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Valganciclovir

Prescription ANDA TE AB Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Valganciclovir
Generic name
Valganciclovir
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route
Oral
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
Strides Pharma Science Limited
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
1
NDC product codes
8
Packages
14
Data completeness
83% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Valganciclovir Hydrochloride 450 mg/1 863559 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Tablet, Film Coated
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
22

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Cytomegalovirus Nucleoside Analog DNA Polymerase Inhibitor [EPC] EPC 8 members — no class page
DNA Polymerase Inhibitors [MoA] MoA All 25 members
Nucleoside Analog Antiviral [EPC] EPC 9 members — no class page
Nucleoside Analog [EXT] EPC All 34 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
205166
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
March 18, 2016
Sponsor
HETERO LABS LTD V
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
4
Products approved under application 205166.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
205166-001 VALGANCICLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE TABLET VALGANCICLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 205166.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 14 Labeling Approved August 18, 2022 Standard
Supplement 13 Labeling Approved August 18, 2022 Standard
Supplement 6 Labeling Approved March 12, 2020 Standard
Original application 1 Approved March 18, 2016 Standard

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260601). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260601 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260326 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20251231 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250801

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

WARNING: HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY, FETAL TOXICITY, MUTAGENESIS AND CARCINOGENESIS Hematologic Toxicity: Severe leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, and bone marrow failure including aplastic anemia have been reported in patients treated with valganciclovir [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Impairment of Fertility: Based on animal data and limited human data, valganciclovir may cause temporary or permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis in males and suppression of fertility in females [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Fetal Toxicity: Based on animal data, valganciclovir has the potential to cause birth defects in humans [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis: Based on animal data, valganciclovir has the potential to cause cancers in humans [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. Double click here to open Word Application. Write ordered list in to word document. Close Word Application. WARNING: HEMATOLOGIC TOXICITY, IMPAIRMENT OF FERTILITY, FETAL TOXICITY, MUTAGENESIS AND CARCINOGENESIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Hematologic Toxicity: Severe leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, and bone marrow failure including aplastic anemia have been reported in patients treated with valganciclovir. (5.1) Impairment of Fertility: Based on animal data and limited human data, valganciclovir may cause temporary or permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis in males and suppression of fertility in females. (5.3) Fetal Toxicity: Based on animal data, valganciclovir has the potential to cause birth defects in humans. (5.4) Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis: Based on animal data, valganciclovir has the potential to cause cancers in humans. (5.5)

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Indications and Usage, Pediatric Patients ( 1.2 ) 04/2015 Dosage and Administration, Pediatric Patients ( 2.3 ) 04/2015

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS & USAGE Valganciclovir tablets, USP are a cytomegalovirus (CMV) nucleoside analogue DNA polymerase inhibitor indicated for: Adult Patients ( 1.1 ) • Treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). • Prevention of CMV disease in kidney, heart, and kidney-pancreas transplant patients at high risk. Pediatric Patients ( 1.2 ) • Prevention of CMV disease in heart transplant patients at high risk. 1.1 Adult Patients Treatment of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Retinitis : Valganciclovir tablets, USP are indicated for the treatment of CMV retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1)]. Prevention of CMV Disease : Valganciclovir tablets, USP are indicated for the prevention of CMV disease in kidney, heart, and kidney-pancreas transplant patients at high risk (Donor CMV seropositive/Recipient CMV seronegative [D+/R-]) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. 1.2 Pediatric Patients Prevention of CMV Disease : Valganciclovir tablets, USP are indicated for the prevention of CMV disease in heart transplant patients (4 month to 16 years of age) at high risk [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. Pediatric use information for pediatric kidney transplant patients ages 4 months to 16 years and for pediatric heart transplant patients ages 1 to less than 4 months is approved for Roche Palo Alto LLC' s VALCYTE (valganciclovir hydrochloride) tablets. However, due to Roche Palo Alto LLC' s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that pediatric information.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 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. 2.1 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* k value Pediatric Patient Age 0.33 Infants less than 1 year of age with low birth weight f …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE 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)

