Ganciclovir - gan-SYE-kloe-veer is an antiviral drug that is using in an implant that is inserted into the eye during surgery. The ganciclovir implant is using to treat a serious condition called cytomegalovirus - CMV retinitis in people who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome - AIDS. Ganciclovir will not cure this eye infection, but it may help to keep the symptoms from becoming worse.
After your eye has using up all the drug in the implant - generally within 5 to 8 months, the implant is removed by surgery and, at the same time, another implant can be inserted.
The surgery, the implant containing this drug, or the drug itself may cause some serious side effects, including detachment of the retina, formation of a cataract and eye infections Before you receive this implant, you and your family doctor must talk about the good this drug and surgery will do as well as the chance involved.
This drug is available only with your family doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA