VALCYTE
VALGANCICLOVIR · by ROCHE
Composition
Tab: Valganciclovir (as hydrochloride) 450 mg.
Indications & Dosage
Cytomegalovirus retinitis, induction and maintenance treatment in patients with AIDS: Adult: Initially 900 mg twice daily for 21 days, then 900 mg daily, induction regimen may be repeated if retinitis progresses. Prevention of cytomegalovirus disease following solid organ transplantation from a cytomegalovirus positive donor: Adult: 900 mg daily for 100 days (for 100-200 days following kidney transplantation), to be started within 10 days of transplantation.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to ganciclovir or acyclovir, abnormally low haemoglobin, neutrophil, or platelet counts.
Precautions
Ensure effective contraception during treatment and barrier contraception for men during and for at least 90 days after treatment. Close monitoring of full blood count; history of cytopenia; low platelet count; potential carcinogen and teratogen; renal impairment; radiotherapy; ensure adequate hydration, children (possible risk of long-term carcinogenic or re-productive toxicity-not for neonatal or congenital cytomegalovirus disease).
Interactions
Imipenem-cilastatin, didanosine, myelosuppresants, drugs affecting renal function, probenecid, mycophenolatemofetil, drugs inhibiting mitosis.
Pregnancy
Avoid; teratogenic risk
Lactation
Contraindicated
Side Effects
GI disturbance, anaemia, anorexia, anxiety, arthralgia, chestpain, confusion, convulsions, depression, dermatitis, dizziness, dyspepsia, dysphagia, dyspnea, ear pain, eye pain, fatigue, headache, hepatic dysfunction, infection, insomnia, leucopenia, macular oedema, myalgia, pancytopenia, peripheral neuropathy, pruritus, pyrexia, renal impairment, retinal detachment, taste disturbance, thrombocytopenia, vitreous floaters, vomiting, weight loss, alopecia, anaphylactic reactions, arrhythmias, disturbances in hearing and vision, haematuria, hypotension, male infertility, mouth ulcers, pancreatitis, psychosis, tremor