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Chemical Name: VALGANCICLOVIR (val-gan-SYE-kloe-vir)
This medicine is an anti-viral agent used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the eye. This medicine is not a cure for CMV eye infection, but can help to slow progression of the condition. This medicine may also be used to prevent CMV disease in heart, kidney, and kidney/pancreas transplant patients who are at risk for the disease. This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: This drug is changed in the body to its active form (ganciclovir), which may cause severe blood side effects (e.g., low platelets, low blood cell counts). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop unusual fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, or signs of an infection such as persistent fever or sore throat. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITIONS may be needed if you are taking zidovudine, didanosine, mycophenolate mofetil, or probenecid. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you have kidney disease. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. STORE THIS MEDICINE at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. AVOID DIRECT CONTACT of broken or crushed tablets with skin or mucous membranes. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water and rinse eyes with plenty of clear water. ANY BROKEN OR LEFTOVER MEDICINE should be placed in a plastic bag and disposed of as instructed by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BLOOD CELLS WHICH ARE NEEDED FOR CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE THIS MEDICINE for ganciclovir (Cytovene) as an overdose may occur. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about brand or dose. FOR MEN: Males taking this medicine should use a condom during sexual intercourse during treatment and for 90 days after it is stopped. FOR WOMEN: Use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of taking this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, nausea and headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience vomiting, fever, chills, cough, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, rash, or confusion. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience a seizure or sudden change in vision. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.
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