Valganciclovir
About Valganciclovir
Valganciclovir is a prescription medicine used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the retina in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is also used to help prevent CMV disease in patients who have received an organ transplant, such as a kidney, heart, or pancreas, and are at high risk of getting this infection. This medicine helps manage viral growth to protect vital organs and preserve vision.
You should take Valganciclovir exactly as prescribed by your doctor, keeping a consistent daily schedule to maintain steady levels of the medication in your body. It is highly recommended to take this oral medicine with food, as eating a meal significantly helps your body absorb the drug. Adopting a diet rich in nutrients and getting sufficient rest can also support your immune system during treatment.
Common side effects of Valganciclovir include diarrhoea, fever, nausea, and low blood cell counts, which can leave you feeling tired or more vulnerable to new infections. If you experience severe side effects such as unusual bruising, pale skin, unexplained fever, or sudden changes in your vision, you must contact your doctor immediately.
Before starting this medication, talk to your doctor if you have kidney problems, a history of blood cell disorders, or are receiving bone marrow treatments. Do not take this if you are allergic to this medication or other similar antiviral drugs. Individuals with severe kidney impairment or severely low blood cell counts may not be able to take this medicine.
Valganciclovir can interact with other medicines that affect your kidneys or bone marrow, and drinking alcohol while on this medication can increase your risk of severe side effects. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and elderly individuals must consult their healthcare provider before using this medicine, as it can carry serious risks for these specific groups.
Uses of Valganciclovir
Medicinal Benefits
Valganciclovir helps control CMV infection and reduces the risk of serious complications. Key benefits of using Valganciclovir include:
- Protects your vision: Valganciclovir helps stabilise your sight and reduces the risk of blindness by controlling CMV infection in the eye. This allows you to maintain your daily activities and independence.
- Supports recovery after organ transplantation: This medicine provides critical protection for your immune system and organs by keeping cytomegalovirus under control. This helps you recover more safely after a major transplant.
- Helps prevent the return of severe viral symptoms: Taking this medicine consistently helps prevent the return of severe viral symptoms. This gives you peace of mind and supports your overall physical recovery.
Directions for Use
- Valganciclovir can be taken with food to minimise stomach discomfort or as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Swallow Valganciclovir as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not chew, crush, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Valganciclovir
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever or mild chills
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat (call emergency services 108/112 immediately)
- Signs of low blood cell counts, including unusual bruising, bleeding, pale skin, or severe fatigue
- Sudden changes in vision or eye pain
- Signs of kidney issues, such as urinating less than usual or swelling in your legs and feet
- Seizures or severe confusion
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Avoid handling broken or crushed tablets: Especially if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as the active substance can be absorbed through the skin and may cause birth defects.
- Wash exposed areas immediately: If the powder from a broken tablet or the liquid medicine touches your skin or eyes, wash the area immediately and thoroughly with soap and water.
- Get regular blood tests: This medicine can lower your white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, which must be monitored closely as directed by your doctor.
- Use effective birth control: During treatment and for at least 90 days after your last dose (for men) or 30 days (for women) to prevent pregnancy, as this medicine can cause birth defects and affect fertility.
Drug Interactions
- Medicines that can damage the kidneys: Taking Valganciclovir with other medicines that can damage the kidneys (such as certain antibiotics or pain relievers) can increase the risk of kidney damage.
- Bone marrow-suppressing medicines: Combining this medicine with drugs that suppress your bone marrow (such as certain cancer therapies or other antivirals) can severely lower your blood cell counts.
- Medicines used for gout (such as probenecid): Taking it alongside medications used for gout (like probenecid) can increase the levels of Valganciclovir in your blood, raising the risk of side effects.
- Imipenem-cilastatin: Avoid using this medicine with Valganciclovir, as the combination may increase the risk of seizures.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorThe interaction of alcohol with Valganciclovir is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Valganciclovir.
Pregnancy
unsafeValganciclovir is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause birth defects. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while taking Valganciclovir as it may pass into breast milk. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeValganciclovir may cause dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, shakiness or confusion in some people. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience any of these symptoms after taking Valganciclovir.
