Valganciclovir Medical Valley
Antiviral medication for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevention and treatment
Quick Facts about Valganciclovir Medical Valley
Key Takeaways about Valganciclovir Medical Valley
- CMV-specific antiviral: Valganciclovir is the standard oral therapy for preventing and treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease, particularly in organ transplant recipients and AIDS patients with CMV retinitis
- Regular blood monitoring essential: Treatment can cause severe bone marrow suppression (low white cells, red cells, and platelets), so frequent blood count checks are mandatory throughout therapy
- Take with food: Tablets must be taken with meals to ensure adequate absorption. Do not crush or break the tablets – they should be swallowed whole
- Dose adjustment for kidneys: Patients with impaired kidney function require reduced doses or altered dosing schedules. Your doctor will monitor kidney function and adjust accordingly
- Contraception required: Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during and for 30 days after treatment; men must use condoms during and for 90 days after treatment due to teratogenic risk
What Is Valganciclovir Medical Valley and What Is It Used For?
Valganciclovir Medical Valley is an antiviral prodrug that is converted to ganciclovir in the body. Ganciclovir inhibits cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication by blocking viral DNA synthesis. It is used to treat CMV retinitis in adults with AIDS and to prevent CMV disease in adults and children who have received an organ transplant from a CMV-positive donor.
Valganciclovir belongs to a class of medicines known as nucleoside analogue antivirals. It is the L-valyl ester prodrug of ganciclovir, meaning it is an inactive precursor that the body converts into the active drug ganciclovir after absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. This prodrug design was developed to overcome one of the major limitations of oral ganciclovir – its very poor oral bioavailability of approximately 6%. In contrast, valganciclovir achieves an oral bioavailability of approximately 60%, making it far more practical for oral administration and allowing patients to receive effective antiviral therapy without requiring intravenous access.
Once absorbed, valganciclovir is rapidly hydrolysed by intestinal and hepatic esterases to release ganciclovir. Within CMV-infected cells, ganciclovir is first phosphorylated to ganciclovir monophosphate by a viral protein kinase encoded by the UL97 gene. This initial phosphorylation step is highly specific to virus-infected cells, which accounts for the drug's selective antiviral activity. Cellular kinases then convert ganciclovir monophosphate to the di- and triphosphate forms. Ganciclovir triphosphate acts as a competitive inhibitor of the viral DNA polymerase (encoded by UL54) and is incorporated into the growing viral DNA strand, causing premature chain termination and halting viral replication.
Valganciclovir Medical Valley is approved for two key indications:
- Treatment of CMV retinitis in adults with AIDS: Cytomegalovirus retinitis is a serious eye infection that can cause progressive vision loss and blindness if left untreated. It occurs almost exclusively in severely immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with CD4+ T-cell counts below 50 cells/µL. Valganciclovir provides effective treatment through an initial induction phase followed by long-term maintenance therapy.
- Prevention of CMV disease in organ transplant recipients: CMV is one of the most significant opportunistic infections following solid organ transplantation. When a CMV-seronegative recipient (D+/R–) receives an organ from a CMV-seropositive donor, the risk of primary CMV disease is substantial without prophylaxis. Valganciclovir is used prophylactically in both adults and children to prevent CMV reactivation and disease in this vulnerable population.
CMV belongs to the herpesvirus family (human herpesvirus 5, HHV-5) and infects a large proportion of the global population. In healthy individuals with intact immune systems, CMV infection is usually asymptomatic or causes only mild symptoms. However, in immunocompromised patients – such as organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy or people living with advanced HIV/AIDS – CMV can cause life-threatening disease affecting the eyes (retinitis), lungs (pneumonitis), gastrointestinal tract (colitis, oesophagitis), liver (hepatitis), and central nervous system (encephalitis).
Valganciclovir itself has no direct antiviral activity. It must be converted to ganciclovir in the body to exert its therapeutic effect. The ganciclovir levels achieved after oral valganciclovir administration are comparable to those achieved with intravenous ganciclovir, making valganciclovir the preferred oral alternative for CMV management.
What Should You Know Before Taking Valganciclovir Medical Valley?
