Valcyte

Valcyte is used for:

Treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the eye in patients with AIDS. It is used to prevent CMV disease in high risk kidney, heart, and kidney-pancreas transplant patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Valcyte is an antiviral agent. It works by stopping the growth and reproduction of the virus.

Do NOT use Valcyte if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Valcyte or to ganciclovir
• you have very low blood cell or platelet levels
• you are on dialysis

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Valcyte :

Some medical conditions may interact with Valcyte . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney problems, blood cell or platelet problems, or a history of bone marrow problems
• if you have a history of chemotherapy or radiation treatment, or you have taken other medicines that may cause bone marrow problems. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines may cause bone marrow problems.

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Valcyte . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Didanosine because risk of severe side effects, such as toxicity, may be increased by Valcyte
• Probenecid because the risk of toxic effects of Valcyte may be increased
• Zidovudine because the risk of toxic effects, such as severe or life-threatening blood problems, may be increased
• Mycophenolate mofetil because it may increase Valcyte 's risk of side effects in patients with kidney problems

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Valcyte may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.