Liver
cautionTake Valganciclovir with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Valganciclovir with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
consult your doctorValganciclovir should be used in children only if recommended by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to help protect your kidneys, as this medicine is cleared from your body through your urine.
- Practice strict food safety: Since your immune system may be weakened, avoid raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurised dairy products, and unwashed produce to prevent foodborne infections.
- Protect yourself from germs: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid close contact with people who have active infections like colds or flu.
Special Advise
- Regular eye tests are recommended if you have a history of cytomegalovirus retinitis to identify issues related to eye health.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis: It is a viral infection of the retina (light-sensing cells) caused by cytomegalovirus. In serious cases, it may lead to blindness. CMV retinitis is more likely to affect people with a weakened immune system from HIV/AIDS. The symptoms include blurred vision, a blind spot in vision, floaters in the eye, loss of peripheral vision or flashes in the eye.
FAQs
Valganciclovir is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the retina of the eye in adult AIDS patients. Also, it is used to prevent CMV infection in patients who received an organ transplant from a donor infected with CMV.
Valganciclovir contains Valganciclovir that works by getting converted to ganciclovir in the body and inhibits the multiplication of the virus. Thereby, it helps to control the infection.
Valganciclovir may cause diarrhoea as a temporary side effect. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
Valganciclovir should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems and only in doses as prescribed by a doctor. However, regular blood tests are recommended while taking Valganciclovir to monitor kidney functioning.
You are not recommended to take Valganciclovir with tacrolimus (immunosuppressant) as it may increase the risk of kidney or nerve damage, cause side effects affecting bone marrow function leading to a low number of blood cells. Therefore, please consult a doctor before taking Valganciclovir with other medicines.
Valganciclovir is classed as a cytotoxic medicine and will therefore require special handling.
Common side effects of Valganciclovir may include diarrhoea, loss of appetite, cough, headache, stomach pain, nausea, fever, tiredness, or sinusitis (sinus infection). Most of the side effects of Valganciclovir do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Yes, it also has activity against the alpha herpesviruses. But it should be taken only if recommended by the healthcare professional.
It is a viral infection of the retina (light-sensing cells) caused by cytomegalovirus. In serious cases, it may lead to blindness. CMV retinitis is more likely to affect people with a weakened immune system from HIV/AIDS. The symptoms include blurred vision, a blind spot in vision, floaters in the eye, loss of peripheral vision or flashes in the eye.
Valganciclovir is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause birth defects. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or have any concerns.
If you are breastfeeding, do not take Valganciclovir as it may be excreted in human milk and cause adverse effects in the baby.
Valganciclovir may cause dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, shakiness or confusion in some people. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience these symptoms after taking Valganciclovir.
No, you should not crush, chew, or break Valganciclovir tablets. They must be swallowed whole to ensure the medicine is released correctly and to prevent the drug powder from irritating your skin, eyes, or throat. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, consult your healthcare provider for alternatives.
Yes, you should always take Valganciclovir with food. Taking this medicine with a meal significantly increases the amount of the drug your body absorbs, making the treatment much more effective. Your doctor can advise you further if you have trouble eating.
Yes, Valganciclovir can cause serious birth defects. Both men and women taking this medicine must use reliable birth control during treatment and for a specified period after stopping the medication. If you plan to start a family or suspect you are pregnant, reach out to your physician.
You should contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice unusual bruising or bleeding. This can be a sign that Valganciclovir is lowering your blood platelet counts, which requires medical evaluation and a potential adjustment of your treatment.
It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking Valganciclovir. Alcohol can worsen side effects like dizziness, nausea, and headache, and can place additional stress on your liver and kidneys. Your doctor can provide more specific guidance based on your health.
Your doctor will schedule regular blood tests, often weekly at the start of your treatment, to monitor your complete blood count and kidney function. These tests are essential to ensure the medication is working safely and has not dropped your blood cell levels too low.
Yes, clinical evidence suggests that Valganciclovir may temporarily or permanently affect fertility in both men and women, potentially reducing sperm production or affecting egg development. If you are concerned about your future fertility, discuss this directly with your specialist.
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