Eye ointment Aciclovir 3% w/w
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about ViruPOS eye ointment. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Please read this leaflet before you start using ViruPOS eye ointment. If you are helping someone else use ViruPOS eye ointment, please read this leaflet before using it for the first time.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the expected benefits against possible risks of you using ViruPOS eye ointment. If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again.
What ViruPOS eye ointment is used for
ViruPOS eye ointment contains an antiviral used to treat an eye infection called herpes simplex keratitis. This is a viral infection in the eye. It is not used in other infections in the eye such as conjunctivitis. This medicine is available only on prescription.
Before you use ViruPOS eye ointment
Do not use ViruPOS eye ointment if:
- you have an allergy to ViruPOS eye ointment, acyclovir, valaciclovir or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
- the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering, or the ointment has changed colour
- it is past the expiry date printed on the pack.
- If you use this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work.
- it is more than one month after you first opened the tube of ointment.
If you are not sure whether you should start using ViruPOS eye ointment, contact your doctor.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else. Your doctor has prescribed it specifically for you and your condition only.
Before you start to use ViruPOS eye ointment
Tell your doctor if:
- you have any allergies to any other medicines or any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
- you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
- you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.
There is no information on whether ViruPOS eye ointment affects the ability to drive or operate machinery. If you have blurred vision after applying the ointment, do not drive or operate machinery.
How to use ViruPOS eye ointment
Follow your doctor’s instructions about how and when to use ViruPOS eye ointment.
ViruPOS eye ointment is usually applied five times a day – about every four hours while you are awake. See below for how to apply.
Do not touch the nozzle of the eye ointment or the eye ointment as it comes out of the tube. Wash your hands well with soap and dry them thoroughly before you apply the eye ointment.
With your finger under the bottom eye lid, pull the skin down gently so that the bottom eye lid comes down creating a little pocket between the eye and the eye lid. Put 10mm (1cm, just under half an inch) of ointment into this pocket. Release the eye lid and blink a couple of times to spread the ointment across the eye.
How long to use ViruPOS eye ointment
Keep using ViruPOS for at least three days after the eye infection has cleared up.
If you forget a dose of ViruPOS eye ointment
If you forget a dose of ViruPOS eye ointment use it as soon as you remember, then continue to use approximately every four hours.
It is important not to miss multiple doses of ViruPOS – it needs to be used regularly to work properly.
In case of an overdose
Overdosing with ViruPOS eye ointment when it is applied to the skin is unlikely. If you think that someone has accidentally swallowed the ointment, contact your doctor or the National Poisons Information Centre (03-474 7000), or go to your nearest accident and emergency centre. Do this even if there are no signs of poisoning or discomfort.
While you are using ViruPOS eye ointment
Things you must do
- If the symptoms of your infection do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, tell your doctor.
- If you develop itching with swelling of the face, a skin rash or difficulty breathing while you are using ViruPOS eye ointment do not use any more and contact your doctor immediately.
- If you become pregnant while you are using ViruPOS eye ointment tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Things to be careful of
- Do not give ViruPOS eye ointment to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. Do not use ViruPOS eye ointment to treat any other complaints including any other eye infections.
- Throw ViruPOS eye ointment away 4 weeks after opening.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Viru-POS eye ointment.
Like other medicines, ViruPOS eye ointment can cause some side effects. If they occur, they are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, rarely some may be serious and need medical attention.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Mild Effects
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following that are troublesome or ongoing:
- Mild stinging of the eye straight after applying the ointment. This usually only lasts a short time.
- Itchy, watery eyes, (conjunctivitis)
More Serious Effects
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
If you think that ViruPOS eye ointment is causing you to have an allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction, TELL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. Symptoms include:
- Severe skin rash, itching or hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Low blood pressure (feeling faint or dizzy).
You may need urgent medical attention. Serious side effects are very rare.
Other side effects reported with ViruPOS eye ointment include:
- Marks on the surface of the eye that look like points or dots. You don’t need to stop using ViruPOS and the marks will disappear again.
Some people may get other side effects while using ViruPOS eye ointment. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand anything in this list.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.
After using ViruPOS eye ointment
Storage
Store in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25 °C. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines. Do not keep medicines in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it in the car or on window sills.
Discard tube 4 weeks after opening it.
Store all medicines out of the reach of children such as in a locked cupboard.
Disposal
If your doctor advises you to stop using ViruPOS eye ointment, the medicine has passed its expiry date, or it is more than 4 weeks after opening, ask your pharmacist what to do with any ointment that is left over.
Product Description
What it looks like
ViruPOS eye ointment is a near-white, translucent (allows light through) eye ointment in a 4.5 g white aluminium tube with nozzle and cap.
Ingredients
Aciclovir, white soft paraffin.
Further Information
ViruPOS eye ointment is only available if prescribed by a doctor.
Distributor
Distributed in Australia by:
AFT Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
113 Wicks Road
North Ryde
NSW 2113
AUST R 324902
This leaflet was prepared in February 2021
Published by MIMS May 2021