this medicine at regular intervals. Complete the entire course of medicine.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Valganciclovir or other similar medicines such as ganciclovir.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- blood disorder such as low blood cell count
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Valganciclovir. If you become pregnant during treatment, alert your doctor immediately. Valganciclovir may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. You may need to have routine blood tests before and during treatment. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests. Pregnancy test may be done prior to initiation and during the medication.
Valganciclovir may cause any of the following side effects: headache, difficulty sleeping, fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, constipation, cough and tremor.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes
- swelling of the face, mouth, throat or tongue
- breathlessness
- frequent and persistent sore throat with fever
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. didanosine, stavudine, zidovudine
- medicines used in organ transplant e.g. mycophenolate mofetil
- medicines for cancer e.g. vincristine, vinblastine
- medicines for gout e.g. probenecid
- medicines for fungal infection e.g. flucytosine, amphotericin B
- other antibiotics e.g. trimethoprim
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Valganciclovir.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol and meals high in fat.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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