"In a traditional corneal transplant, the central part of the cornea is removed and a donor cornea is sutured in its place. Image courtesy of Dr. Edward Holland, University of Cincinnati.
Ten years after a transplant, a cornea fro"...
Zirgan Patient Information including How Should I Take
In this Article
- 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 should I discuss with my health care provider before using ganciclovir (Zirgan)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to ganciclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).
To make sure you can safely use ganciclovir, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- an infection in any part of your body (other than your eyes); or
- low levels of platelets in your blood (easy bruising or bleeding).
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.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ganciclovir will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
This medication can decrease sperm count and may affect a man's fertility (ability to have children).
It is not known whether ganciclovir passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Zirgan without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. You should not breast-feed after you have received a Vitrasert implant.
Ganciclovir gel (Zirgan) should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
How should I use ganciclovir (Zirgan)?
The Vitrasert implant is surgically placed into the eye. The implant will slowly release ganciclovir into the affected eye over a period of 5 to 8 months.
Use Zirgan gel exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Zirgan is usually applied 5 times each day until your eye ulcer heals. Then the gel is applied 3 times per day for 7 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply Zirgan:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
- Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
- Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Ganciclovir does not cure herpes or CMV. Your disease may continue to progress even after you are treated with this medication. Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis, and you will need routine eye exams.
Store Zirgan at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Additional Zirgan Information
- Zirgan Drug Interactions Center: ganciclovir opht
- Zirgan Side Effects Center
- Zirgan Overview including Precautions
- Zirgan FDA Approved Prescribing Information including Dosage
Zirgan - User Reviews
Zirgan User Reviews
Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.
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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