Brand Names: Vitrasert, Zirgan

Generic Name: ganciclovir ophthalmic (Pronunciation: gan SYE klo veer off THAL mik)

• What is ganciclovir (Zirgan)?
• What are the possible side effects of ganciclovir (Zirgan)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ganciclovir (Zirgan)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using ganciclovir (Zirgan)?
• How should I use ganciclovir (Zirgan)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zirgan)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zirgan)?
• What should I avoid while taking ganciclovir (Zirgan)?
• What other drugs will affect ganciclovir (Zirgan)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ganciclovir (Zirgan)?

Ganciclovir is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the cytomegalovirus.

Ganciclovir ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat certain viral infections affecting the eyes.

Ganciclovir implant (Vitrasert) is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the eye. This infection usually occurs in patients who have suppressed immune systems such as patients with AIDS and organ transplant patients.

Ganciclovir gel (Zirgan) is used to treat eye ulcers caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Ganciclovir is not a cure for CMV or herpes. This medication will not treat symptoms of these infections in any other part of the body.

Ganciclovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of ganciclovir (Zirgan)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• eye pain, swelling, redness, or watering;
• severe burning or itching of your eyes;
• vision changes, increased sensitivity to light;
• tunnel vision, problems with peripheral (side) vision;
• seeing flashes of light, halos around lights, or "floaters" in your vision;
• white patches on your eyes;
• cloudiness in the pupils or iris of your eyes;
• bleeding, oozing, or crusting of your eyes; or
• sudden vision loss.

Less serious side effects may include:

• blurred vision (may last up to 4 weeks after Vitrasert implant surgery);
• mild eye irritation; or
• increased tearing.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Zirgan (ganciclovir ophthalmic gel) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about ganciclovir (Zirgan)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ganciclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).

Ganciclovir implant (Vitrasert) is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the eye. Ganciclovir gel (Zirgan) is used to treat eye ulcers caused by the herpes simplex virus.

Ganciclovir is not a cure for cytomegalovirus or herpes. This medication will not treat symptoms of these infections in any other part of the body.

To make sure you can safely use ganciclovir, tell your doctor if you have low levels of platelets in your blood (easy bruising or bleeding), or an infection in any part of your body (other than your eyes).

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medication. You should not wear contact lenses at any time you have an active eye ulcer or infection.