Ganciclovir Implant (Into the eye)
gan-SYE-kloe-vir
Treats eye infections caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Drug classes
Antiviral (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Ganciclovir is an antiviral medicine that is used in an implant that is inserted into the eye during surgery. The ganciclovir implant is used to treat a serious condition called cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in persons who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Ganciclovir will not cure this eye infection, but it may help to keep the symptoms from becoming worse.
After your eye has used up all the medicine in the implant (generally within 5 to 8 months), the implant is removed by surgery and, at the same time, another implant can be inserted.
The surgery, the implant containing this medicine, or the medicine itself may cause some serious side effects, including detachment of the retina, formation of a cataract, and eye infections. Before you receive this implant, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine and surgery will do as well as the risks involved.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Implant
You will have surgery so that the doctor can place the eye implant into your eye. The implant will slowly release medicine into your eye over the next 5 to 8 months.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
You should not use eye drops or put any other medicines in your eyes unless you talk to your doctor first.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ganciclovir, acyclovir (Zovirax®), famciclovir (Famvir®), or valacyclovir (Valtrex®). These implants should not be used if you have a very low platelet count in your blood or a different kind of eye infection other than a CMV eye infection.
Warnings
Problems that may occur during your eye surgery include eye infection, detached retina, or development of cataracts. If you have questions about these or any other risks from having the implants, talk with your doctor.
You may not be able to see as clearly for about 2 to 4 weeks after the implant is put in. This is expected after your eye surgery. If your vision does not get better, tell your doctor.
Ganciclovir eye implants will not cure CMV eye infections, but may slow progress of the disease.
This medicine only works on CMV infection in your eyes. It does not treat CMV infections in other areas of your body.
It is important for you to have your eyes checked regularly after the implants are put in. Keep all of the appointments your doctor has scheduled for you.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before the eye implants are put in. Ganciclovir may be harmful to an unborn baby.
For men, ganciclovir may decrease the amount of sperm produced, so that you may not be able to have children. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Eye pain
Seeing flashes or sparks
Bleeding in your eyes
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Vitrasert
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
