Product Details: Valcyte (Valganciclovir)

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an anti-viral agent used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the eye. This medicine is not a cure for CMV eye infection, but can help to slow progression of the condition. This medicine may also be used to prevent CMV disease in heart, kidney, and kidney/pancreas transplant patients who are at risk for the disease. This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. STORE THIS MEDICINE at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. AVOID DIRECT CONTACT of broken or crushed tablets with skin or mucous membranes. If contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water and rinse eyes with plenty of clear water. ANY BROKEN OR LEFTOVER MEDICINE should be placed in a plastic bag and disposed of as instructed by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE MAY LOWER YOUR RESISTANCE TO INFECTION. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. THIS MEDICINE MAY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BLOOD CELLS WHICH ARE NEEDED FOR CLOTTING. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations where bruising or injury may occur. DO NOT SUBSTITUTE THIS MEDICINE for ganciclovir (Cytovene) as an overdose may occur. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about brand or dose. FOR MEN: Males taking this medicine should use a condom during sexual intercourse during treatment and for 90 days after it is stopped. FOR WOMEN: Use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of taking this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, nausea and headache. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience vomiting, fever, chills, cough, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, rash, or confusion. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience a seizure or sudden change in vision. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Active Ingredients

Valganciclovir