Ganciclovir Eye Drops

About Ganciclovir Eye Drops

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antiviral eye preparations.

Ganciclovir is used to treat viral infections of the eye caused by the Herpes virus. Such infections can cause ulcers, pain, blurred vision and watery eyes.

It is also sometimes known as: Virgan. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using Ganciclovir Eye Drops

Before using Ganciclovir make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

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

How to use Ganciclovir Eye Drops

Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.

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 well before use
2. Remove the outer cap
3. Tilt the head back and pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket
4. Hold the container between the thumb and middle finger of the other hand; turn the container upside down near to the eye, try not to touch the eye
5. Apply enough pressure to the container to release one to two drops
6. Close the eye, and keep it closed for one to two minutes
7. If you think that you have missed the eye, then insert another drop
8. Repeat in the other eye if you have been instructed to use Ganciclovir in both eyes
9. Replace the outer cap on the container, try not to touch the applicator tip with the fingers as you do so
10. Wash your hands

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use Ganciclovir Eye Drops exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
• The drops 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 Drops.
• 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 Drops 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.
• Strict attention to hygiene and cleanliness is important to prevent the infection spreading to the other eye, or to other people.
• Be careful to use separate towels to other members of your household.
• Care must be taken to avoid spreading the infection from one eye to the other.
• Eye infections can cause the eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing dark glasses may help prevent this.
• Ganciclovir Eye Drops are for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Ganciclovir Eye Drops are for external use only. If you suspect someone has swallowed any Ganciclovir Eye Drops, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.

Can Ganciclovir Eye Drops cause problems?

Ganciclovir Eye Drops may cause irritation and puffiness of the eyes. If however, this 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.

Using the drops may blur your vision. Make sure that you can see normally before driving or doing any jobs where it is important that your vision is normal.

How to store Ganciclovir Eye Drops

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Discard this preparation four weeks after opening.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 24/06/2005