Ganciclovir eye gel

About ganciclovir eye gel

Ganciclovir is an antiviral eye gel which is used to treat eye infections caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Many people become infected with the herpes simplex virus, often during childhood. Following the first (or primary) infection, the virus stays with you for life. The virus usually stays inactive in the root of a nerve in your face, although it may activate and multiply from time to time. In most people, the virus travels down a branch of the nerve to the mouth to cause a cold sore. In some people, however, the virus travels down a branch of the nerve to the eye. When this happens, it causes an episode of active eye infection. Ganciclovir is suitable for treating this type of eye infection in adults.

Before using ganciclovir eye gel

To make sure that this is the right treatment for you, before you start using ganciclovir eye gel it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you normally wear contact lenses.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine or to another eye product.

• If you are taking any medicines, or using any other eye drops/ointment. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use ganciclovir eye gel

Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from the pack. It will give you more information about ganciclovir and will provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience from using the gel. If your eyes have an obvious discharge or 'crust', it can help if you bathe them with cool clean water before you use the gel.

1. First, wash your hands well.

2. Remove the cap from the tube.

3. Pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket.

4. Hold the gel tube upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye with the end of the tube as you do this.

5. Apply a little pressure to allow a small drop to form on the end of the tube. Let this drop into your eye.

6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.

7. Replace the cap on the tube. Make sure that you do not touch the dropper on any surface (including your eye or fingers).

8. Wash your hands again.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use ganciclovir eye gel exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is likely that your doctor will advise you to use the drops five times a day until your eye is better, and then to continue to use them three times a day for a further seven days. Space out the doses evenly during the hours you are awake.

• When you first put the eye drops into your eye, they could cause your vision to become blurred. This should quickly clear, but make sure that you can see clearly again before you drive or before using machines or tools.

• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation. It is likely you will be advised to use ganciclovir last.

• Take care to avoid spreading the infection from one eye to the other, and to other members of your family. Washing your hands regularly (particularly after touching your eyes) and not sharing towels or pillows will help to prevent the infection from spreading.

• Try not to miss any doses. If you do forget to use the gel, put a drop in as soon as you remember and then try to fit in the correct number of remaining doses during the rest of the day.

• Eye infections can cause your eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Wearing sunglasses may help to prevent this.

• The full length of your treatment will last for nearly three weeks, but if your symptoms do not start to improve within a few days of starting to use the drops, you should arrange to see your doctor for advice as soon as possible.

• Do not wear contact lenses while you are using ganciclovir eye gel. Wear your spectacles instead. Wait for at least 24 hours after the last time you use the gel before using your lenses again.

• Ganciclovir eye gel has been prescribed for you. Never share it with other people, 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. The table below contains some of the ones associated with ganciclovir eye gel. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the gel, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further 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 light and heat.

• Throw away the container after you have finished the course of treatment, even if there is some gel left. Never keep opened tubes to use later.

Important information about all medicines