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Valganciclovir tablets are contraindicated in patients who have had a demonstrated clinically significant hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to valganciclovir, ganciclovir, or any component of the formulation [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Hypersensitivity to valganciclovir or ganciclovir. ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hematologic toxicity: Severe leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, bone marrow depression, and aplastic anemia have occurred with the use of valganciclovir tablets or ganciclovir. Avoid valganciclovir tablets use if absolute neutrophil count is less than 500 cells/μL, platelet count is less than 25,000/μL, or hemoglobin is less than 8 g/dL. Use with caution in pre-existing cytopenias and when receiving myelosuppressive drugs or irradiation. Monitor with frequent testing of platelet and complete blood counts ( 5.1 ). • Impairment of fertility: Based on animal studies, valganciclovir tablets may cause temporary or permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis ( 5.2 ). • Fetal toxicity: Based on animal studies, valganciclovir tablets may cause fetal harm. Females of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during and following treatment and males should practice barrier contraception during and following treatment (5.3 ). • Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity: Based on animal studies, valganciclovir tablets are potentially mutagenic and carcinogenic ( 5.4 ). • Acute renal failure: Acute renal failure may occur in elderly patients (with or without reduced renal function), patients who receive concomitant nephrotoxic drugs, or inadequately hydrated patients. Use with caution in elderly patients or those taking nephrotoxic drugs, reduce dosage in patients with renal impairment, and monitor renal function ( 2.5 , 5.5 , 8.5 , 8.6 , 12.3 ). 5.1Hematologic Toxicity Severe leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, bone marrow aplasia, and aplastic anemia have been reported in patients treated with valganciclovir tablets or ganciclovir. Valganciclovir tablets should be avoided if the absolute neutrophil count is less than 500 cells/μL, the platelet count is less than 25,000/μL, or the hemoglobin is less than 8 g/dL. Valganciclovir tablets should also be used with caution in patients with pre-existing cytopenias, or who have received or who are receiving myelosuppressive drugs or irradiation. Cytopenia may occur at any time during treatment and may worsen with continued dosing. Cell counts usually begin to recover within 3 to 7 days after discontinuing drug. Due to the frequency of neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia in patients receiving valganciclovir tablets [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )], complete blood counts with differential and platelet counts should be performed frequently, especially in patients in whom ganciclovir or other nucleoside analogues have previously resulted in leukopenia, or in whom neutrophil counts are less than 1000 cells/μL at the beginning of treatment. Increased monitoring for cytopenias may be warranted if therapy with oral ganciclovir is changed to valganciclovir tablets, because of increased plasma concentrations of ganciclovir after valganciclovir tablets administration [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 5.2 Impairment of Fertility Based on animal data with ganciclovir, valganciclovir tablets at the recommended human doses may cause temporary or permanent inhibition of spermatogenesis in males, and may cause suppression of fertility in females. Advise patients that fertility may be impaired with use of valganciclovir tablets [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1, 8.3 ), Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )]. 5.3 Fetal Toxicity Ganciclovir may cause fetal toxicity when administered to pregnant women based on findings in animal studies. When given to pregnant rabbits at dosages resulting in 2-times the human exposure (based on AUC), ganciclovir caused malformations in multiple organs of the fetuses. Maternal and fetal toxicity were also observed in pregnant mice and rabbits. Therefore, valganciclovir has the potential to cause birth defects. Pregnancy should be avoided in female patients taking valganciclovir tablets and in females with male partners taking valganciclovir tablets. Females of reproductive potential shou …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS 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 for oral solution or 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 Strides Pharma Inc. at 1-877-244-9825 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 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 …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS In vivo drug-drug interaction studies were not conducted with valganciclovir. However, because valganciclovir is rapidly and extensively converted to ganciclovir, drug-drug interactions associated with ganciclovir will be expected for valganciclovir. Drug-drug interaction studies with ganciclovir were conducted in patients with normal renal function. Following concomitant administration of valganciclovir and other renally excreted drugs, patients with impaired renal function may have increased concentrations of ganciclovir and the coadministered drug. Therefore, these patients should be closely monitored for toxicity of ganciclovir and the coadministered drug. Established and other potentially significant drug interactions conducted with ganciclovir are listed in Table 9. Table 9 Established and Other Potentially Significant Drug Interactions with Ganciclovir Name of the Concomitant Drug Change in the Concentration of Ganciclovir or Concomitant Drug Clinical Comment Imipenem-cilastatin Unknown Coadministration with imipenem-cilastatin is not recommended because generalized seizures have been reported in patients who received ganciclovir and imipenem-cilastatin. Cyclosporine or amphotericin B Unknown Monitor renal function when valganciclovir is coadministered with cyclosporine or amphotericin B because of potential increase in serum creatinine [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) ↔ Ganciclovir (in patients with normal renal function) ↔ MMF (in patients with normal renal function) Based on increased risk, patients should be monitored for hematological and renal toxicity. Other drugs associated with myelosuppresion or nephrotoxicity (e.g., adriamycin, dapsone, doxorubicin, flucytosine, hydroxyurea, pentamidine, tacrolimus, trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole, vinblastine, vincristine, and zidovudine) Unknown Because of potential for higher toxicity, coadministration with valganciclovir should be considered only if the potential benefits are judged to outweigh the risks. Didanosine ↔ Ganciclovir ↑ Didanosine Patients should be closely monitored for didanosine toxicity (e.g., pancreatitis) Probenecid ↑ Ganciclovir Valganciclovir dose may need to be reduced. Monitor for evidence of ganciclovir toxicity. Imipenem-cilastatin: Seizures were reported in patients receiving ganciclovir and imipenem-cilastatin. Concomitant use is not recommended unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. (7) Cyclosporine or amphotericin B: When coadministered with valganciclovir, the risk of nephrotoxicity may be increased. Monitor renal function. (5.2, 7) Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF): When coadministered with valganciclovir, the risk of hematological and renal toxicity may be increased. Monitor for ganciclovir and MMF toxicity. (7) 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. (7) Didanosine: Ganciclovir coadministered with didanosine may increase didanosine levels. Monitor for didanosine toxicity (e.g., pancreatitis). (7) Probenecid: May increase ganciclovir levels. Monitor for evidence of ganciclovir toxicity. (7) Double click here to open Word Application. Write ordered list in to word document. Close Word Application.

