Valcyte

Valcyte is changed into ganciclovir in the body and may cause severe blood side effects (eg, low platelets, low blood cell counts, anemia). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop unusual fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, or signs of an infection such as persistent fever or sore throat. Valcyte causes cancer, birth defects, and a lack of sperm production in animals.

                       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.

                         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

                           Use Valcyte as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

An additional patient leaflet is available with Valcyte . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.

Take Valcyte with food.

Swallow Valcyte whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.

Do not get broken or crushed tablets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If contact occurs, wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water and rinse eyes with plenty of clear water.

Any broken or leftover medicine should be placed in a plastic bag and disposed of as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Continue to take Valcyte even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

If you miss a dose of Valcyte , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Valcyte .

                            Valcyte may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Valcyte . Using Valcyte alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

Valcyte is not a cure for CMV infection. Remain under the care of your doctor.

Valcyte may lower your body's ability to fight infection. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Notify your doctor of any signs of infection, including fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.

Do not substitute Valcyte for ganciclovir because an overdose may occur. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the brand or dose of your medicine.

Valcyte may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools to your doctor.

Use of Valcyte may increase your risk of developing cancer. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

When your medicine supply begins to run low, get more from your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. The virus may develop resistance to Valcyte and become more difficult to treat if you stop taking it, even for a short period of time.

Valcyte may cause decreased sperm production and decreased fertility.

During sexual intercourse with a woman who may become pregnant, men taking Valcyte should use a condom during treatment with Valcyte and for 90 days after it is stopped.

Lab tests, including eye exams, complete blood cell and platelet counts, and kidney function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Use Valcyte with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

Use Valcyte with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Valcyte may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while taking Valcyte . Use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy while you are taking Valcyte . If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Valcyte during pregnancy. It is unknown if Valcyte is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Valcyte .

                         All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Back pain; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; nausea; stomach pain; trouble sleeping; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chills; confusion; cough; decreased urination; depression; fever; hallucinations; loss of coordination; numbness or tingling of the skin, hands, or feet; seizures; sore throat; swelling of the legs; tremors; unsteady movements; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes.

                    Store Valcyte at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Valcyte out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Cure for herpes virus

Valacyclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the herpes virus so that the body can fight off the infection. It will not cure herpes, but it can lessen the symptoms of the infection.

Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses in adults and children. Illnesses caused by herpes viruses include genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chickenpox.

Valacyclovir is used to treat cold sores in children who are at least 12 years old, and to treat chickenpox in children who are at least 2 years old.

Valacyclovir may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

                        Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor if you have HIV/AIDS, a weak immune system, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), or if you have had a kidney or bone marrow transplant.

Valacyclovir can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when it is used together with other medicines that can harm the kidneys. Tell your doctor about all other medications you are using. You may need dose adjustments or special tests when taking certain medications together with valacyclovir.

Treatment with valacyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born.

Valacyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people even while you are taking this medicine.

Stop taking valacyclovir and call your doctor right away if you have any signs of a serious side effect that can harm red blood cells, such as: fever, easy bruising or bleeding, red spots on the skin (not related to herpes or chickenpox), bloody diarrhea, vomiting, pale or yellowed skin, weakness, fainting, or urinating less than usual or not at all.

Do not give valacyclovir to a child unless it has been prescribed by a doctor.

                       Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to valacyclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor if you have:

      HIV/AIDS, or other conditions that can weaken the immune system;

      kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or

      if you have had a kidney or bone marrow transplant.

FDA pregnancy category B. valacyclovir is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born. Valacyclovir passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child unless it has been prescribed by a doctor.

Older adults may be more likely to have harmful side effects while taking valacyclovir. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk.

                          Take valacyclovir exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Treatment with valacyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters). This medication might not be as effective if you first start taking it 1 or 2 days after the start of your symptoms.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water while you are taking valacyclovir to keep your kidneys working properly. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Valacyclovir can be taken with or without food.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Valacyclovir will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Store valacyclovir tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store the liquid in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused valacyclovir liquid that is older than 28 days.

                        Valacyclovir will not prevent the spread of genital herpes. Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people even while you are this medicine.

Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to prevent spreading the virus to others. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

                       

Suffering from HIV?

Kaletra is a combination of two antiviral medications in a group of HIV medicines called protease (PRO-tee-ayz) inhibitors. This medication prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cells from multiplying in your body.

Kaletra is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Kaletra may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

                       Do not take Kaletra with cisapride (Propulsid), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altocor), oral midazolam (Versed), pimozide (Orap), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater), simvastatin (Zocor), St. John’s wort, triazolam (Halcion), or an ergot medicine such as Ergomar, Cafergot, Wigraine, D.H.E. 45, Migranal, Methergine. These drugs can cause life-threatening side effects if you use them while you are taking Kaletra.

There are many other medicines that can interact with Kaletra. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

Taking Kaletra will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

                         Take Kaletra exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Kaletra tablets may be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or break a tablet. Swallow the tablet whole. The capsules or liquid should be taken with food.

Measure the liquid form of Kaletra (oral solution) with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

HIV/AIDS is usually treated with a combination of different drugs. To best treat your condition, use all of your medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor. Every person with HIV or AIDS should remain under the care of a doctor.

To be sure Kaletra is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store the Kaletra liquid medicine in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from heat or moisture. If you store the medicine at room temperature you must use it within 60 days. Store the tablets or capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep the pills in their original container with the cap tightly closed.

                              If you take Kaletra liquid and you also take didanosine, take the didanosine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Kaletra liquid.

                      The oral liquid contains a large portion of alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol while using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you also take metronidazole (Flagyl) or disulfiram (Antabuse), which can cause severe nausea and vomiting when taken with Kaletra liquid.

Taking this medication will not prevent you from passing HIV to other people through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. Talk with your doctor about safe methods of preventing HIV transmission during sex, such as using a condom and spermicide. Sharing drug or medicine needles is never safe, even for a healthy person.

                       

Famciclovir

Famciclovir is used for:

Treating herpes zoster infection (shingles). It is also used to treat recurring herpes skin infections in patients who also have HIV infection. Famciclovir is also used to treat recurring cold sores and to treat or suppress recurring genital herpes. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Famciclovir is an antiviral. It works by blocking reproduction of the virus.

                    Use Famciclovir as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

    * Take Famciclovir by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

    * If you are treating genital herpes or cold sores, start using Famciclovir at the first sign of an outbreak or cold sore as directed by your doctor.

    * If you are treating shingles, cold sores, genital herpes, or herpes skin infection, take Famciclovir for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.

    * If you are using Famciclovir to suppress genital herpes, continue to take Famciclovir even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

    * If you miss a dose of Famciclovir , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Famciclovir

                    .    * Famciclovir may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Famciclovir with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

    * Genital herpes patients - Famciclovir is not a cure for genital herpes. It will not prevent the infection from spreading the virus to others. To decrease the chance of infecting your partner, do not have sexual intercourse when sores are present. It may also be possible to spread the virus even if you do not currently have signs or symptoms of herpes. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

    * Use Famciclovir with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially delirium, disorientation, and confusion.

    * Famciclovir should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

    * PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Famciclovir while you are pregnant. It is not known if Famciclovir is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Famciclovir , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

                           Store Famciclovir at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Famciclovir out of the reach of children and away from pets.