VITRASERT

Drug Name: VITRASERT

VITRASERT DESCRIPTION:
GANCICLOVIR - INTRAVITREAL IMPLANT (gan-SYE-klo-veer)

COMMON VITRASERT BRAND NAME(S):
Vitrasert

VITRASERT SIDE EFFECTS:
Due to the low dosage of the drug it is not expected to cause the usual problems associated with the oral or injectable forms of VITRASERT. Most side effects or discomfort will be due to the surgical procedure itself. Most common problems are associated with a loss of visual clarity and may last 2 to 4 weeks after the surgery. Notify your doctor if you experience: severe vision loss, eye pain, eye swelling or inflammation; any bleeding in or around your eye. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE VITRASERT:
VITRASERT: VITRASERT is implanted into the affected eye(s) by a surgeon. It is usually done in an outpatient clinic.

VITRASERT USES:
VITRASERT device is used for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS. This is not a cure for CMV retinitis but it should improve your vision and decrease symptoms of infection.

VITRASERT PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your entire medical history including: any eye surgery, allergies, (especially allergies to ganciclovir or acyclovir), other infections, any blood disorders. Although the drug contained in this implant is released in small doses be aware there are no studies to date on the effects of VITRASERT on pregnant women. Therefore this device should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Consult with your doctor. It is not known if the drug in this implant is excreted into breast milk. However, due to animal studies using other forms of VITRASERT and because many drugs are excreted into breast milk, it is suggested that mothers stop breast-feeding while this implant is used. Consult with your doctor.

VITRASERT DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

VITRASERT OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose could be expected to be extensions of symptoms noted in Side Effects section.

VITRASERT NOTES:
This implant only treats the eye and does not treat any disease in other parts of the body. Tell your doctor if you think you are developing any other infections. Be sure to keep all follow-up eye appointments.

MISSED VITRASERT DOSE:
This implant will remain in your eye(s) for 5 to 8 months. Your doctor will follow you closely to make sure you are receiving proper dosing.

VITRASERT STORAGE:
Store boxed sets at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). Do not freeze and protect from heat and light.