VALCYTE
Used for HIV
NowPatient helps you obtain your VALCYTE prescription for free or at low-cost. Drug savings programs are suitable for individuals who are insured, don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine.
Manufactured by Genentech
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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VALCYTE key facts
What is VALCYTE?
VALCYTE is the brand name for valganciclovir and is available as an oral tablet and solution.
What dosages is VALCYTE available in?
VALCYTE is available as 450 mg oral tablet and a 50 mg/ml oral solution.
What is VALCYTE used for?
VALCYTE is an antiviral that is used for the:
- Prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after organ transplant
- Treatment of CMV eye infection in adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
How does VALCYTE work?
VALCYTE is metabolized (broken down) by the body to an active antiviral medication called ganciclovir. Ganciclovir stops an enzyme called DNA polymerase. Without this enzyme, the virus can’t make copies of itself.
How do I take VALCYTE?
VALCYTE is dosed as follows:
- Treatment of CMV eye infection Adults: The typical dose is to take 900 mg by mouth twice daily for 3 weeks. After that, your provider will typically lower your dose to 900 mg by mouth once daily.
- Prevention of CMV infection after transplant Adults (kidney, heart, or kidney-pancreas transplant): The typical dose is to take 900 mg by mouth once daily, starting within 10 days of organ transplant. You’ll continue to take this medication for 100 to 200 days after your transplant, or as directed by your provider.
- Children (kidney or heart transplant): Your child’s provider will determine your child’s dose based on their height, weight, age, and kidney health. Typically, your child will start this medication within 10 days of organ transplant. They’ll continue taking it for 100 to 200 days after their transplant, or as directed by their provider
Your dose of VALCYTE might be different depending on your kidney health.
Is it safe for me to take VALCYTE?
VALCYTE is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
VALCYTE Common Side Effects
Common side effects of VALCYTE:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Nausea
- Headache
- Low blood cell counts
- Vomiting
- Difficulty sleeping
- Stomach pain
- Labs suggesting kidney problems
VALCYTE Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with VALCYTE. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Retinal detachment: sudden changes in vision, floaters, flashes of light
- Blood and bone marrow problems
- Kidney injury: urinating less often than usual, swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands, unexplained weight gain
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on VALCYTE
The following medications may interact with VALCYTE:
- Imipenem-cilastatin: Seizures were reported in patients receiving
- VALCYTE and imipenem-cilastatin. Concomitant use is not recommended unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks
- Cyclosporine or amphotericin B: When coadministered with VALCYTE, the risk of nephrotoxicity may be increased
- Monitor renal function
- Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF): When coadministered with VALCYTE, the risk of hematological and renal toxicity may be increased. Monitor for ganciclovir and MMF toxicity
- Other drugs associated with myelosuppression or nephrotoxicity: Due to potential for increased toxicity, consider for concomitant use with VALCYTE only if the potential benefits are judged to outweigh the risks
- Didanosine: VALCYTE coadministered with didanosine may increase didanosine levels. Monitor for didanosine toxicity (e.g., pancreatitis)
- Probenecid: May increase VALCYTE levels. Monitor for evidence of VALCYTE toxicity
Who makes VALCYTE?
Genentech
Is VALCYTE safe in pregnancy?
Based on animal data, VALCYTE may cause fetal harm. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant. VALCYTE should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my VALCYTE prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your VALCYTE prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient VALCYTE savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient VALCYTE savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for VALCYTE | Canadian Prescription Savings* for VALCYTE | VALCYTE Drug Coupon* | VALCYTE Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of VALCYTE?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for VALCYTE | Canadian Prescription Savings* for VALCYTE | VALCYTE Drug Coupon* | VALCYTE Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the VALCYTE savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the VALCYTE drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for VALCYTE, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the VALCYTE prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, VALCYTE is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed VALCYTE for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the VALCYTE prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the VALCYTE prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for VALCYTE
If you are having trouble paying for your VALCYTE medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for VALCYTE you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- VALCYTE is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers VALCYTE
- If VALCYTE is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for VALCYTE
If you are having trouble paying for your VALCYTE medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for VALCYTE you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers VALCYTE
- If VALCYTE is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for VALCYTE
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your VALCYTE treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for VALCYTE you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for VALCYTE
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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