Before starting valganciclovir, your doctor will perform blood tests to check your blood cell counts and kidney function. You must not take this medicine if you are allergic to valganciclovir, ganciclovir, or any of the other ingredients, or if you are breastfeeding. Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking.
Valganciclovir is a potent antiviral medication with a significant side effect profile, particularly regarding bone marrow suppression. Before initiating treatment, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough assessment of your medical history, current medications, and baseline laboratory values. Understanding the precautions and contraindications is essential for safe use of this medication.
Contraindications
You must not take Valganciclovir Medical Valley in the following situations:
- Allergy to valganciclovir or ganciclovir: If you have a known hypersensitivity to valganciclovir, ganciclovir, or any of the excipients listed in the formulation. Since valganciclovir is converted to ganciclovir in the body, an allergy to either substance is a contraindication.
- Allergy to related antivirals: If you are allergic to aciclovir, penciclovir, valaciclovir, or famciclovir, inform your doctor, as cross-reactivity may occur between these structurally related nucleoside analogues.
- Breastfeeding: Valganciclovir must not be used during breastfeeding. If your doctor determines that treatment is necessary, you must discontinue breastfeeding before starting the medication. Ganciclovir may be excreted in breast milk and could cause serious adverse effects in a nursing infant, including bone marrow suppression.
Warnings and Precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Valganciclovir Medical Valley if any of the following apply to you:
- Low blood cell counts: If you have pre-existing low levels of white blood cells (neutropenia), red blood cells (anaemia), or platelets (thrombocytopenia), valganciclovir may worsen these conditions. Your doctor will perform complete blood counts before starting treatment and at regular intervals throughout therapy. Treatment may need to be paused or discontinued if blood counts fall below safe thresholds.
- Kidney (renal) impairment: Ganciclovir is primarily eliminated through the kidneys. If you have impaired kidney function, the drug can accumulate to potentially toxic levels. Your doctor will measure your creatinine clearance and may need to prescribe a lower dose or extend the interval between doses. Blood counts should be monitored more frequently in patients with renal impairment.
- Radiation therapy or haemodialysis: If you are undergoing radiation therapy or receiving haemodialysis, additional monitoring may be necessary as these treatments can also affect blood cell production or drug clearance.
- Switching from ganciclovir capsules: If your doctor is switching you from oral ganciclovir capsules to valganciclovir tablets, it is critical to follow the prescribed dosing exactly. Valganciclovir has substantially higher bioavailability than ganciclovir capsules, and taking more tablets than prescribed could lead to a serious overdose.
Valganciclovir can cause severe, life-threatening bone marrow suppression resulting in dangerously low levels of neutrophils (neutropenia), red blood cells (anaemia), and platelets (thrombocytopenia). These conditions can lead to serious infections, severe bleeding, or profound fatigue. Regular blood monitoring is mandatory during treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Valganciclovir should not be taken during pregnancy unless your doctor specifically recommends it after careful consideration of the benefits and risks. Animal studies have demonstrated that ganciclovir is teratogenic (can cause birth defects) and embryotoxic (can harm the developing embryo). There are no adequate controlled studies in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, suspect you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant, seek medical advice before taking this medication.
Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment with valganciclovir and for at least 30 days after the last dose. Men whose partners may become pregnant should use condoms during treatment and for at least 90 days after the final dose, as ganciclovir may affect sperm and could potentially cause birth defects.
You must not take Valganciclovir Medical Valley while breastfeeding. If your doctor decides that treatment is necessary, you must stop breastfeeding before starting the tablets. Ganciclovir is expected to be excreted in human breast milk, and the potential for serious adverse effects in the nursing infant (particularly bone marrow suppression) is a significant concern.
Driving and Using Machines
Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience dizziness, fatigue, tremor, or confusion while taking valganciclovir. These are known side effects that can impair your ability to safely perform tasks requiring alertness and coordination. Seizures have also been reported in patients taking this medication. You are responsible for assessing whether you are fit to drive or perform activities requiring concentration.
How Does Valganciclovir Medical Valley Interact with Other Drugs?
