Valganciclovir is an antiviral medication which was approved for its medical use on 29th March 2001.

Valganciclovir Tablet has been developed to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the retina in patients diagnosed with AIDS. This medication is also indicated to prevent Cytomegalovirus infection in adults and children who have received organ transplant from CMV infected donors.

Valganciclovir is available as a 450mg tablet. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the accurate dose depending on your health condition. Swallow the tablet whole with water without crushing or chewing them.

 The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Valganciclovir are thrush, upper respiratory tract infection, loss of appetite, headache, cough, diarrhoea, shortness of breath, stomach pain, eczema, urinary tract infection, eye inflammation, ear pain, constipation, indigestion, low blood pressure, mouth ulcer, hair loss, back pain, muscle pain, joint pain and spasms. Serious side effects that occur due to treatment with Valganciclovir Tablet are low RBC, WBC and platelets, blood infection and pancreatitis. If you experience any allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, sudden swelling of lips, throat, tongue, face, feet or ankles, report to your doctor immediately.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe stomach pain, fever, palpitation, shortness of breath, confusion, slurred speech or allergic reactions. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for the presence of HIV infection, liver disorder, blood disorders or kidney problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have been diagnosed with problems in your heart, kidneys, liver or lungs, or if you are receiving radiotherapy or hemodialysis treatment.

Valganciclovir is probably unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not take this medicine without your doctor's recommendation. Tell your healthcare provider before starting this treatment if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby. Use an effective contraceptive during treatment with Valganciclovir and continue for at least 30 days after the last dose of Valganciclovir.

Valganciclovir has the tendency to make you feel dizzy, tired, shaky and confused. Hence, it is advisable to avoid driving and handling machines during this treatment.

1. Edward P. Acosta, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antiviral Agents (Nonretroviral), 13th Edition, 2018, 1105-1117.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.