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What is Valcyte
ValganciclovirThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryValganciclovir hydrochloride is a medication manufactured by Roche that is used to treat cytomegalovirus infections. It is an antiviral drug that is converted to ganciclovir after it is taken orally. This conversion happens in the intestines and liver.
Valcyteis the brand name
Valcyte Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Valcyte
Valganciclovir
2001
31
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Valganciclovir, also called Valcyte, is approved by the FDA for 7 uses like Kidney Transplant and Cytomegalovirus Infections .Kidney Transplant
Cytomegalovirus Infections
Cytomegalovirus Infections
Lung Transplant
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Cardiac Transplant
Effectiveness
How Valcyte Affects PatientsValganciclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat cytomegalovirus infections. It works by being converted into ganciclovir in the body, which then gets incorporated into the DNA of the virus and prevents it from replicating. This stops the virus from spreading and eventually causes it to die off.
How Valcyte works in the bodyValganciclovir is converted to ganciclovir in the body. Ganciclovir then binds to DNA in virus-infected cells, making it harder for the virus to replicate. This stops the virus from making copies of itself, and eventually it dies off. Ganciclovir works better on viruses than normal cells, so it can stop the virus without harming the body's cells.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Valcyte is contingent upon the determined illness, including Cardiac Transplant, Cytomegalovirus Infections and Cytomegalovirus Infections. Dosage can be found in the table below, corresponding to the procedure of application.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Cytomegalovirus Infections
, 450.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Oral, For solution - Oral, For solution
Kidney Transplant
, 450.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Oral, For solution - Oral, For solution
Lung Transplant
, 450.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Oral, For solution - Oral, For solution
Cardiac Transplant
, 450.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Oral, For solution - Oral, For solution
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
, 450.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Oral, For solution - Oral, For solution
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
, 450.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Oral, For solution - Oral, For solution
Cytomegalovirus Infections
, 450.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Powder, for solution, Powder, for solution - Oral, For solution - Oral, For solution
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Valcyte.Common Valcyte Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Aclidinium
Minor
Valganciclovir may decrease the excretion rate of Aclidinium which could result in a higher serum level.
Acrivastine
Minor
Valganciclovir may decrease the excretion rate of Acrivastine which could result in a higher serum level.
Albutrepenonacog alfa
Minor
Valganciclovir may decrease the excretion rate of Albutrepenonacog alfa which could result in a higher serum level.
Almasilate
Minor
Valganciclovir may decrease the excretion rate of Almasilate which could result in a higher serum level.
Alogliptin
Minor
Valganciclovir may decrease the excretion rate of Alogliptin which could result in a higher serum level.
Valcyte Toxicity & Overdose RiskAn overdose of valganciclovir could cause increased kidney damage.
Valcyte Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Valcyte?
Currently, 68 active studies are assessing the potential of Valcyte to treat Cardiac Transplantation, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and Cytomegalovirus Infections.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Cardiac Transplant
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, Not Applicable
Cytomegalovirus Infections
0 Actively Recruiting
Lung Transplant
15 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 2
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3
Cytomegalovirus Infections
6 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable
Kidney Transplant
26 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
5 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Not Applicable
Valcyte Reviews: What are patients saying about Valcyte?
5Patient Review
4/4/2008 I am a single lung transplant recipient and have been on this medication for a while. It is very costly, over $3300 per month, but it has been effective. I may have to stop taking it because I cannot afford it.
5Patient Review
7/4/2009 I used this medication for about six weeks after my transplant, but then I started vomiting and developed a rash, so I had to stop.
5Patient Review
5/21/2009 I had this treatment after an organ transplant. It was very effective in boosting my immune system.
5Patient Review
6/19/2010 So far, this treatment has been effective. I'm hoping it will be a long-term solution.
4.7Patient Review
12/27/2016 Valcyte has been great for me. I was worried about the fatigue, but it's manageable and the drug is really effective. No side effects whatsoever- would definitely recommend.
4.7Patient Review
4/28/2009 I was diagnosed with CMV retinitus 10 years ago and have been HIV+ for 20 years. The virus has been controlled since then, but I am now blind in one eye. Valcyte has had few serious side effects so far, but the idea of having to take this medication for the rest of my life is depressing.
4.3Patient Review
10/13/2009 I've only been taking this medication for a little while, and I've already lost twenty-three pounds. I also had an esophageal ulcer, gastritis, heartburn, reflux, and an ulcer on my ankle before starting this treatment - none of which I have now.
4Patient Review
7/8/2011 I'm seeing results already and my vision is returning. Not sure how long the treatment will take, but so far so good!
4Patient Review
6/26/2013 I can't afford this medication, but it's really effective.
3.3Patient Review
10/19/2016 I've been prescribed this for a few months now and, all things considered, it's working well since my heart transplant. It is very costly, even with insurance coverage, because of copays and other expenses. I hope and pray that we can all find a way to afford this medication.
3Patient Review
3/3/2011 I took this medication in high doses after a liver transplant and the development of CMV. This permanently affected the nerves in my legs and feet, causing intolerable pain. I considered suicide but my doctor ignored this. If you experience any nerve pain at all while taking this medication, please demand an alternate from your doctor!
2.7Patient Review
6/8/2009 Even with insurance, this medication is quite expensive. Without coverage, it would be unaffordable for most people. I am lucky that my insurance covers such a large portion of the cost.
2.3Patient Review
1/25/2008Patient Q&A Section about valcyte
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What are the side effects of Valcyte?
"nausea, or vomiting
The possible side effects of the medication are: diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, drowsiness, unsteadiness, shaking (tremors), diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting."
Answered by AI
What is Valcyte used for?
"VALCYTE is used to treat CMV retinitis in people with AIDS. CMV retinitis is an infection of the eyes caused by the CMV virus."
Answered by AI
Is Valcyte an immunosuppressant?
"Valcyte is not an immunosuppressant, though it is often prescribed to people taking immunosuppressants after a transplant to prevent a CMV infection."
Answered by AI
How long can you take Valcyte?
"The recommended dose of Valcyte is two tablets taken twice a day for 21 days. Taking this medication for more than 21 days may increase your risk of developing side effects."
Answered by AI