Valganciclovir can interact with several medications, including antiretroviral drugs used in HIV treatment, certain antibiotics, antifungal agents, and immunosuppressants used after organ transplantation. Some combinations can increase the risk of serious side effects, particularly bone marrow suppression and kidney damage.
Drug interactions with valganciclovir can occur through several mechanisms: additive bone marrow toxicity, competition for renal tubular secretion, or pharmacokinetic changes affecting drug levels. Since transplant patients and people living with HIV/AIDS often take multiple medications simultaneously, careful assessment of potential interactions is essential. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements.
Major Interactions
The following drug combinations require particular caution or may need dose adjustments:
| Drug | Type | Effect | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imipenem-cilastatin | Antibiotic | Risk of seizures when taken together | Avoid combination unless benefit outweighs risk |
| Zidovudine (AZT) | Antiretroviral (HIV) | Additive bone marrow suppression; increased zidovudine levels | Monitor blood counts closely; dose reduction may be needed |
| Didanosine (ddI) | Antiretroviral (HIV) | Significantly increased didanosine plasma levels | Monitor for didanosine toxicity (pancreatitis, neuropathy) |
| Mycophenolate mofetil | Immunosuppressant | Competition for renal tubular secretion; additive myelosuppression | Monitor blood counts and renal function frequently |
| Probenecid | Gout medication | Reduced renal clearance of ganciclovir; increased ganciclovir levels | Monitor for ganciclovir toxicity; dose adjustment may be needed |
Other Notable Interactions
The following medications also have clinically relevant interactions with valganciclovir:
- Lamivudine, stavudin, tenofovir, abacavir, emtricitabine: Other antiretroviral agents used in HIV treatment. Additive haematological toxicity may occur; blood counts should be monitored regularly.
- Ciclosporin and tacrolimus: Immunosuppressants commonly used after organ transplantation. While no direct pharmacokinetic interaction is expected, additive nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) is possible. Renal function should be monitored closely.
- Trimethoprim, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, dapsone: Antibiotics that can also suppress bone marrow function. Concurrent use with valganciclovir increases the risk of cytopenias (low blood counts).
- Vincristine, vinblastine, doxorubicin, hydroxycarbamide: Cancer chemotherapy agents with myelosuppressive properties. The combination with valganciclovir can cause additive or synergistic bone marrow toxicity.
- Pentamidine: Used to treat parasitic infections or Pneumocystis pneumonia. Additive nephrotoxicity and myelosuppression are concerns.
- Flucytosine, amphotericin B: Antifungal agents that can also cause bone marrow suppression or kidney damage. Close monitoring of blood counts and renal function is required.
Valganciclovir Medical Valley should be taken with food. Food significantly increases the absorption of valganciclovir, improving the oral bioavailability of the resulting ganciclovir. If you are unable to eat for any reason, you should still take the medication at your scheduled time, but inform your doctor if this becomes a regular occurrence.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Valganciclovir Medical Valley?
The dosage of valganciclovir depends on the indication (prevention or treatment), your kidney function, and whether you are an adult or a child. For CMV prevention after organ transplant, the usual adult dose is 900 mg (two tablets) once daily. For CMV retinitis treatment, the induction dose is 900 mg twice daily for 21 days, followed by 900 mg once daily for maintenance.
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Do not change the dose without medical advice. The tablets must be handled carefully – do not break, crush, or chew them. Swallow the tablets whole, preferably with a meal. If you accidentally touch a damaged tablet, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If powder from a broken tablet gets into your eyes, rinse your eyes with sterile water (or clean water if sterile water is not available).
Adults
| Indication | Phase | Dose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMV Prevention (Transplant) | Prophylaxis | 900 mg (2 tablets) once daily | Start within 10 days post-transplant; continue up to 100 days (200 days for kidney transplant) |
| CMV Retinitis (AIDS) | Induction | 900 mg (2 tablets) twice daily | 21 days (3 weeks) |
| CMV Retinitis (AIDS) | Maintenance | 900 mg (2 tablets) once daily | As directed by doctor; ongoing |
For CMV prevention after organ transplantation, you should begin taking valganciclovir within 10 days of your transplant surgery. The standard duration is 100 days for most organ transplants. However, if you have received a kidney transplant, your doctor may extend the prophylactic treatment to 200 days, as extended prophylaxis has been shown to reduce the incidence of late-onset CMV disease in kidney transplant recipients.
