Ganaval® (Valganciclovir)

Dosage form:  

Film-coated tablets 50,100 mg

What is Ganaval(valganciclovir) used for?

• It is used to treat a viral infection of the eyes in people with immune system problems.
• It is used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease after organ transplant.

Important notes before taking Ganaval(valganciclovir):

• If you have an allergy to valganciclovir, acyclovir, or any other part of this drug.
• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Low white blood cell count, low platelet count, or low red blood cell count.
• If you have kidney disease or are on dialysis.
• If you are taking ganciclovir. Do not take ganciclovir while taking this drug.
• If you are taking imipenem-cilastatin.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take this drug.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Important notes while taking Ganaval(valganciclovir):

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how this drug affects you.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• Do not run out of this drug.
• If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• If you are a man and have sex with a female who could get pregnant, protect her from pregnancy during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose. Use a condom.
• This drug may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant.
• If you are able to get pregnant, a pregnancy test will be done to show that you are NOT pregnant before starting this drug. Talk with your doctor..
• If you get pregnant while taking this drug or within 1 month after your last dose, call your doctor right away.

Ganaval(valganciclovir) side effects:

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
• Signs of bleeding like throwing up or coughing up blood; blood in the urine; black, red, or tarry stools; bleeding from the gums; abnormal vaginal bleeding; bruises without a cause or that get bigger; or bleeding you cannot stop.
• Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
• Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) like blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain.
• Signs of electrolyte problems like mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, seizures, not hungry, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• Shakiness.
• Low mood (depression).
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Very bad dizziness or passing out.
• Swelling in the arms or legs.
• Swelling of belly.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.
• Shortness of breath.
• Night sweats.

other side effects

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Headache.
• Diarrhea.
• Belly pain.
• Constipation.
• Not able to sleep.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Not hungry.
• Weight loss.
• Back pain.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Muscle spasm.
• Dizziness.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it, with food.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.