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Breastfeeding is not recommended with use of valganciclovir. (8.2) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary After oral administration, valganciclovir (prodrug) is converted to ganciclovir (active drug) and, therefore, valganciclovir is expected to have reproductive toxicity effects similar to ganciclovir. In animal studies, ganciclovir caused maternal and fetal toxicity and embryo-fetal mortality in pregnant mice and rabbits as well as teratogenicity in rabbits at exposures two-times the human exposure. There are no available human data on use of valganciclovir or ganciclovir in pregnant women to establish the presence or absence of drug-associated risk. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2-4% and the risk of miscarriage is 15-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ]. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk Most maternal CMV infections are asymptomatic or they may be associated with a self-limited mononucleosis-like syndrome. However, in immunocompromised patients (i.e., transplant patients or patients with AIDS) CMV infections may be symptomatic and may result in significant maternal morbidity and mortality. The transmission of CMV to the fetus is a result of maternal viremia and transplacental infection. Perinatal infection can also occur from exposure of the neonate to CMV shedding in the genital tract. Approximately 10% of children with congenital CMV infection are symptomatic at birth. Mortality in these infants is about 10% and approximately 50-90% of symptomatic surviving newborns experience significant morbidity, including mental retardation, sensorineural hearing loss, microcephaly, seizures, and other medical problems. The risk of congenital CMV infection resulting from primary maternal CMV infection may be higher and of greater severity than that resulting from maternal reactivation of CMV infection. Data Animal Data Doses resulting in two-times the human exposure of ganciclovir (based on the human AUC following a single intravenous infusion of 5 mg per kg of ganciclovir) resulted in maternal and embryo-fetal toxicity in pregnant mice and rabbits as well as teratogenicity in the rabbits. Fetal resorptions were present in at least 85% of rabbits and mice. Rabbits showed increased embryo fetal mortality, growth retardation of the fetuses and structural abnormalities of multiple organs of the fetuses including the palate (cleft palate), eyes (anophthalmia/microphthalmia), brain (hydrocephalus), jaw (brachygnathia), kidneys and pancreas (aplastic organs). Increased embryo-fetal mortality was also seen in mice. Daily intravenous doses of approximately 1.7 times the human exposure (based on AUC) administered to female mice prior to mating, during gestation, and during lactation caused hypoplasia of the testes and seminal vesicles in the male offspring, as well as pathologic changes in the nonglandular region of the stomach. Data from an ex-vivo human placental model showed that ganciclovir crosses the human placenta. The transfer occurred by passive diffusion and was not saturable over a concentration range of 1 to 10 mg/mL. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary No data are available regarding the presence of valganciclovir (prodrug) or ganciclovir (active drug) in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Animal data indicate that ganciclovir is excreted in the milk of lactating rats. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that HIV-infected mothers not breastfeed their infants to avoid risking postnatal transmission of HIV. Advise nursing mothers that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with valganciclovir because of t …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Valganciclovir is an antiviral drug with activity against CMV [see Microbiology ( 12.4 ) ].

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION 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 tablets, USP are available as a 450 mg tablet for oral administration. Each film coated tablet contains 496.3 mg of valganciclovir hydrochloride, USP (corresponding to 450 mg of valganciclovir), and the inactive ingredients crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone and stearic acid. The tablets are coated with Opadry Pink which contains hypromellose, iron oxide red, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80 and titanium dioxide. Valganciclovir hydrochloride, USP is a white to off-white powder, slightly hygroscopic with a molecular formula of C 14 H 22 N 6 O 5 •HCl and a molecular weight of 390.82. The chemical name for valganciclovir hydrochloride, USP is L-Valine, 2-[(2-amino-1,6-dihydro-6-oxo-9H-purin-9-yl)methoxy]-3-hydroxypropylester, monohydrochloride. Valganciclovir hydrochloride, USP is a polar hydrophilic compound with a solubility of 70 mg/mL in water at 25°C at a pH of 7 and an n-octanol/water partition coefficient of 0.0095 at pH 7. The pKa for valganciclovir hydrochloride, USP is 7.5. The chemical structure of valganciclovir hydrochloride, USP is: All doses in this insert are specified in terms of valganciclovir. valganciclovirstructure