For CMV retinitis treatment in AIDS patients, the induction phase of 900 mg twice daily for 21 days is followed by long-term maintenance therapy of 900 mg once daily. It is important not to exceed the 21-day induction period unless specifically directed by your doctor, as prolonged high-dose therapy increases the risk of bone marrow toxicity. During maintenance, try to take your dose at the same time each day. If your retinitis worsens during maintenance therapy, your doctor may repeat the induction phase or switch to an alternative antiviral agent.
Children
For CMV prevention in paediatric organ transplant recipients, children should begin taking valganciclovir within 10 days of transplantation. The dose for children is not fixed – it is individually calculated based on the child's body surface area (height and weight) and kidney function. Your doctor will use a specific dosing formula to determine the most appropriate dose, which is given once daily for up to 100 days after transplantation (or 200 days for kidney transplant recipients).
For children who cannot swallow film-coated tablets, an oral solution formulation of valganciclovir may be available. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise on the appropriate formulation for your child.
Patients with Kidney Problems
If your kidneys do not function at full capacity, your doctor will need to adjust the dose of valganciclovir. Dose adjustments are based on your creatinine clearance (a measure of kidney function). You may be instructed to take fewer tablets per day or to take the medication only on certain days of the week. It is critically important that you take only the number of tablets your doctor has prescribed, as taking too many could lead to serious overdose-related complications, particularly affecting the blood and kidneys.
Elderly Patients
The safety and efficacy of valganciclovir have not been specifically studied in elderly patients. Since kidney function typically declines with age, elderly patients are more likely to require dose adjustments. Your doctor will assess your kidney function and prescribe an appropriate dose accordingly.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you frequently miss doses, set a daily reminder or ask your pharmacist for strategies to help you remember.
Overdose
If you take more tablets than prescribed, or if a child accidentally swallows the medication, contact your doctor, hospital emergency department, or poison control centre immediately. Overdose with valganciclovir can cause serious adverse effects, particularly affecting the blood (severe bone marrow suppression) and kidneys (acute kidney injury). Hospitalisation may be required, and haemodialysis can help remove ganciclovir from the blood.
Do not stop taking Valganciclovir Medical Valley unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping treatment prematurely can allow CMV to reactivate and cause disease progression. If you have concerns about side effects, speak with your doctor about options rather than discontinuing the medication on your own.
What Are the Side Effects of Valganciclovir Medical Valley?
Like all medicines, valganciclovir can cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. The most serious side effects involve bone marrow suppression (low blood cells), which requires regular blood monitoring. Common side effects include infections, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, and fatigue. Seek immediate medical attention for signs of severe allergic reaction or serious blood disorders.
The side effects listed below have been reported during treatment with valganciclovir or ganciclovir. Because valganciclovir is converted to ganciclovir in the body, the side effect profiles of the two medications are essentially the same. Many of these side effects are related to the bone marrow-suppressive properties of the drug, while others reflect the overall health status of the patient populations typically receiving this medication (transplant recipients and AIDS patients).
In rare cases, a sudden, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to valganciclovir can occur. STOP taking the medication and seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience: raised, itchy rash (hives); sudden swelling of the throat, face, lips, or mouth causing difficulty swallowing or breathing; or sudden swelling of hands, feet, or ankles.
