GENERIC NAME: GANCICLOVIR - INTRAVITREAL IMPLANT (gan-SYE-klo-veer)
BRAND NAME(S): Vitrasert
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication device is used for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS. This is not a cure for CMV retinitis but it should improve your vision and decrease symptoms of infection.
HOW TO USE: This medication is implanted into the affected eye(s) by a surgeon. It is usually done in an outpatient clinic.
SIDE EFFECTS: Due to the low dosage of the drug it is not expected to cause the usual problems associated with the oral or injectable forms of this drug. Most side effects or discomfort will be due to the surgical procedure itself. Most common problems are associated with a loss of visual clarity and may last 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery. Notify your doctor if you experience: severe vision loss, eye pain, eye swelling or inflammation, any bleeding in or around your eye. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your entire medical history including: any eye surgery, allergies, (especially allergies to ganciclovir or acyclovir), other infections, any blood disorders. Although the drug contained in this implant is released in small doses be aware there are no studies to date on the effects of this drug on pregnant women. Therefore this device should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Consult with your doctor. It is not known if the drug in this implant is excreted into breast milk. However, due to animal studies using other forms of this drug and because many drugs are excreted into breast milk, it is suggested that mothers stop breast-feeding while this implant is used. Consult with your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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