This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

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

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Valganciclovir Tablet is an antiviral agent that acts against cytomegalovirus. It gets converted into its active form called ganciclovir after administration. This active form undergoes a process called phosphorylation to form ganciclovir diphosphate and ganciclovir triphosphate. Ganciclovir triphosphate inhibits the viral DNA and stops its replication. This ultimately prevents the virus from multiplying and invading healthy cells.

Uses of undefined

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.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

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.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

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.

Precautions

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.

Side Effects

 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.

Word Of Advice

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.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. Roche Products Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jan 2022] [Accessed on 7th Sep 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1641.pdf
  2. Edward P. Acosta, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Antiviral Agents (Nonretroviral), 13th Edition, 2018, 1105-1117.

Disclaimer

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.