Very Common
- Low white blood cell count (neutropenia, leukopenia) – with signs of infection such as sore throat, mouth ulcers, or fever
- Low red blood cell count (anaemia) – signs include shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, or pale skin
- Oral thrush (candidiasis of the mouth)
- Upper respiratory tract infections (e.g. sinusitis, tonsillitis)
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Eczema (skin rash)
- Fatigue
- Fever
Common
- Sepsis (blood poisoning) – signs include fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, confusion, slurred speech
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) – signs include easy bruising, bleeding, blood in urine or stool
- Very low blood counts (pancytopenia)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) – severe abdominal pain radiating to the back
- Seizures (convulsions)
- Influenza
- Urinary tract infection
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Mild allergic reactions (redness, itching)
- Weight loss
- Depression, anxiety, or confusion
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Numbness or weakness in hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy)
- Altered sensation – tingling, prickling, or burning (paraesthesia)
- Taste changes
- Chills
- Eye inflammation (conjunctivitis), eye pain, or vision problems
- Earache
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Constipation, flatulence, indigestion, stomach pain, bloating
- Mouth ulcers
- Abnormal liver or kidney test results
- Night sweats
- Itching, skin rash
- Hair loss
- Back pain, muscle or joint pain, muscle cramps
- Dizziness, weakness, or general malaise
Uncommon
- Bone marrow failure (aplastic anaemia)
- Hallucinations – seeing or hearing things that are not real
- Abnormal thoughts or feelings, losing touch with reality (psychotic disorder)
- Impaired kidney function
- Agitation
- Tremor (shaking)
- Deafness
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Hives (urticaria), dry skin
- Blood in urine (haematuria)
- Male infertility
- Chest pain
Rare or Reported with Ganciclovir
- Anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction)
- Retinal detachment (separation of the inner layer of the eye) – reported only in AIDS patients treated for CMV retinitis
Side Effects in Children and Adolescents
The side effects reported in children and adolescents are similar to those observed in adults. Paediatric patients receiving valganciclovir for CMV prophylaxis after organ transplantation should be monitored closely for signs of bone marrow suppression, and parents or caregivers should be educated on recognising potential warning signs such as unusual bleeding, bruising, persistent fever, or significant fatigue.
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed here. You can also report side effects directly to your national pharmacovigilance authority (e.g. the MHRA Yellow Card scheme in the UK, the FDA MedWatch programme in the US, or the EMA in Europe). By reporting side effects, you contribute to ongoing monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of medicines.
How Should You Store Valganciclovir Medical Valley?
Store Valganciclovir Medical Valley out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date on the label. No special storage conditions are required for this medicine.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. The tablets are supplied in an HDPE bottle with a child-resistant polypropylene screw cap and induction seal, providing additional protection against accidental ingestion by children. Despite this packaging, always store medications in a location that is inaccessible to children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the label and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of the stated month. There are no special storage temperature requirements for Valganciclovir Medical Valley – store at room temperature.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use. These measures help protect the environment. Because valganciclovir is an antiviral agent with potential teratogenic properties, appropriate disposal is particularly important.
What Does Valganciclovir Medical Valley Contain?
Each film-coated tablet contains 496.3 mg valganciclovir hydrochloride, equivalent to 450 mg of valganciclovir. The tablets are pink, oval, biconvex, and embossed with “450” on one side.
Active Ingredient
The active substance is valganciclovir (as hydrochloride). Each film-coated tablet contains 496.3 mg of valganciclovir hydrochloride, which is equivalent to 450 mg of valganciclovir. Valganciclovir hydrochloride is the salt form used in the formulation to ensure chemical stability and consistent absorption.
Other Ingredients
The other ingredients (excipients) are:
- Tablet core: Microcrystalline cellulose, povidone (K30), crospovidone, stearic acid
- Film coating (pink): Hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol 400, red iron oxide (E172), polysorbate 80
Appearance and Packaging
Valganciclovir Medical Valley 450 mg film-coated tablets are pink, oval, biconvex tablets embossed with “450” on one side. The tablets measure approximately 17.1 mm in length, 8.2 mm in width, and 6.1 mm in thickness. They are packaged in a white, opaque HDPE bottle with a child-resistant polypropylene (PP) screw cap and induction seal. Each bottle contains 60 tablets.
Manufacturer
Valganciclovir Medical Valley is manufactured by Pharmathen International S.A. and Pharmathen S.A. in Greece, and the marketing authorisation is held by Medical Valley Invest AB.
Frequently Asked Questions about Valganciclovir Medical Valley
Valganciclovir is an antiviral medication used for two main purposes: treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis (a serious eye infection) in adults with AIDS, and preventing CMV disease in adults and children who have received an organ transplant from a CMV-positive donor. CMV is a common virus that can cause life-threatening disease in people with weakened immune systems. Valganciclovir works by being converted to ganciclovir in the body, which then stops CMV from replicating.
