Valganciclovir

Serious warning

The strongest warning the FDA requires. It is printed in a box at the top of the label.

Quoted from the official label, section “Boxed Warning”.

Do not take it if

Quoted from the official label, section “Contraindications”.

How to take it

These directions are for this exact strength and form. Another one is different.

• Adult Dosage (2.2) Treatment of CMV retinitis Induction:
• 900 mg (two 450 mg tablets) twice a day for 21 days Maintenance:
• 900 mg (two 450 mg tablets) once a day Prevention of CMV disease in heart or kidney-pancreas transplant patients 900 mg (two 450 mg tablets) once a day within 10 days of transplantation until 100 days post-transplantation Prevention of CMV disease in kidney transplant patients 900 mg (two 450 mg tablets) once a day within 10 days of transplantation until 200 days post-transplantation Pediatric Dosage (2.3) Prevention of CMV disease in kidney transplant patients 4 months to 16 years of age Dose once a day within 10 days of transplantation until 200 days post-transplantation according to dosage algorithm (note the calculation of creatinine clearance using a modified Schwartz formula in children) Prevention of CMV disease in heart transplant patients 1 month to 16 years of age Dose once a day within 10 days of transplantation until 100 days post-transplantation according to dosage algorithm (note the calculation of creatinine clearance using a modified Schwartz formula in children) Valganciclovir tablets should be taken with food (2.1 , 12.3) .
• Valganciclovir tablets should not be broken or crushed (2.6) .
• Adult patients should use valganciclovir tablets, not valganciclovir for oral solution (2.1) .
• Adults with renal impairment: Adjust dose based on creatinine clearance.
• For adult patients receiving hemodialysis a dose recommendation cannot be given (2.5 , 8.6 , 12.3) .
• 2.1 General Dosing Information Adult patients should use valganciclovir tablets, not valganciclovir for oral solution.
• Valganciclovir tablets should be taken with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
• 2.2 Recommended Dosage in Adult Patients with Normal Renal Function For dosage recommendations in adult patients with renal impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ].
• Treatment of CMV Retinitis:
• Induction:
• The recommended dosage is 900 mg (two 450 mg tablets) taken orally twice a day for 21 days.
• Maintenance:
• Following induction treatment, or in adult patients with inactive CMV retinitis, the recommended dosage is 900 mg (two 450 mg tablets) taken orally once a day.
• Prevention of CMV Disease:
• For adult patients who have received a heart or kidney-pancreas transplant, the recommended dosage is 900 mg (two 450 mg tablets) taken orally once a day starting within 10 days of transplantation until 100 days post-transplantation.
• For adult patients who have received a kidney transplant, the recommended dosage is 900 mg (two 450 mg tablets) taken orally once a day starting within 10 days of transplantation until 200 days post-transplantation.
• 2.3 Recommended Dosage in Pediatric Patients Prevention of CMV Disease in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Patients:
• For pediatric kidney transplant patients 4 months to 16 years of age, the recommended once daily mg dose (7 x BSA x CrCl) should start within 10 days of post-transplantation until 200 days post-transplantation.
• Prevention of CMV Disease in Pediatric Heart Transplant Patients:
• For pediatric heart transplant patients 1 month to 16 years of age, the recommended once daily mg dose (7x BSA x CrCl) should start within 10 days of transplantation until 100 days post-transplantation.
• The recommended once daily dosage of valganciclovir tablets is based on body surface area (BSA) and creatinine clearance (CrCl) derived from a modified Schwartz formula, and is calculated using the equation below:
