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Study shows efficacy of ganciclovir for acute virus
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SAN DIEGO – Researchers presented a study here at Optometry’s Meeting that showed off-label ganciclovir gel to improve symptoms and comfort in patients with acute viral eye disease.
“Zirgan [ganciclovir ophthalmic gel 0.15%, Bausch + Lomb] is only approved for dendritic ulcers, but we used it off-label for other types of diseases,” study co-author Alexandra M. Espejo, OD, FAAO, told PRIMARY CARE OPTOMETRY NEWS.
One patient had a papilloma on the lower left eyelid of presumed viral etiology, according to the poster. After 3 weeks of using the gel three times a day, no evidence of the papilloma remained.
“Complete resolution of a presumed viral papilloma with topical ganciclovir gel has not been previously reported, to our knowledge, and suggests further study in this area is warranted,” the poster stated.
Three other patients all had signs and symptoms consistent with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. These three patients were all friends “who shared the same eye make-up and gave each other pinkeye,” Espejo said.
Their conditions resolved rapidly upon treatment with ganciclovir gel.
“Several anecdotal reports have shown the benefit of off-label ganciclovir in [cases of severe viral eye disease]. Our small case series supports these findings,” the researchers reported in the poster.
In all of the patients, the symptoms and length of disease decreased and all patients were satisfied, Espejo said.
Disclosure: Espejo has no relevant financial interests.