Zirgan (ganciclovir) is an antiviral drug. It slows the growth and spread of the cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Zirgan ophthalmic gel is used to treat eye ulcers caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Zirgan is not a cure for CMV or herpes. This medication will not treat symptoms of these infections in any other part of the body.
Zirgan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Zirgan if you are allergic to ganciclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).
Zirgan is not a cure for cytomegalovirus or herpes. This medication will not treat symptoms of these infections in any other part of the body.
To make sure you can safely use Zirgan, tell your doctor if you have low levels of platelets in your blood (easy bruising or bleeding), or an infection in any part of your body (other than your eyes).
Do not wear contact lenses while you are using Zirgan. You should not wear contact lenses at any time you have an active eye ulcer or infection.
Before using Zirgan
You should not use Zirgan if you are allergic to ganciclovir or acyclovir (Zovirax).
To make sure you can safely use Zirgan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Zirgan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Ganciclovir 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. Zirgan gel should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I use Zirgan?
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:
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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.
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Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
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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.
Zirgan 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.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Do not wear contact lenses while you are using Zirgan. You should not wear contact lenses at any time you have an active eye ulcer or infection.
Do not use any eye medications that your doctor has not prescribed.
Zirgan gel may cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Zirgan side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Zirgan: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
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eye pain, swelling, redness, or watering;
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severe burning or itching of your eyes;
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vision changes, increased sensitivity to light;
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tunnel vision, problems with peripheral (side) vision;
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seeing flashes of light, halos around lights, or "floaters" in your vision;
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white patches on your eyes;
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cloudiness in the pupils or iris of your eyes;
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bleeding, oozing, or crusting of your eyes; or
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sudden vision loss.
Less serious Zirgan side effects may include:
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blurred vision;
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mild eye irritation; or
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increased tearing.
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Zirgan?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on Zirgan used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
