valganciclovir- oral (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, radiation treatments, blood disorders (e.g., low platelets, low blood cell counts), any allergies (especially to acyclovir or ganciclovir). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Because this medication can lower your body's ability to fight an infection, do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose without first washing your hands. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (e.g., oral polio vaccine). Use caution with sharp objects like safety razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the drugs effects. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss reliable forms of birth control. It is recommended that men and women use birth control measures while taking this medication since valganciclovir may cause fetal harm. It is recommended that men use a latex condom during sexual activity while being treated with this medication and for at least 90 days (3 months) after they stop taking it. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. However, mothers should not breast-feed infants while on this medication due to valganciclovir's potential for serious side effects.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: drugs that may impair the immune system (such as anti-cancer drugs or corticosteroids like prednisone), certain other HIV-related medications (e.g., didanosine, zalcitabine, zidovudine), probenecid, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, mycophenolate, dapsone, imipenem-cilastatin, pentamidine. Tell your doctor if you currently take, or have ever taken ganciclovir. Do not substitute or interchange ganciclovir with valganciclovir; overdose may occur. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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