• Pediatric Dose (mg) = 7 x BSA x CrCl (calculated using a modified Schwartz formula).
• If the calculated Schwartz creatinine clearance exceeds 150 mL/min/1.73m 2 , then a maximum value of 150 mL/min/1.73m 2 should be used in the equation.
• The k values used in the modified Schwartz formula are based on pediatric patient age, as shown in Table 1 .
• Table 1. k Values According to Pediatric Patient Age The k values provided are based on the Jaffe method of measuring serum creatinine, and may require correction when enzymatic methods are used 1. k value Pediatric Patient Age
• Infants less than 1 year of age with low birth weight for gestational age
• Infants less than 1 year of age with birth weight appropriate for gestational age
• Children aged 1 to less than 2 years
• Boys aged 2 to less than 13 years Girls aged 2 to less than 16 years
• 0.7 Boys aged 13 to 16 years Monitor serum creatinine levels regularly and consider changes in height and body weight and adapt the dose as appropriate during prophylaxis period.
• All calculated doses should be rounded to the nearest 25 mg increment for the actual deliverable dose.
• If the calculated dose exceeds 900 mg, a maximum dose of 900 mg should be administered.
• Valganciclovir for oral solution is the preferred formulation since it provides the ability to administer a dose calculated according to the formula above; however, valganciclovir tablets may be used if the calculated doses are within 10% of available tablet strength (450 mg).
• For example, if the calculated dose is between 405 mg and 495 mg, one 450 mg tablet may be taken.
• Before prescribing valganciclovir tablets, pediatric patients should be assessed for the ability to swallow tablets.
• Modified Schwartz Formula
• 2.5 Dosage Recommendation for Adult Patients with Renal Impairment Serum creatinine levels or estimated creatinine clearance should be monitored regularly during treatment.
• Dosage recommendations for adult patients with reduced renal function are provided in Table 2 .
• For adult patients on hemodialysis (CrCl less than 10 mL/min), a dose recommendation for valganciclovir tablets cannot be given [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5 , 8.6) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
• Table 2 Dosage Recommendations for Adult Patients with Impaired Renal Function Valganciclovir 450 mg Tablets CrCl* (mL/min) Induction Dose Maintenance/ Prevention Dose ≥ 60 900 mg twice daily 900 mg once daily 40 to 59 450 mg twice daily 450 mg once daily 25 to 39 450 mg once daily 450 mg every 2 days 10 to 24 450 mg every 2 days 450 mg twice weekly < 10 (on hemodialysis) not recommended not recommended *An estimated creatinine clearance in
• adults is calculated from serum creatinine by the following formulas:
• Dosing in pediatric patients with renal impairment can be done using the recommended equations because CrCl is a component in the calculation [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ].
• Calculation for Estimated Creatinine Clearance in Adults
• 2.6 Handling and Disposal Caution should be exercised in the handling of valganciclovir tablets.
• Tablets should not be broken or crushed.
• Because valganciclovir is considered a potential teratogen and carcinogen in humans, caution should be observed in handling broken tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4 , 5.5) ].
• Avoid direct contact with broken or crushed tablets with skin or mucous membranes.
• If such contact occurs, wash thoroughly with soap and water, and rinse eyes thoroughly with plain water.
• Handle and dispose valganciclovir tablets according to guidelines for antineoplastic drugs because ganciclovir shares some of the properties of antitumor agents (i.e., carcinogenicity and mutagenicity). 2

