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Valganciclovir
val-gan-SYE-kloh-veer   Audio

Brand Name: Valcyte
Drug Class: Opportunistic Infection and Other Drugs
Valganciclovir, also known as Valcyte, belongs to the class of medicines known as antivirals. These medicines kill viruses or stop viruses from multiplying.

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Valganciclovir was approved by the FDA on March 29, 2001, for treatment of the symptoms of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis (an eye infection) in patients with weakened immune systems, including people with HIV and AIDS. This medicine does not cure CMV retinitis, but it can help to keep the symptoms from becoming worse. Studies are now being done to see if valganciclovir is safe and effective in preventing advanced CMV disease in HIV infected patients and in treating CMV in babies born to HIV infected mothers. Valganciclovir was approved by the FDA on September 12, 2003, for preventing CMV disease in certain organ transplant patients.

Dosage Form/Administration
Valganciclovir comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth. Valganciclovir must be taken with food.

Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, valganciclovir may cause some unwanted effects. Serious side effects of this medicine include black or tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; chills; cough; fever; hoarseness; lower back or side pain; pain or trouble urinating; pale skin; seeing flashes or sparks of light, floating spots, or a partial veil across vision; sore throat; sores or white spots in the mouth; tiny red spots on skin; trouble breathing; unusual bleeding or bruising; and unusual tiredness or weakness. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these symptoms.
Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of valganciclovir. Less serious side effects of this medicine include abdominal pain; diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting; headache; numbness or tingling in the hands or feet; and trouble sleeping. Individuals should tell a doctor if these effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Valganciclovir.

Manufacturer Information
Valganciclovir
  Roche Laboratories
  340 Kingsland Street
  Nutley,  NJ  07110
  (973) 235-5000
    

Valcyte
  Roche Laboratories
  340 Kingsland Street
  Nutley,  NJ  07110
  (973) 235-5000
    
Updated March 16, 2007