Oral
valganciclovir is a new and highly efficacious alternative to the chronic administration of
ganciclovir in the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV)
retinitis in HIV-infected patients. In addition to its excellent bioavailability and favorable pharmacokinetic profile,
valganciclovir has also proved cost effective and is the most widely used
drug in the armamentarium for the treatment of CMV
retinitis.
Valganciclovir is a
prodrug of
ganciclovir, the erstwhile commonly used
therapy. In March 2001, the US Food and Drug Administration approved
valganciclovir for the induction and maintenance treatment of CMV disease, including CMV
retinitis. Valganciclvoir has compared favorably with both oral and intravenous treatments for induction and maintenance
therapy with
ganciclovir. The reduced pill burden and the ease of
oral administration has helped avoid the risks associated with intravenous
therapy. The most serious adverse event is
neutropenia, which makes the patient susceptible to
infections. In the current review, we have compiled all the available evidence-based information on
valganciclovir.