Quoted from the official label, section “Dosage & Administration”.

Other warnings

Quoted from the official label, section “Warnings”.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Quoted from the official label, section “OTC — Pregnancy or Breast Feeding”.

Other medicines

Quoted from the official label, section “Drug Interactions”.

If you take too much

In an emergency, call your local emergency number or a poison control centre.

Quoted from the official label, section “Overdosage”.

Use in children

• Valganciclovir for oral solution and tablets are indicated for the prevention of CMV disease in pediatric kidney transplant patients 4 months to 16 years of age and in pediatric heart transplant patients 1 month to 16 years of age at risk for developing CMV disease [see Indications and Usage (1.2) , Dosage and Administration (2.3) ].
• The use of valganciclovir for oral solution and tablets for the prevention of CMV disease in pediatric kidney transplant patients 4 months to 16 years of age is based on two single-arm, open-label, non-comparative studies in patients 4 months to 16 years of age.
• Study 1 was a safety and pharmacokinetic study in pediatric solid organ transplant patients (kidney, liver, heart, and kidney/pancreas).
• Valganciclovir was administered once daily within 10 days of transplantation for a maximum of 100 days post-transplantation.
• Study 2 was a safety and tolerability study where valganciclovir was administered once daily within 10 days of transplantation for a maximum of 200 days post-transplantation in pediatric kidney transplant patients.
• The results of these studies were supported by previous demonstration of efficacy in adult patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) , Clinical Studies (14.2) ].
• The use of valganciclovir for oral solution and tablets for the prevention of CMV disease in pediatric heart transplant patients 1 month to 16 years of age is based on two studies (Study 1 described above and Study 3) and was supported by previous demonstration of efficacy in adult patients [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) , Clinical Studies (14.2) ].
• Study 3 was a pharmacokinetic and safety study of valganciclovir in pediatric heart transplant patients less than 4 months of age who received a single dose of valganciclovir oral solution on each of two consecutive days.
• A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed based on the available pharmacokinetic data from pediatric and adult patients to support dosing in heart transplant patients less than 1 month of age.
• However, due to uncertainty in model predictions for neonates, valganciclovir is not indicated for prophylaxis in this age group.
• The safety and efficacy of valganciclovir for oral solution and tablets have not been established in children for prevention of CMV disease in pediatric liver transplant patients, in kidney transplant patients less than 4 months of age, in heart transplant patients less than 1 month of age, in pediatric AIDS patients with CMV retinitis, and in infants with congenital CMV infection.
• A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation of valganciclovir for oral solution was performed in 24 neonates with congenital CMV infection involving the central nervous system.
• All patients were treated for 6 weeks with a combination of intravenous ganciclovir 6 mg per kg twice daily or valganciclovir for oral solution at doses ranging from 14 mg per kg to 20 mg per kg twice daily.
• The pharmacokinetic results showed that in infants greater than 7 days to 3 months of age, a dose of 16 mg per kg twice daily of valganciclovir for oral solution provided ganciclovir systemic exposures (median AUC 0-12h = 23.6 [range 16.8 to 35.5] mcg∙h/mL; n = 6) comparable to those obtained in infants up to 3 months of age from a 6 mg per kg dose of intravenous ganciclovir twice daily (AUC 0-12h = 25.3 [range 2.4 to 89.7] mcg∙h/mL; n = 18) or to the ganciclovir systemic exposures obtained in
• adults from a 900 mg dose of valganciclovir tablets twice daily.
• However, the efficacy and safety of intravenous ganciclovir and of valganciclovir have not been established for the treatment of congenital CMV infection in infants and no similar disease occurs in
• adults; therefore, efficacy cannot be extrapolated from intravenous ganciclovir use in
• adults.

Quoted from the official label, section “Pediatric Use”.

Use in older people

• Studies of valganciclovir tablets have not been conducted in
• adults older than 65 years of age.
• Clinical studies of valganciclovir did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
• In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
• Valganciclovir is known to be substantially excreted by the kidneys, and the risk of toxic reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function.
• Because renal clearance decreases with age, valganciclovir should be administered with consideration of their renal status.
• Renal function should be monitored and dosage adjustments should be made accordingly [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Use in Specific Populations (8.6) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

Quoted from the official label, section “Geriatric Use”.

