title: The efficacy and cost-effectiveness of valacyclovir in cytomegalovirus prevention in solid organ transplantation.
abstract: Prevention of cytomegalovirus infection using antiviral prophylaxis or the pre-emptive therapy approach is an integral part of management of patients after solid organ transplantation. Regarding renal transplantation, valacyclovir is currently the only antiviral agent recommended for prophylaxis as an alternative to valganciclovir. This review article discusses studies documenting the efficacy and safety of valacyclovir prophylaxis as well as those comparing valacyclovir with other prophylactic regimens or with pre-emptive therapy. Also addressed are the economic aspects supporting the cost-effectiveness of valacyclovir prophylaxis and demonstrating lower costs compared with other cytomegalovirus preventive strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine I, Charles University Medical School and Teaching Hospital, Alej Svobody 80, 304 60 Pilsen, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Tomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Reischig
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kacer
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016527:Drug Costs; D006801:Humans; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000191:economics*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D014633:Valine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D014633:Valine; D000077483:Valacyclovir; D000212:Acyclovir
keywords: CMV; pharmacoeconomics; prophylaxis; renal transplantation; valacyclovir