Ganciclovir is an antiviral medicine.

Ganciclovir ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat eye ulcers caused by herpes infection in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Ganciclovir ophthalmic is not a cure for herpes and will not treat symptoms of herpes in any other part of your body.

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

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Ganciclovir ophthalmic is usually applied about every 3 hours while you are awake (up to 5 times per day). Once the eye ulcer heals, the gel is usually applied 3 times per day for 7 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye gel: Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the prescribed number of drops.

Do not touch the dropper tip or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye and lead to serious vision problems.

Ask your doctor before using contact lenses. Wearing them may increase your risk of repeated herpes infections or eye ulcers.

Do not wear contact lenses while you have an active eye ulcer or infection.

Ganciclovir does not cure herpes and your infection may come back. You may need frequent vision exams.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Usual Adult Dose for Herpes Simplex Dendritic Keratitis:

Instill 1 drop in the affected eye 5 times a day (about every 3 hours while awake) until corneal ulcer heals, and then 1 drop 3 times a day for 7 days.

Use: For the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Herpes Simplex Dendritic Keratitis:

2 years or older: Instill 1 drop in the affected eye 5 times a day (about every 3 hours while awake) until corneal ulcer heals, and then 1 drop 3 times a day for 7 days.

Use: For the treatment of acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers)

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

ganciclovir ophthalmic should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not allow the medication to freeze.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

May cause blurred vision. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how ganciclovir ophthalmic will affect you.

Avoid touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

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

Ganciclovir ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• vision changes;

• eye pain, burning, redness, or watering;

• a gritty feeling, like something is in your eye; or

• watery eyes, and your eyes may be more sensitive to light.

Common side effects of ganciclovir ophthalmic may include:

• blurred vision;

• eye irritation; or

• redness, watering, sensitivity to light.

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.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. If you still have symptoms of an eye infection after you finish the ganciclovir eye gel, call your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.