Side effects

• The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:
• Hematologic Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
• Acute Renal Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].
• Impairment of Fertility [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ].
• Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ].
• Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ].
• The most common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities reported in at least one indication by greater than or equal to 20% of adult patients treated with valganciclovir tablets are diarrhea, pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, tremor, neutropenia, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, headache, insomnia, urinary tract infection, and vomiting.
• The most common reported adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities reported in greater than or equal to 20% of pediatric solid organ transplant recipients treated with valganciclovir tablets are diarrhea, pyrexia, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, vomiting, neutropenia, leukopenia, and headache.
• Adult patients:
• Most common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities (reported in at least one indication by greater than or equal to 20% of patients) are diarrhea, pyrexia, fatigue, nausea, tremor, neutropenia, anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, headache, insomnia, urinary tract infection, and vomiting.
• (6.1) Pediatric patients:
• Most common adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities (reported in greater than or equal to 20% of pediatric solid organ transplant recipients) are diarrhea, pyrexia, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, vomiting, neutropenia, leukopenia, and headache.
• (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Dr.
• Reddy’s Laboratories Inc., at 1-888-375-3784 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
• 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect rates observed in practice.
• Valganciclovir, a prodrug of ganciclovir, is rapidly converted to ganciclovir after oral administration.
• Adverse reactions known to be associated with ganciclovir usage can therefore be expected to occur with valganciclovir.
• Adverse Reactions in
• Adults Treatment of CMV Retinitis in AIDS Patients:
• In a clinical study for the treatment of CMV retinitis in HIV-infected patients, the adverse reactions reported by patients receiving valganciclovir tablets (n=79) or intravenous ganciclovir (n=79) for 28 days of randomized therapy (21 days induction dose and 7 days maintenance dose), respectively, included diarrhea (16%, 10%), nausea (8%, 14%), and headache (9%, 5%).
• The incidence of adverse reactions was similar between the group who received valganciclovir tablets and the group who received intravenous ganciclovir.
• The frequencies of neutropenia (ANC less than 500/μL) were 11% for patients receiving valganciclovir tablets compared with 13% for patients receiving intravenous ganciclovir.
• Anemia (Hgb less than 8 g/dL) occurred in 8% of patients in each group.
• Other laboratory abnormalities occurred with similar frequencies in the two groups.
• Adverse reactions and laboratory abnormalities are available for 370 patients who received maintenance therapy with valganciclovir tablets 900 mg once daily in two open-label clinical trials.
• Approximately 252 (68%) of these patients received valganciclovir tablets for more than nine months (maximum duration was 36 months).
• Table 3 and Table 4 show the pooled selected adverse reactions and abnormal laboratory values from these patients.
• Table 3 Pooled Selected Adverse Reactions Reported in greater than or equal to 5% of Patients who Received Valganciclovir Tablets Maintenance Therapy for CMV Retinitis Patients with CMV Retinitis Adverse Reactions according to Body System Valganciclovir Tablets (N=370) % Gastrointestinal system Diarrhea 41 Nausea 30 Vomiting 21 Abdominal pain 15 General disorders and administrative site conditions Pyrexia 31 Nervous system disorders Headache 22 Insomnia 16 Neuropathy peripheral 9 Paresthesia 8 Eye disorders Retinal detachment 15 Table 4 Pooled Selected Laboratory Abnormalities Reported in Patients Who Received Valganciclovir Tablets Maintenance Therapy for the Treatment of CMV Retinitis Patients with CMV Retinitis Laboratory Abnormalities Valganciclovir Tablets (N=370) % Neutropenia:
• ANC/μL < 500 19 500 to < 750 17 750 to < 1000 17 Anemia:
• Hemoglobin g/dL < 6.5 7 6.5 to < 8 13 8 to < 9.5 16 Thrombocytopenia:
• Platelets/μL < 25000 4 25000 to < 50000 6 50000 to < 100000 22 Serum Creatinine:
• mg/dL > 2.5 3 > 1.5 to 2.5 12 Prevention of CMV Disease in Solid Organ Transplant Patients:
• Table 5 shows selected adverse reactions regardless of severity with an incidence of greater than or equal to 5% from a clinical trial (up to 28 days after study treatment) where heart, kidney, kidney-pancreas and liver transplant patients received valganciclovir tablets (N=244) or oral ganciclovir (N=126) until Day 100 post-transplant.
• The majority of the adverse reactions were of mild or moderate intensity.
• Table 5 Percentage of Selected Grades 1 to 4 Adverse Reactions Reported in greater than or equal to 5% of Adult Patients From a Study of Selected Solid Organ Transplant Patients Adverse Reactions Valganciclovir Tablets (N=244) % Oral Ganciclovir (N=126) % Gastrointestinal disorders Diarrhea 30 29 Nausea 23 23 Vomiting 16 14 Nervous system disorders Tremors 28 25 Headache 22 27 Insomnia 20 16 General disorders and administration site conditions Pyrexia 13 14 Table 6 shows selected adverse reactions regardless of severity with an incidence of greater than or equal to 5% from another clinical trial where kidney transplant patients received either valganciclovir once daily starting within 10 days post-transplant until Day 100 post-transplant followed by 100 days of placebo or valganciclovir once daily until Day 200 post-transplant.
• The overall safety profile of valganciclovir did not change with the extension of prophylaxis until Day 200 post-transplant in high risk kidney transplant patients.
• Table 6 Percentage of Selected Grades 1 to 4 Adverse Reactions Reported in greater than or equal to 5% of Adult Patients from a Study of Kidney Transplant Patients Adverse Reactions Valganciclovir Tablets Day 100 Post-transplant (N=164) % Valganciclovir Tablets Day 200 Post-transplant (N=156) % Gastrointestinal disorders Diarrhea 26 31 Nausea 11 11 Vomiting 3 6 Nervous system disorders Tremors 12 17 Headache 10 6 Insomnia 7 6 General disorders and administration site conditions Pyrexia 12 9 Tables 7 and 8 show selected laboratory abnormalities reported with valganciclovir tablets in two trials in solid organ transplant patients.
• Table 7 Selected Laboratory Abnormalities Reported in a Study of Adult Solid Organ Transplant Patients Laboratory abnormalities are those reported by investigators.
• Laboratory Abnormalities Valganciclovir Tablets (N=244) % Ganciclovir Capsules (N=126) % Neutropenia:
• ANC/μL < 500 5 3 500 to < 750 3 2 750 to < 1000 5 2 Anemia:
• Hemoglobin g/dL < 6.5 1 2 6.5 to < 8 5 7 8 to < 9.5 31 25 Thrombocytopenia:
• Platelets/μL < 25000 0 2 25000 to < 50000 1 3 50000 to < 100000 18 21 Serum Creatinine:
• mg/dL > 2.5 4 21 > 1.5 to 2.5 45 47 Table 8 Selected Laboratory Abnormalities Reported in a Study of Adult Kidney Transplant Patients Laboratory abnormalities are those reported by investigators.
• Laboratory Abnormalities Valganciclovir Tablets Day 100 Post-transplant (N=164) % Valganciclovir Tablets Day 200 Post-transplant (N=156) % Neutropenia:
• ANC/μL < 500 9 10 500 to < 750 6 6 750 to < 1000 7 5 Anemia:
• Hemoglobin g/dL < 6.5 0 1 6.5 to < 8 5 1 8 to < 9.5 17 15 Thrombocytopenia:
• Platelets/μL < 25000 0 0 25000 to < 50000 1 0 50000 – < 100000 7 3 Serum Creatinine:
• mg/dL > 2.5 17 14 > 1.5 – 2.5 50 48 Other adverse drug reactions from valganciclovir in clinical trials in CMV retinitis and solid organ transplant patients Other adverse drug reactions with valganciclovir in clinical trials in either patients with CMV retinitis or solid organ transplant patients that occurred in at least 5% of patients are listed below.
• Eye disorders:
• retinal detachment, eye pain Gastrointestinal disorders:
• dyspepsia, constipation, abdominal distention, mouth ulceration General disorders and administration site conditions:
• fatigue, pain, malaise, asthenia, chills, peripheral edema Hepatobiliary disorders:
• hepatic function abnormal Infections and infestations:
• candida infections including oral candidiasis, upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, urinary tract infection, pharyngitis/nasopharyngitis, postoperative wound infection Injury, poisoning, and procedural complications:
• postoperative complications, wound secretion Metabolic and nutrition disorders:
• decreased appetite, hyperkalemia, hypophosphatemia, weight decreased Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders:
