Question 1

How can I lower the cost of my valganciclovir

Accepted Answer

You can lower cost of your valganciclovir using one of the 4 following drug savings programs: Rx Advantage Card for valganciclovir, Canadian Prescription Savings for valganciclovir, valganciclovir Drug Coupons, valganciclovir Patient Assistance Programs

Question 2

What dosages is valganciclovir available in?

Accepted Answer

valganciclovir is available as 450 mg oral tablet and a 50 mg/ml oral solution.

Question 3

What is valganciclovir used for?

Accepted Answer

valganciclovir 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)

Question 4

How does valganciclovir work?

Accepted Answer

valganciclovir 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.

Question 5

How do I take valganciclovir?

Accepted Answer

valganciclovir 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 valganciclovir might be different depending on your kidney health.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to take valganciclovir?

Accepted Answer

valganciclovir 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.

Question 7

valganciclovir Common Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of valganciclovir:  Diarrhea Fever Nausea Headache Low blood cell counts Vomiting Difficulty sleeping Stomach pain Labs suggesting kidney problems

Question 8

valganciclovir Serious Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Serious side effects are rare with valganciclovir. 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

Question 9

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on valganciclovir

Accepted Answer

The following medications may interact with valganciclovir:  Imipenem-cilastatin: Seizures were reported in patients receiving valganciclovir and imipenem-cilastatin. Concomitant use is not recommended unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks Cyclosporine or amphotericin B: When coadministered with valganciclovir, the risk of nephrotoxicity may be increased Monitor renal function Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF): When coadministered with valganciclovir, 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 valganciclovir only if the potential benefits are judged to outweigh the risks Didanosine: valganciclovir coadministered with didanosine may increase didanosine levels. Monitor for didanosine toxicity (e.g., pancreatitis) Probenecid: May increase valganciclovir levels. Monitor for evidence of valganciclovir toxicity

Question 10

Who makes valganciclovir?

Accepted Answer

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Question 11

Is valganciclovir safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Based on animal data, valganciclovir may cause fetal harm. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant. valganciclovir should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Question 12

What is the brand name for valganciclovir?

Accepted Answer

VALCYTE

Question 13

How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my valganciclovir prescription?

Accepted Answer

After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your valganciclovir prescription

Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.

Question 14

How do the NowPatient valganciclovir savings programs work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Are the NowPatient valganciclovir savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?

Accepted Answer

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 valganciclovir	Canadian Prescription Savings* for valganciclovir	valganciclovir Drug Coupon*	valganciclovir 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.

Question 16

Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of valganciclovir?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below

	Rx Advantage Card* for valganciclovir	Canadian Prescription Savings* for valganciclovir	valganciclovir Drug Coupon*	valganciclovir 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.

Question 17

If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the valganciclovir savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?

Accepted Answer

If you are insured with Medicare and the valganciclovir 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 valganciclovir, 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).

Question 18

I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the valganciclovir prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, valganciclovir 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 valganciclovir for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.

Question 19

I am commercially or privately insured and none of the valganciclovir prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If your medication is not covered by your plan, 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 contribution, 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.

Question 20

If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the valganciclovir 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 contributions?

Accepted Answer

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 valganciclovir

If you are having trouble paying for your valganciclovir 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 valganciclovir you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
valganciclovir 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 valganciclovir
If valganciclovir 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 valganciclovir

If you are having trouble paying for your valganciclovir medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for valganciclovir 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 valganciclovir
If valganciclovir 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 valganciclovir

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 valganciclovir 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 valganciclovir you will need to meet the following criteria:

You must be currently insured and have coverage for valganciclovir
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.