Vitrasert Dosage

Generic name: GANCICLOVIR 4.5mg
Dosage form: implant
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 20, 2024.

Each Vitrasert Implant contains a minimum of 4.5 mg of ganciclovir, and is designed to release the drug over a 5 to 8 month period of time. Following depletion of ganciclovir from the Vitrasert Implant, as evidenced by progression of retinitis, the Vitrasert Implant may be removed and replaced.

Handling and Disposal

Caution should be exercised in handling of the Vitrasert Implant in order to avoid damage to the polymer coating on the implant, which may result in an increased rate of drug release from the implant. Thus, the Vitrasert Implant should be handled only by the suture tab. Aseptic technique should be maintained at all times prior to and during the surgical implantation procedure.

Because the Vitrasert Implant contains ganciclovir, which shares some of the properties of anti-tumor agents (i.e., carcinogenicity and mutagenicity), consideration should be given to handling and disposal of the Vitrasert Implant according to guidelines issued for antineoplastic drugs.