Zirgan Eye Gel is an ophthalmic medication consisting of an antiviral drug called ganciclovir. This medication is also known internationally as Virgan Gel and can be purchased as the brand choice or the generic alternative in 0.15%!

Zirgan Eye Gel is prescribed to help treat herpes infection of the eye; however, it will not cure the herpes infection. The virus will continue to live in your body even when there is no flare up or outbreak of infection. When there is an outbreak, Zirgan Eye Gel will help heal the sores faster which also helps decrease the risk of other complications such as decreased vision or blindness. Since this medication is an antiviral medication, it will not help treat infections of the eye caused by bacteria or fungi.

Zirgan Eye Gel (ganciclovir) is effective at treating herpes infection of the eye because it is able to slow the growth of the virus to allow the immune system to work better and clear the outbreak faster.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor. Instructions can usually also be found on the prescription or prescription bottle/container. Store this medication at room temperature in a low risk area of moisture and heat. Ensure the lid is tightly closed when not in use and out of reach of children and pets.

This medication is commonly used 5 times a day until the infection has cleared, followed by 7 days of applying the gel 3 times a day.

Remember to wash your hands before and after applying the medication. Avoid touching the dropper on any surfaces, including touching it yourself.

Applying Zirgan Gel

• Tilt your head back.
• Look upward.
• Form a pouch by pulling down on your lower eyelid
• Hold dropper above eye; apply 1 drop into the pouch
• Look down and gently close your eyes for 1 – 2 minutes

Do not use Zirgan Eye Gel (ganciclovir)

Do not use this product if you are allergic to ganciclovir or acyclovir.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

To ensure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have low levels of platelets in your blood or an infection in any other part of your body.

Risks

Do not wear contact lenses when applying the medication, ideally, when you have an eye infection, you shouldn’t wear contact lenses at all.

The effects of this drug on an unborn baby or a nursing infant are unknown at this time; tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or if you are breast feeding.

This medication may decrease sperm count and risks affecting fertility in men.

Common side effects of Zirgan Eye Gel (ganciclovir) may include:

blurred vision; mild eye irritation; or increased tearing.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Zirgan Eye Gel (ganciclovir) may include:

eye pain, swelling, redness, or watering; severe burning or itching of your eyes; vision changes, increased sensitivity to light; tunnel vision, problems with peripheral (side) vision; seeing flashes of light, halos around lights, or "floaters" in your vision; white patches on your eyes; cloudiness in the pupils or iris of your eyes; bleeding, oozing, or crusting of your eyes; or sudden vision loss.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.

Will other medication affect Zirgan Eye Gel?

Other medications are not expected to interact or affect Zirgan Eye Gel, however, it is in your best interest to inform your doctor about all current medications you are taking before starting treatment with a new medication.

If I also use other eye medications, how long in between doses should I wait?

If you also use other eye medications, wait at least 5 minutes in between doses.

What are signs of an allergic reaction?

Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

What else should I know about this medication?

Your vision may be temporarily blurred after administering the gel; avoid doing activities that require 100% of your vision, such as driving or operating machinery.