Hoffmann-La Roche received Food and Drug Administration approval for Valcyte (valganciclovir) to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in AIDS patients, a condition which can cause blindness. Valcyte is the oral form of Roche's 1989 anti-CMV drug Cytovene (ganciclovir), given intravenously. Pharmacies should receive Valcyte this spring. Roche plans for Valcyte to "replace and rebuild" Cytovene. Valcyte may cause a number of side effects, including anemia, diarrhea and vomiting.
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