• back pain, myalgia, arthralgia, muscle spasms Nervous system disorders:
• insomnia, neuropathy peripheral, dizziness Psychiatric disorders:
• depression, anxiety Renal and urinary disorders:
• renal impairment, creatinine clearance renal decreased, blood creatinine increased, hematuria Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders:
• cough, dyspnea Skin and subcutaneous tissues disorders:
• dermatitis, night sweats, pruritus Vascular disorders:
• hypotension Other adverse reactions with valganciclovir in clinical trials in either patients with CMV retinitis or solid organ transplant patients that occurred in less than 5% of patients are listed below.
• Blood and lymphatic disorders:
• febrile neutropenia, pancytopenia, bone marrow failure (including aplastic anemia) Cardiovascular disorders:
• arrhythmia Ear and labyrinth disorders:
• deafness Eye disorders:
• macular edema Gastrointestinal disorders:
• pancreatitis Hemorrhage:
• potentially life-threatening bleeding associated with thrombocytopenia Immune system disorders:
• hypersensitivity Infections and infestations:
• cellulitis, sepsis Injury, poisoning, and procedural complications:
• postoperative pain, wound dehiscence Investigations:
• aspartate aminotransferase increased, alanine aminotransferase increased Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders:
• limb pain Nervous system disorders:
• seizure, dysguesia (taste disturbance) Psychiatric disorders:
• confusional state, agitation, psychotic disorder, hallucinations Renal and urinary disorders:
• renal failure Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients:
• Valganciclovir for oral solution and tablets have been studied in 179 pediatric solid organ transplant patients who were at risk for developing CMV disease (aged 3 weeks to 16 years) and in 24 neonates with symptomatic congenital CMV disease (aged 8 to 34 days), with duration of ganciclovir exposure ranging from 2 to 200 days [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) , Clinical Studies (14.2) ].
• Prevention of CMV Disease in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Patients:
• The most frequently reported adverse reactions (greater than 10% of patients), regardless of seriousness, in pediatric solid organ transplant patients taking valganciclovir until Day 100 post-transplant were diarrhea, pyrexia, upper respiratory tract infection, vomiting, anemia, neutropenia, constipation and nausea.
• The most frequently reported adverse reactions (greater than 10% of patients) in pediatric kidney transplant patients treated with valganciclovir until Day 200 post-transplant were upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, diarrhea, leukopenia, neutropenia, headache, abdominal pain, tremor, pyrexia, anemia, blood creatinine increased, vomiting, and hematuria.
• In general, the safety profile was similar in pediatric patients compared to that observed in adult patients.
• However, the rates of certain adverse reactions, and laboratory abnormalities, such as upper respiratory tract infection, pyrexia, nasopharyngitis, anemia, and abdominal pain were reported more frequently in pediatric patients than in
• adults [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) , Clinical Studies (14.2) ].
• Neutropenia was reported at a higher incidence in the two pediatric studies as compared to
• adults, but there was no correlation between neutropenia and infections observed in the pediatric population.
• The overall safety profile of valganciclovir was similar with the extension of prophylaxis until Day 200 post-transplant in high risk pediatric kidney transplant patients.
• However, the incidence of severe neutropenia (ANC < 500/μL) was higher in pediatric kidney transplant patients treated with valganciclovir until Day 200 (17/57, 30%) compared to pediatric kidney transplant patients treated until Day 100 (3/63, 5%).
• There were no differences in the incidence of severe (Grade 4) anemia or thrombocytopenia in patients treated 100 or 200 days with valganciclovir.
• 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of valganciclovir.
• Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
• As valganciclovir is rapidly and extensively converted to ganciclovir, any adverse reactions associated with ganciclovir might also occur with valganciclovir.
• Anaphylactic reaction Agranulocytosis Granulocytopenia In general, the adverse reactions reported during the postmarketing use of valganciclovir were similar to those identified during the clinical trials.

