GANCICLOVIR OPHTHALMIC

(gan SYE klo veer off THAL mik) Brand: Vitrasert, Zirgan

What is the most significant information I must know about ganciclovir?

• You must not use this medicine if you are allergic to ganciclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).

• Ganciclovir implant (Vitrasert) is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the eye. Ganciclovir gel (Zirgan) is used to treat eye ulcers caused by the herpes simplex virus.

• Ganciclovir is not a cure for cytomegalovirus or herpes. This medicine will not treat symptoms of these infections in any another part of the body.

• To create certain you can safely use ganciclovir, speak your doctor if you have low levels of platelets in your blood (easy bruising or bleeding), or an infection in any part of your body (other than your eyes).

• Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. You must not wear contact lenses at any time you have an active eye ulcer or infection.

What is ganciclovir?

• Ganciclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the cytomegalovirus.

• Ganciclovir ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat determined viral infections affecting the eyes.

• Ganciclovir implant (Vitrasert) is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the eye. This infection generally occurs in patients who have suppressed immune systems such as patients with AIDS and organ transplant patients.

• Ganciclovir gel (Zirgan) is used to treat eye ulcers caused by the herpes simplex virus.

• Ganciclovir is not a cure for CMV or herpes. This medicine will not treat symptoms of these infections in any another part of the body.

• Ganciclovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medicine guide.

What must I discuss with my health care provider till using ganciclovir?

• You must not use this medicine if you are allergic to ganciclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).

• To create certain you can safely use ganciclovir, speak your doctor if you have any of these another conditions:

· an infection in any part of your body (other than your eyes); or

· low levels of platelets in your blood (easy bruising or bleeding).

• Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine. You must not wear contact lenses at any time you have an active eye ulcer or infection.

• FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ganciclovir will harm an unborn child. Speak your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

• This medicine can decrease sperm bill and may affect a man's fertility (ability to have children).

• It is not known whether ganciclovir passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing child. Do not use Zirgan without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a child. You must not breast-feed after you have received a Vitrasert implant.

• Ganciclovir gel (Zirgan) must not be given to a baby younger than 2 years old.

How must I use ganciclovir?

• The Vitrasert implant is surgically placed into the eye. The implant will slowly release ganciclovir into the affected eye over a period of 5 to 8 months.

• Use Zirgan gel exactly as predesigned by your doctor. Do not use in larger or less amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

• Zirgan is generally applied 5 times every day before your eye ulcer heals. Then the gel is applied 3 times for day for 7 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

• Wash your hands till using the eye drops.

• To apply Zirgan:

· Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to make a little pocket. Keep the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.

· Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

· Gently press your finger to the internal corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to hold the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes till putting in the following drop.

• Do not let the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could reason an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious hurt to the eye.

• Ganciclovir does not cure herpes or CMV. Your malady may continue to progress even after you are treated with this medicine. Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis, and you will need routine eye exams.

• Store Zirgan at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Hold the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Use the missed doze as soon as you remember. Skip the missed doze if it is nearly time for your following scheduled doze. Do not use extra medication to create up the missed dose.

• Since the Vitrasert implant is surgically put into seat, you will not be on a dosing schedule for this medicine. The implant may be removed and replaced after 5 to 8 months.

What happens if I overdose?

• Search abnormal medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What must I avoid while taking ganciclovir?

• Do not use any eye medications that your doctor has not prescribed.

• Ganciclovir may reason blurred vision, which may recent up to 4 weeks after Vitrasert implant surgery. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

What are the possible side effects of ganciclovir?

• Get abnormal medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your person, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

· eye pain, swelling, redness, or watering;

· severe burning or itching of your eyes;

· vision changes, heighten sensitivity to light;

· tunnel vision, problems with peripheral (side) vision;

· seeing flashes of easy, halos near lights, or "floaters" in your vision;

· white patches on your eyes;

· cloudiness in the pupils or iris of your eyes;

· bleeding, oozing, or crusting of your eyes; or

· sudden vision loss.

• Smaller serious side effects may include:

· blurred vision (may recent up to 4 weeks after Vitrasert implant surgery);

· mild eye irritation; or

· heighten tearing.

• This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may message side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What another drugs will affect ganciclovir?

• It is not likely that another drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on ganciclovir used in the eyes. But much drugs can interact with every another. Speak your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal commodity. Do not start a new medicine without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about ganciclovir.

Remember, hold this and all another medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the indication prescribed.

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