ganciclovir

This medication is used in patients with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) to treat a serious infection of the eye called CMV (cytomegalovirus) retinitis. It works by stopping the growth of the virus. This medication is not a cure for CMV retinitis, but it helps to slow the course of the disease, which can lead to visual changes or loss of vision.

If you miss a surgery appointment to have the implant replaced, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new surgery appointment.

This medication is inserted into the affected eye(s) by a surgeon. Follow all instructions on what to do before and after surgery. The implant is designed to slowly release the medication into the eye over 5 to 8 months. The doctor will decide when the implant will need to be replaced. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve, if it worsens, or if you have signs of the CMV affecting other parts of the body (e.g., cough, fever, shortness of breath, stomach/abdominal pain, diarrhea, leg pain/weakness, headaches, confusion).

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Before using ganciclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to acyclovir; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other eye problems/surgery, other infections, bleeding/clotting problems (e.g., low platelet counts). After you receive this drug, your vision will usually become temporarily blurred for 2 to 4 weeks. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and heat. Protect from freezing. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

A temporary decrease in vision will usually occur after the surgery and last 2 to 4 weeks. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: other vision changes/loss, eye pain/swelling/redness, bleeding in or around the eye. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.