valcyte

(Valganciclovir HCL)

Valcyte is a drug that is used to treat and prevent the CMV disease in AIDS and organ transplant patients. It may also be prescribed for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product or to ganciclovir. Lab tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. 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 take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor. THE DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE may be different from the dose of ganciclovir. IF YOU ARE SWITCHING TO THIS MEDICINE from ganciclovir, be sure you know how much of this medicine to take. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. YOU SHOULD BE CAREFUL NOT TO BECOME DEHYDRATED while you are taking this medicine. The risk of kidney problems may be increased. Check with your doctor about whether you should drink extra fluids while you are taking this medicine. IF VOMITING OR DIARRHEA OCCURS, you will need to take care not to become dehydrated. 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. USE OF THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF DEVELOPING CANCER. SOME PATIENTS HAVE HAD rejection of their transplanted organ while taking this medicine. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN AND IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR MEN: This medicine may cause decreased sperm production. This may be temporary or permanent. Men who take this medicine should always use a condom when having sex with a woman who may become pregnant. Do this for as long as you take this medicine and for at least 90 days after you stop taking it. FOR WOMEN: This medicine may cause decreased fertility. Women who take this medicine and who may become pregnant should always use effective birth control during sex. Do this for as long as you take this medicine and for at least 30 days after you stop taking it. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE HARM TO THE FETUS. Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS FOUND in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.