Drug interactions
Valganciclovir + Zidovudine
Severity: Major
Valganciclovir and Zidovudine: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both drugs cause bone marrow suppression, so combined use increases the risk of severe neutropenia and anemia. Labeling recommends avoiding concurrent use where possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Valganciclovir and Zidovudine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Valganciclovir belongs to Anti Virals; Zidovudine belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Additive hematologic toxicity through myelosuppression.
What to do
Avoid if possible. If needed, monitor complete blood counts frequently and consider dose reduction, interruption or growth factors.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Valganciclovir
Other interactions of Zidovudine
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Stavudine + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Atidarsagene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Betibeglogene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Carboplatin + Zidovudine Major
- Cisplatin + Zidovudine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Valganciclovir with Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Valganciclovir and Zidovudine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs cause bone marrow suppression, so combined use increases the risk of severe neutropenia and anemia. Labeling recommends avoiding concurrent use where possible.
How serious is the interaction between Valganciclovir and Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible. If needed, monitor complete blood counts frequently and consider dose reduction, interruption or growth factors.
What other medicines interact with Valganciclovir?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Valganciclovir with, for example, Didanosine, Ganciclovir, Liposomal doxorubicin. The full list is on the Valganciclovir page.
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