Who should not use valganciclovir?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take valganciclovir.

• Valganciclovir
• Valcyte
• Ganciclovir
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific valganciclovir products they stock.

What should I know about Valcyte 450mg Tablet before using it?

Do not take Valcyte 450mg Tablet unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Valcyte 450mg Tablet with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Valcyte 450mg out of the reach of children. If you are using the oral liquid which should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Keep all follow up-appointments while you are being treated with valganciclovir. Your healthcare provider may need to monitor your bloodwork. If you are being treated for an eye infection, your healthcare provider may need to check your eyes regularly.

Always take valganciclovir with food to help the medicine get absorbed into your body.

You should stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids while taking Valcyte 450mg Tablet.

Do not break or crush valganciclovir tablets. Avoid contact with your skin or eyes. If you do accidently make contact with the tablet or the oral liquid, wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water or rinse your eyes thoroughly with plain water.

If you are taking valganciclovir oral liquid, use the oral dispenser that comes with the medicine to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Talk to your pharmacist if your oral dispenser is lost or damaged. They can recommend an appropriate measuring device.

Valganciclovir can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how valganciclovir affects you.

Women of childbearing age should use effective birth control during treatment with Valcyte 450mg and for at least 30 days after finishing treatment. Men should use barrier contraception (such as a condom) during treatment with valganciclovir and for at least 90 days after finishing treatment.

Valganciclovir may cause temporary or permanent fertility problems (infertility) in men and women, which can make it more difficult to have a baby.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from valganciclovir. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Valcyte 450mg ?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if valganciclovir is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

• Low white blood cell levels
• Low neutrophil levels
• Low red blood cell levels
• Low platelet levels
• Any condition being treated with radiation, such as cancer
• Kidney problems, including if you are receiving dialysis

Other Medicines and Supplements. Valcyte 450mg Tablet may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking valganciclovir, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how valganciclovir could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Valcyte 450mg Tablet causes birth defects in animals and may also cause birth defects in humans. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Valcyte 450mg Tablet passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Valcyte 450mg  while breastfeeding.