Ganvir – 0.15% Ophthalmic Gel
Available at Pharmaegy Pharmacy. Use as directed by your doctor.
Intro: Ganvir is a specialized antiviral eye treatment produced by Orchid Dia. Its active ingredient is Ganciclovir. Unlike the previous antibiotic drops we discussed, Ganvir does not fight bacteria. Instead, it specifically targets the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It works by interfering with the virus's DNA, stopping it from multiplying and spreading across the surface of the eye.
Indications:
Herpetic Keratitis: Treatment of acute surface infections of the cornea caused by the Herpes Simplex virus (dendritic ulcers).
Viral Conjunctivitis: Management of specific viral outbreaks affecting the outer layer of the eye.
CMV Prevention: Sometimes used to protect the eyes in patients with severely weakened immune systems.
How to Use:
Dosage: Usually 1 drop/dab (1 cm) in the affected eye 5 times daily (every 3–4 hours while awake) until the ulcer heals.
Maintenance: After healing, the dose is usually reduced to 3 times daily for an additional 7 days to ensure the virus doesn't return.
Application: It is a gel, so it stays on the eye longer. Pull down the lower lid, apply the gel, and blink. It may feel "thick" at first.
Crucial Rules:
No Steroids: Never mix Ganvir with steroid drops (like Dexatobrin or Fluca) unless explicitly told by a specialist, as steroids can make a Herpes infection explode and cause blindness.
Blurred Vision: Because it is a thick gel, your vision will be blurry for several minutes. Do not drive or operate machinery until your sight is clear.
Contact Lenses: Do not wear contact lenses during treatment. The virus and the gel can both damage the lenses and irritate the eye further.
Course Completion: You must finish the full 7–14 day course even if the eye looks perfect after 3 days. Viral infections are "sneaky" and come back easily.
Generic International Brands: Virgan (Original Reference Brand), Zirgan.