10 OVERDOSAGE Experience With Valganciclovir Tablets: One adult developed fatal bone marrow depression (medullary aplasia) after several days of dosing that was at least 10-fold greater than recommended for the patient’s estimated degree of renal impairment. An overdose of valganciclovir tablets could also possibly result in increased renal toxicity [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )]. Because ganciclovir is dialyzable, dialysis may be useful in reducing serum concentrations in patients who have received an overdose of valganciclovir tablets [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Adequate hydration should be maintained. The use of hematopoietic growth factors should be considered [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Experience with Intravenous Ganciclovir: Reports of overdoses with intravenous ganciclovir have been received from clinical trials and during postmarketing experience. The majority of patients experienced one or more of the following adverse events: Hematological toxicity: pancytopenia, bone marrow depression, medullary aplasia, leukopenia, neutropenia, granulocytopenia Hepatotoxicity: hepatitis, liver function disorder Renal toxicity: worsening of hematuria in a patient with pre-existing renal impairment, acute renal failure, elevated creatinine Gastrointestinal toxicity: abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting Neurotoxicity: generalized tremor, convulsion

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Valganciclovir tablets USP, 450 mg are pink, oval, biconvex, film-coated tablets, debossed with 'J' on one side and '156' on the other side. Each film-coated tablet contains 496.3 mg of valganciclovir hydrochloride, USP equivalent to 450 mg of valganciclovir. Valganciclovir tablets are supplied in: Cartons of 20 film-coated tablets (10 film-coated tablets each blister pack x 2), NDC 0904-6796-10 Cartons of 30 film-coated tablets (10 film-coated tablets each blister pack x 3), NDC 0904-6796-04 WARNING: These Unit Dose packages are not child resistant and are Intended for Institutional Use Only. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Store at 25 o C; excursions permitted between 15 o and 30 o C (59 o and 86 o F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
18,742
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: VALGANCICLOVIR HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Recalls

Source: FDA Enforcement
Drug recall enforcement reports associated with this product.
Classification Reported Firm Reason Status
Class II March 21, 2018 Hetero Labs Limited Unit V Temperature Abuse: Valganciclovir Tablets USP 450 mg and Valacyclovir Tablets USP 1 gram were exposed to higher temperature at airport or cargo and in the same consignment of Famciclovir complaint batch (D-0415-2018). Terminated

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
68084-965-19 68084-965 American Health Packaging 20 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (68084-965-19) / 1 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (68084-965-18) November 6, 2024
68084-965-25 68084-965 American Health Packaging 30 BLISTER PACK in 1 BOX, UNIT-DOSE (68084-965-25) / 1 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (68084-965-95) January 16, 2015
42291-973-60 42291-973 AvKARE 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (42291-973-60) December 21, 2023
50268-787-12 50268-787 AvPAK 20 BLISTER PACK in 1 BOX, UNIT-DOSE (50268-787-12) / 1 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (50268-787-11) July 27, 2016
31722-832-31 31722-832 Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 10 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (31722-832-31) March 18, 2016
31722-832-32 31722-832 Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 10 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 CARTON (31722-832-32) March 18, 2016
31722-832-60 31722-832 Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (31722-832-60) March 18, 2016
55111-762-05 55111-762 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited 500 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (55111-762-05) December 15, 2014
55111-762-60 55111-762 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (55111-762-60) December 15, 2014
55111-762-78 55111-762 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited 10 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (55111-762-78) / 10 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (55111-762-79) December 15, 2014
0904-6796-04 0904-6796 Major Pharmaceuticals 30 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (0904-6796-04) / 1 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK March 18, 2016
0904-6796-10 0904-6796 Major Pharmaceuticals 20 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (0904-6796-10) / 1 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK March 18, 2016
64380-153-01 64380-153 Strides Pharma Science Limited 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (64380-153-01) September 12, 2022
64380-161-01 64380-161 Strides Pharma Science Limited 60 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (64380-161-01) June 16, 2025
68084-965 68084-965 American Health Packaging — January 16, 2015
42291-973 42291-973 AvKARE — December 21, 2023
50268-787 50268-787 AvPAK — July 27, 2016
31722-832 31722-832 Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. — March 18, 2016
55111-762 55111-762 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited — December 15, 2014
0904-6796 0904-6796 Major Pharmaceuticals — March 18, 2016
64380-153 64380-153 Strides Pharma Science Limited — September 12, 2022
64380-161 64380-161 Strides Pharma Science Limited — June 16, 2025

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts
Enforcement FDA Recall records

Generated September 25, 2026 · 13 sections on this page.