Valganciclovir 450Mg Tablets

What is Valganciclovir 450Mg Tablets?

Valganciclovir 450 mg Tablets contain Valganciclovir, an antiviral medicine used to treat and prevent certain viral infections caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Valganciclovir is a prodrug of ganciclovir, which means it converts into the active form (ganciclovir) in the body to stop the virus from multiplying.

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What is the use of Valganciclovir 450Mg Tablets?

Valganciclovir is mainly used for:

✅ Treatment of CMV retinitis (an eye infection that can cause blindness) in people with AIDS.
✅ Prevention of CMV disease in patients who have received organ transplants (e.g., kidney, heart, or pancreas transplant) and are at risk for CMV infection.

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Benefits of Valganciclovir 450Mg Tablets

• Highly effective against CMV infection when used as prescribed.

• Helps prevent vision loss in people with CMV retinitis.

• Reduces risk of serious CMV disease after organ transplantation.

• Oral tablets provide convenient dosing at home, avoiding intravenous infusions.

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How should Valganciclovir 450Mg Tablets be taken?

• Always take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• Tablets should be taken with food to improve absorption.

• Do not crush or break tablets; they should be swallowed whole.

• Dosage and duration depend on the condition being treated and kidney function.

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Side Effects of Valganciclovir 450Mg Tablets

Like all medicines, Valganciclovir can cause side effects.

Common side effects include:
✅ Low white blood cell count (neutropenia)
✅ Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
✅ Low red blood cell count (anemia)
✅ Diarrhea
✅ Nausea
✅ Headache
✅ Fever

Serious side effects (seek medical help):
❗ Severe bone marrow suppression
❗ Infections due to low white cells
❗ Kidney problems
❗ Severe allergic reactions

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Precautions and Warnings

• Pregnancy: Can harm the unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 90 days after stopping therapy.

• Breastfeeding: Not recommended.

• Handling: Avoid direct contact with broken tablets; wash hands thoroughly after handling.

• Kidney function: Dose must be adjusted in patients with reduced kidney function.

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Storage Information

• Store at room temperature (below 25°C) in the original container.

• Keep out of reach of children.

1. What is Valganciclovir 450Mg Tablets used for?

   • It is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in people with AIDS and prevent CMV infection in patients who have received an organ transplant.

2. How does Valganciclovir work?

   • After you take it, Valganciclovir converts into ganciclovir, which stops CMV from multiplying in your body.

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✅ Administration & Dosage
3. How should I take Valganciclovir Tablets?

• Take exactly as prescribed, with food, and swallow tablets whole without crushing or breaking them.

4. How long will I need to take this medicine?

   • The duration depends on why you’re taking it. Treatment of CMV retinitis may be long-term, while prevention after transplant usually continues for several months.

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✅ Precautions & Safety
5. Can Valganciclovir cause serious side effects?

• Yes. It can cause severe bone marrow suppression, reducing white cells, red cells, and platelets. Regular blood tests are needed.

6. Is Valganciclovir safe in pregnancy?

   • No. It can harm an unborn baby. You must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 90 days after stopping.

7. Can I breastfeed while taking Valganciclovir?

   • No. Breastfeeding is not recommended, as the drug can pass into breast milk.

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✅ Interactions & Special Considerations
8. Can I take Valganciclovir with other medications?

• Some medicines (like zidovudine, mycophenolate, or other antivirals) can increase side effects. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take.

9. What should I do if I miss a dose?

   • Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose.

10. How should I handle the tablets?

    • Avoid direct contact with broken or crushed tablets. If a tablet breaks, wash your hands thoroughly and clean any surfaces.

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✅ Side Effects & Monitoring
11. What are the most common side effects?
– Low blood counts, diarrhea, nausea, fever, headache, and tiredness.

12. How will I know if my blood counts are too low?

    • You may feel unusually tired, get infections easily, have unexplained bruising or bleeding. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.

13. How often do I need blood tests?

    • Frequently—at least every few weeks—to monitor your blood counts and kidney function.

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✅ Practical Use & Storage
14. How should I store Valganciclovir 450Mg Tablets?
– Keep them in the original container at room temperature, away from children and moisture.

15. Can I stop taking Valganciclovir if I feel better?

    • No. Always complete the course as directed by your doctor. Stopping early can lead to serious CMV infections coming back.