Quoted from the official label, section “Adverse Reactions”.

What to discuss with your doctor

• Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information) .
• Serious Adverse Reactions Inform patients that valganciclovir may cause granulocytopenia (neutropenia), anemia, thrombocytopenia and elevated creatinine levels and that dose modification or discontinuation of dosing may be required.
• Complete blood counts, platelet counts, and creatinine levels should be monitored frequently during treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
• Pregnancy and Contraception Inform females of reproductive potential that valganciclovir causes birth defects in animals.
• Advise them to use effective contraception during and for at least 30 days following treatment with valganciclovir.
• Similarly, advise males to use condoms during and for at least 90 days following treatment with valganciclovir [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ].
• Carcinogenicity Advise patients that valganciclovir is considered a potential carcinogen [see Nonclinical Toxicity (13.1) ].
• Lactation Advise mothers not to breast-feed if they are receiving valganciclovir because of the potential for hematologic toxicity and cancer in nursing infants, and because HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2) ].
• Infertility Advise patients that valganciclovir may cause temporary or permanent female and male infertility [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ].
• Impairment of Cognitive Ability Inform patients that tasks requiring alertness may be affected including the patient’s ability to drive and operate machinery as seizures, dizziness, and/or confusion have been reported with the use of valganciclovir [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ].
• Use in Patients with CMV Retinitis Inform patients that valganciclovir is not a cure for CMV retinitis, and they may continue to experience progression of retinitis during or following treatment.
• Advise patients to have ophthalmologic follow-up examinations at a minimum of every 4 to 6 weeks while being treated with valganciclovir.
• Some patients will require more frequent follow-up.
• Administration Inform adult patients that they should use valganciclovir tablets, not valganciclovir for oral solution [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ].
• Inform patients to take valganciclovir tablets with food to maximize bioavailability.
• For more information about the drug product, call Dr.
• Reddy's Laboratories Limited at 1-888-375-3784.
• For more information about the packaging or labeling, call American Health Packaging at 1-800-707-4621.
• Distributed by: American Health Packaging Columbus, OH 43217 8296525/0526F

Quoted from the official label, section “Patient Counseling Information”.

Strengths and forms

• FORMS AND STRENGTHS Valganciclovir Tablets, USP 450 mg are pink colored, oval shaped, film coated tablets debossed with ‘RDY’ on one side and ‘762’ on other side. Tablets:
• 450 mg (3)

Quoted from the official label, section “Dosage Forms & Strengths”.

What it looks like and how it is packed

• Valganciclovir Tablets USP, 450 mg are pink colored, oval shaped, film coated tablets debossed with ‘RDY’ on one side and ‘762’ on other side, and are supplied in:
• Unit dose packages of 20 (4 x 5) NDC 68084-965-19 Unit dose packages of 30 (5 x 6) NDC 68084-965-25.
• Store at 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
• FOR YOUR PROTECTION: Do not use if blister is torn or broken.

Quoted from the official label, section “How Supplied”.

What is in it

• Valganciclovir tablets USP contains valganciclovir hydrochloride USP, a hydrochloride salt of the L-valyl ester of ganciclovir that exists as a mixture of two diastereomers. Ganciclovir is a synthetic guanine derivative active against CMV. Valganciclovir hydrochloride USP is available as a 450 mg tablet for oral administration. Each tablet contains 496.3 mg of valganciclovir hydrochloride USP (corresponding to 450 mg of valganciclovir), and the inactive ingredients crospovidone, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and povidone. The film-coat applied to the tablets contains hypromellose, iron oxide red, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate and titanium dioxide. Valganciclovir hydrochloride USP is a white to almost white powder with a molecular formula of C 14 H 22 N 6 O 5
• HCl and a molecular weight of 390.71. The chemical name for valganciclovir hydrochloride USP is L-Valine, 2[(2-amino-1,6-dihydro-6-oxo-9H-purin-9-yl)methoxy]-3-hydroxypropyl ester, monohydrochloride. Valganciclovir hydrochloride USP is a polar hydrophilic compound with a saturation solubility of 6029 mg/mL in water at 25°C and an n-octanol/water partition coefficient of 0.00701 at pH 5.1. The pKa for valganciclovir hydrochloride USP is 7.2. The chemical structure of valganciclovir hydrochloride USP is:
• All doses in this insert are specified in terms of valganciclovir. Structural Formula

Quoted from the official label, section “Description”.

Ingredients people check for

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Details

Source: NDC Directory · 2026-09-13 · not reviewed by a clinician

Source: US Food and Drug Administration, NDC Directory. Reuse terms: US government work (FDA).

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