Product Description

USES: Ganciclovir is an anti-viral drug. It is used to prevent disease caused by a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) in people who have received organ or bone marrow transplants. CMV disease can lead to serious infections in the body, including an infection in the eye, called CMV retinitis, that can cause blindness.Ganciclovir is also used to treat people with weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS) who have CMV retinitis. Ganciclovir works by slowing the growth of the CMV virus. It helps control CMV retinitis and decrease the risk of blindness. It also helps prevent the spread of infection to other areas of the body.Ganciclovir is not a cure for CMV disease. Some people may have worsening CMV retinitis even with treatment. Therefore, it is important to have your eyes checked regularly by your doctor.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to help prevent CMV disease in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy treatment.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein usually over a 1-hour period. Do not give this medication any faster than prescribed because doing so will increase the risk of side effects. At the start of treatment, ganciclovir is usually given every 12 hours for the first few weeks, and then once a day either 5 to 7 times a week after that, or as directed by your doctor.Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise.This medication will be prepared by a special pharmacy. If you are using this medication at home, learn all usage instructions from your health care professional. If you have any questions about using this medication properly, consult your health care professional.Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.Wear gloves when you handle this medication. Avoid direct contact with the liquid. Avoid getting it on your skin or in your mucous membranes, including your mouth, nose, and eyes. If contact should occur, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If this medication gets in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with plain water.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Special disposal is required for this medication and all injection supplies used with it. Consult your pharmacist for more information.The dosage and length of treatment is based on your weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, use this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.Continue using this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses or stop using this medication even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or stopping treatment without approval from your doctor may make the infection worse.Keep all medical and laboratory appointments.Tell your doctor if your condition worsens (such as worsening vision).