Valganciclovir is an antiviral drug. It works by preventing viral cells from multiplying in your body.

Valganciclovir treats cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the eye in adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Valganciclovir also prevents CMV infection in adults and children who have received an organ transplant (heart, kidney, or kidney-pancreas).

Valganciclovir will not cure CMV but it can help control the infection. Valganciclovir is not for treating CMV that a baby is born with.

Valganciclovir may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Your doctor may have switched you from ganciclovir (Cytovene) to valganciclovir (Valcyte). The strength of these two medications is different. A valganciclovir tablet contains more medicine than a ganciclovir capsule. You may not need to use as many valganciclovir tablets as you did ganciclovir capsules. Take only the number of valganciclovir tablets your doctor has prescribed.

Valganciclovir tablets are for adults or children, but valganciclovir liquid is only for children. Adults should not use the oral solution or the dose may not be correct.

Valganciclovir (Valcyte) and ganciclovir (Cytovene) must never be taken together. If your doctor switched you from ganciclovir (Cytovene) to valganciclovir (Valcyte), the number of pills you use each day may change. Take only the number of tablets your doctor has prescribed.

Valganciclovir has caused birth defects in animal studies. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication and for at least 30 days after your treatment ends.

If a man fathers a child while taking valganciclovir, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 90 days after you stop using valganciclovir.

Do not crush or break a valganciclovir tablet. Do not use a pill that has been accidentally broken. The medicine from a crushed or broken pill can be dangerous if it gets in your eyes or on your skin. If this occurs, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of a broken tablet or capsule.

Valganciclovir can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your treatment may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Visit your doctor regularly.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to valganciclovir or ganciclovir (Cytovene).

Valganciclovir (Valcyte) and ganciclovir (Cytovene) must never be taken together.

To make sure you can safely take valganciclovir, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• liver disease;

• a blood cell disorder (such as anemia or low levels of platelets in your blood); or

• if you are receiving radiation treatment or drugs that weaken your immune system (such as cancer medicine or steroids).

HIV or AIDS can be passed to the baby if the mother is not properly treated during pregnancy. Take all of your HIV medicines as directed to control your infection while you are pregnant. Valganciclovir will not prevent congenital (inherited) CMV in a newborn baby.

FDA pregnancy category C. Valganciclovir has caused birth defects in animal studies. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control while you are using this medication and for at least 30 days after your treatment ends.

If a man fathers a child while using valganciclovir, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment. Continue using condoms for at least 90 days after you stop using valganciclovir.

This medication can affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman.

You should not breast-feed while you are taking valganciclovir. Women with HIV or AIDS should not breast-feed a baby. Even if your baby is born without HIV, the virus may be passed to the baby in your breast milk.