Introduction About OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT

OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT contains Acyclovir, which belongs to the group of medicines called Antivirals. It is used to manage eye infections associated with the herpes simplex virus. Eye infections or ocular herpes are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Symptoms include red eyes, pain in the eyes, watery eyes, blurred vision, swelling around the light and sensitivity to bright lights.

Acyclovir works by killing or stopping the growth of viruses (herpes virus DNA). Acyclovir has a higher affinity for viral DNA cells than human DNA cells and incorporates into the viral DNA and causes DNA chain termination and inactivation, leading to the death of viruses on the front of the eyeball (cornea).

OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT should be used with caution among pregnant or breastfeeding women, therefore consult your doctor before applying. The most common side effects of applying OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT are stinging, burning, irritation and photophobia (sensitivity to light). Contact your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.

Uses Of OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT

• Manage eye infections associated with herpes simplex virus

How OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT Works

OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT works by killing or stopping the growth of viruses (herpes virus DNA). It has a higher affinity for viral DNA cells than human DNA cells and incorporates into the viral DNA and causes DNA chain termination and inactivation, leading to the death of the virus on the front of the eyeball (cornea).

How to use OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT

Apply OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT as advised by your physician. It is for ophthalmic use only. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply 1/2 inch (1cm) of medicine to the inside of your lower eyelid. Close your eye for 30 seconds.

Side Effects Of OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT

How To Manage Side Effects

Sensitivity to sunlight:

Stay out of the bright sun and use sun creams (SPF-15) when going outside. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.

Itchy skin:

Try to use an unscented moisturiser. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before applying it.

Breastfeeding

OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before applying it.

Driving and Using Machines

Do not drive or operate any machines if you have blurred vision after applying OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT.

Allergy

Do not apply OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT if you are allergic to Acyclovir or valacyclovir or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT, inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbs or any other medicine.

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally use too much of OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT or if you or a child accidentally swallow the medicine, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT out of the sight and reach from children
• Store OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT below 25°C

FAQs About OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT

Can I use OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT to manage Conjunctivitis?

No. OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT is not used for managing conjunctivitis or pink eye. Consult your doctor before applying.

Can I wear a contact lenses while applying [GBNEYWORD]?

No. You should not wear contact lenses while using OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT. Consult your doctor before applying OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT.

What side effects can be expected during management with OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT?

OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT may cause burning or irritation, photophobia (sensitivity to light) or feeling something present in the eye (superficial punctuate keratopathy). This usually subsides and heals immediately. Consult your if any of the symptoms worsen.

How long should I use OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT?

OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT is usually applied for 5 times a day until the eye heals, and then 3 times a day for another 7 days. Do not stop using OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT even after your eye gets better. Consult your doctor before stopping OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT.

What happens if I use too much of OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT?

If you or anyone else accidentally use too much of OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

How to use the OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT?

Apply OCUVIR EYE OINTMENT as advised by your physician. It is for ophthalmic use only. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply 1/2 inch (1cm) of medicine to the inside of your lower eyelid. Close your eye for 30 seconds.

References

1. KD Tripathi. Antiviral drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page - 799.

2. AGEPHA Pharma s.r.o. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2019] [Accessed on 22nd April 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/12988/pil

3. Glaxo Operations UK Ltd. Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). [Revised in July 2015] [Accessed on 22nd April 2022] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/ie-pl-eyeonitmentissue2draft2-2165836-30072015100639-635738476006736250.pdf

4. GlaxoSmithKline Australia Pty Ltd, Acyclovir. [Revised in June 2005] [Accessed on 22nd April 2022] https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/cb275eeb-5400-40f5-8cc1-a53300ff0a40.pdf

5. AGEPHA Pharma s.r.o. Acyclovir. [Revised in March 2019] [Accessed on 22nd April 2022] https://mhraproductsprod.blob.core.windows.net/docs20200414/dc967d745ec1fa16eb76c4849206d29be4d3c43a

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Herpes Simplex Virus 1 DNA PCR
• Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 DNA PCR
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgG
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM
• Varicella Zoster IgG
• Varicella Zoster IgM