Before using ganciclovir eye gel

Before using ganciclovir eye gel make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use ganciclovir eye gel

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• If the eye(s) have an obvious discharge or 'crust' they may be bathed with boiled and cooled water before treating with ganciclovir.

1. Wash your hands.
2. Remove the lid from the tube.
3. Tilt your head back and pull the lower lid of your eye down to form a pocket.
4. Hold the tube vertically. A small drop will form on the end of the tube which should be dropped into your eye. Try not to touch your eye with the end of the tube.
5. Close your eye, and keep it closed for one to two minutes. If you think that you have missed your eye, then insert another drop.
6. Close the tube, making sure that you do not touch the dropper on any surface (including your eye or fingers).

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use ganciclovir eye gel exactly as directed by your doctor.
• The gel should be used five times a day until the eye appears completely healed, then must be continued for another seven days, used three times each day. The length of treatment is usually three weeks in total.
• You must complete the course of treatment even if the eye seems to be normal, to kill all of the virus infecting the eye.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are being treated with ganciclovir eye gel.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation.
• Try not to miss doses. If you do miss a dose, then apply the missed dose as soon as possible.
• Do not use ganciclovir eye gel more often, or for a longer period than your doctor has directed.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Take care to avoid spreading the infection from one eye to the other.
• Be careful to use separate towels to other members of your household.
• Eye infections can cause the eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing dark glasses may help prevent this.
• Ganciclovir eye gel is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Can ganciclovir eye gel cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If the burning sensation is severe, your condition worsens, or if you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this preparation ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How to store ganciclovir eye gel

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Do not use this preparation more than four weeks after opening.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)