Valganciclovir tablets should be swallowed whole with food – never break, crush, or chew them. Taking the tablets with food significantly improves absorption of the medicine. If you accidentally handle a broken tablet, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If tablet powder contacts your eyes, flush them immediately with sterile or clean water. Take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent drug levels in your blood.
Regular complete blood count (CBC) monitoring is essential during valganciclovir treatment. Your doctor will check your white blood cell count (particularly neutrophils), red blood cell count, and platelet count before starting treatment and at regular intervals throughout therapy. Kidney function tests (serum creatinine and creatinine clearance) are also monitored, as ganciclovir is primarily excreted by the kidneys. If your blood counts drop below safe levels, your doctor may need to pause or adjust your treatment.
Valganciclovir should not be used during pregnancy unless your doctor determines it is absolutely necessary, as ganciclovir has been shown to be teratogenic (capable of causing birth defects) and embryotoxic in animal studies. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 30 days after the last dose. Men should use condoms during treatment and for 90 days afterwards. Breastfeeding is contraindicated during valganciclovir treatment.
The most serious side effects of valganciclovir involve bone marrow suppression, which can result in dangerously low levels of white blood cells (neutropenia), red blood cells (anaemia), and platelets (thrombocytopenia). These conditions can lead to life-threatening infections, severe anaemia requiring transfusion, or serious bleeding complications. Other serious effects include sepsis (blood poisoning), seizures, pancreatitis, bone marrow failure, and kidney problems. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, severe fatigue, or chest pain.
For CMV prevention after organ transplantation, treatment should begin within 10 days of the transplant procedure and continue for up to 100 days for most organ types. If you received a kidney transplant, your doctor may extend the prophylactic course to 200 days, as studies have shown that longer prophylaxis reduces the incidence of late-onset CMV disease in kidney transplant recipients. The exact duration is determined by your transplant team based on your individual risk factors and clinical status.
References
All medical information in this article is based on peer-reviewed research, international clinical guidelines, and authoritative pharmaceutical references. The following sources were used:
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Valganciclovir – Summary of Product Characteristics. EMA; 2024.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Valcyte (Valganciclovir Hydrochloride) – Prescribing Information. FDA; 2023.
- British National Formulary (BNF). Valganciclovir. NICE/BNF; 2025.
- Kotton CN, Kumar D, Caliendo AM, et al. The Third International Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Cytomegalovirus in Solid-Organ Transplantation. Transplantation. 2018;102(6):900-931. doi:10.1097/TP.0000000000002191
- Humar A, Lebranchu Y, Vincenti F, et al. The efficacy and safety of 200 days valganciclovir cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in high-risk kidney transplant recipients. Am J Transplant. 2010;10(5):1228-1237. doi:10.1111/j.1600-6143.2010.03074.x
- Martin DF, Sierra-Madero J, Walmsley S, et al. A controlled trial of valganciclovir as induction therapy for cytomegalovirus retinitis. N Engl J Med. 2002;346(15):1119-1126. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa011759
- Paya C, Humar A, Dominguez E, et al. Efficacy and safety of valganciclovir vs. oral ganciclovir for prevention of cytomegalovirus disease in solid organ transplant recipients. Am J Transplant. 2004;4(4):611-620. doi:10.1111/j.1600-6143.2004.00382.x
- World Health Organization (WHO). Model List of Essential Medicines – 23rd list (2023). Geneva: WHO; 2023.
- Pescovitz MD, Rabkin J, Merion RM, et al. Valganciclovir results in improved oral absorption of ganciclovir in liver transplant recipients. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2000;44(10):2811-2815. doi:10.1128/AAC.44.10.2811-2815.2000
- Drugs.com. Valganciclovir – Drug Information. Updated 2025.
Editorial Team
This article was written and medically reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, comprising licensed physicians specialising in clinical pharmacology, transplant medicine, and infectious disease.
iMedic Medical Editorial Team
Specialists in Clinical Pharmacology
iMedic Medical Review Board
Independent medical expert panel
Level 1A Evidence
GRADE Framework Applied
WHO, EMA, FDA, BNF
No commercial funding