Has a doctor prescribed Valganciclovir to you or someone in your family? Or have you heard of this medicine? There are some viral infections that do not respond to regular antibiotics. Because they are not bacteria, they are viruses. So to control such special types of viruses, we need special medicines that are specifically designed for them. Valganciclovir is one such powerful antiviral. Let's talk about this in detail, very simply.
What is Valganciclovir?
Simply put, Valganciclovir is an antiviral medication. It comes in a liquid form. It is not given for all viruses. It is specifically used to control and prevent infections caused by a type of virus called Cytomegalovirus (CMV) .
Imagine, some people have a weak immune system. For example, someone who has had an organ transplant, someone who is being treated for cancer, or someone who is HIV-infected. If the CMV virus enters the body of such people, it can cause serious damage to many parts of the body, such as the eyes, lungs, and intestines. In such cases, doctors use this valuable drug called Valganciclovir to control this CMV infection.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is very important. Before you start taking this medicine, you must tell your doctor the following information. Do not hide anything, because it is for your own safety.
- Kidney disease: If you have any problems with your kidneys.
- Low blood cell count: If you have been told before that you have low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in your blood.
- Allergies: If you have previously had an allergy to the medications Ganciclovir, Valganciclovir, any other medicine, food, or preservative.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have any doubts about it.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child.
Based on this information, the doctor will decide the dosage of medication to give you and how long to give it.
How should I use this medicine?
Since this is a liquid, you need to be a little careful when using it.
1. Measure correctly: Use the special spoon or cup that comes with this medicine to measure it. Do not use regular kitchen teaspoons, as they are not accurate. If you do not have access to such a special device, ask your doctor about it.
2. Avoid skin contact: Do not let this liquid come into contact with your skin. If you accidentally get it on your skin, immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and water .
3. Take it at the right time: Take the medicine at the right intervals as prescribed by the doctor. If taking it twice a day, it is better to take it about 12 hours apart.
4. Complete the prescribed period: Even if you feel better now, take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by the doctor.
Do not stop taking the medicine or reduce the dosage without your doctor's advice for any reason . Doing so may cause the virus to become stronger again and the illness to worsen.
What if you give it to small children?
Doctors sometimes prescribe this medicine to children over 1 month old in special cases. However, this should be decided by a pediatrician. If you are giving this to a child, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g. within 2-3 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Valganciclovir is a very strong medicine. Therefore, it can interact with some other medicines. If you are taking the following medicines, you should tell your doctor.
- Amphotericin B
- Some medications used for cancer (e.g. Adriamycin, Doxorubicin, Vinblastine)
- Some medications for HIV (e.g. Didanosine, Zidovudine)
- Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus
- Mycophenolate mofetil
- Imipenem; cilastatin
- Probenecid
- And other medicines...
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all medications you take (prescribed or over-the-counter), Ayurvedic medicines, herbal products, and vitamins you use . Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Drink plenty of water: Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day while taking this medication. This can reduce the risk of side effects.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. So avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Be careful when getting up suddenly from a sitting position or getting out of bed, especially if you are elderly.
- Pregnancy and birth control (very important):
- For women: Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use a very effective form of birth control for 30 days after stopping the medicine, as this medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby.
- For men: A man taking this medicine should never try to father a child . If you have sex while taking the medicine and for 90 days after stopping the medicine, you should always use a condom with a partner who is of childbearing potential.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Nature of the side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| 🚨 If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine you produce |
| Bleeding | Unusual bleeding or bruising of the skin |
| Signs of infection | Fever, chills, sore throat |
| Nervous system changes | Pain in the limbs, numbness, seizures, hallucinations |
| Other serious symptoms | Extreme fatigue, dizziness, vision changes, mood changes |
| 🙂 These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation |
| Other general characteristics | Loss of appetite, cough, insomnia |
If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, talk to your doctor about it too.
How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- After the pharmacy has mixed the liquid and given it to you, store it in the fridge . This means at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (2°C - 8°C).
- Never store in the freezer. Do not let the medicine freeze.
- Discard any remaining medicine 49 days after opening the bottle.
Take-Home Message
- Valganciclovir is a special, powerful drug for the CMV virus.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Use the special spoon that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not let it touch your skin.
- Even if you feel better, take the medicine for the full duration prescribed by the doctor.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while taking the medication and for a certain period of time afterwards. This applies to both men and women.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as fever, unusual bleeding, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, ask your doctor.
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