What is this medicine?
GANCICLOVIR (gan SYE kloe veer) is an antiviral medicine. It is used to treat infections caused by certain kinds of viruses. The implant is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) eye infections. The implant will only treat the eye it has been placed into, and it is not a cure for CMV.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-bleeding problems
-other infections
-low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
-an unusual or allergic reaction to ganciclovir, acyclovir, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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This medicine is placed in position by a surgical procedure. It is done by a trained surgeon in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 9 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
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This does not apply.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Interactions are not expected.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Discuss any new symptoms with your doctor. Have your eyes checked every 4 to 6 weeks or as directed.
After the implant is placed in your eye, you may find you cannot see as well as you could before the procedure. This change should be for only a short time while you heal from the eye surgery. Tell your doctor if your vision does not get better in 2 to 4 weeks.
Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-bleeding in the eye
-cataract formation
-detached retina
-eye pain
-prolonged changes in vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-swelling, pain, and inflammation of the eye
-temporary changes in vision
Where should I keep my medicine?
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This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Avoid - This drug is known to cause harm to infants when taken by nursing mothers.
