Vitrasert (Ganciclovir) Drug Information: Side Effects and Drug Interactions

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May 27, 2012

Vitrasert

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Vitrasert

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SIDE EFFECTS

During clinical trials, the most frequent adverse events seen in patients treated with the Vitrasert (ganciclovir) Implant involved the eye.

During the first two months following implantation, visual acuity loss of 3 lines or more, vitreous hemorrhage, and retinal detachments occurred in approximately 10-20% of patients. Cataract formation/lens opacities, macular abnormalities, intraocular pressure spikes, optic disk/nerve changes, hyphemas and uveitis occurred in approximately 1-5%.

Adverse events with an incidence of less than 1% were: retinopathy, anterior chamber cell and flare, synechia, hemorrhage (other than vitreous), cotton wool spots, keratopathy, astigmatism, endophthalmitis, microangiopathy, sclerosis, choroiditis, chemosis, phthisis bulbi, angle closure glaucoma with anterior chamber shallowing, vitreous detachment, vitreous traction, hypotony, severe post-operative inflammation, retinal tear, retinal hole, corneal dellen, choroidal folds, pellet extrusion from scleral wound, and gliosis.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

No drug interactions have been observed with the Vitrasert (ganciclovir) Implant. There is limited experience with use of retinal tamponades in conjunction with the Vitrasert (ganciclovir) Implant.

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/2/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.