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.

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:

• Si estás embarazada o amamantando.

• 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.

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. Cierra el ojo durante uno o dos minutos y presiona suavemente el lado de tu nariz donde la esquina de tu ojo se encuentra con tu nariz. Esto ayuda a evitar que la gota se drene y la mantiene en tu ojo.

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.

• 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.

• Tenga cuidado de no propagar la infección de un ojo al otro, y a otros miembros de su familia. Lavarse las manos regularmente (particularmente después de tocarse los ojos) y no compartir toallas o almohadas ayudará a prevenir que la infección se propague.

• 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.

• Las infecciones oculares pueden hacer que tus ojos se vuelvan más sensibles a la luz solar de lo habitual. Usar gafas de sol puede ayudar a prevenir esto.

• 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.

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.

Si experimenta otros síntomas que cree que pueden deberse al gel, hable con su médico o farmacéutico para obtener más consejos.

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

• 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.