Hydroxypropyl cellulose (Ophthalmic)

Hydroxypropyl cellulose is part of a group of medicines called artificial tears. It is placed in the eye to help relieve dryness and irritation caused by decreased tear production that happens in some eye diseases.

This medicine is available only with a prescription from your doctor.

This medicine may cause blurry vision for a short time after each dose is applied. Make sure your vision is clear before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you cannot see well.

This medicine may also make your eyes more sensitive to light than usual. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposure to bright light may help reduce the discomfort.

If your eye symptoms worsen or if you develop new eye symptoms, remove the eye system and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks of taking it against the benefits it will provide. Here are some important points to think about:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

There is no specific information comparing the use of this medicine in children to its use in other age groups. However, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older adults. Therefore, it may not be clear if they work the same way as they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing the use of this medicine in older people with other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may need to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or specific types of food due to potential interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk with your healthcare professional about the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its needed effects, Lacrisert may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do, they may need medical attention.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to Lacrisert. Your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Blurred vision
• eye redness or discomfort or other irritation not present before use of this medicine
• increased sensitivity of eyes to light
• matting or stickiness of eyelashes
• swelling of eyelids
• watering of eyes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Lacrisert

Available Dosage Forms:

• Device

Therapeutic Class: Lubricant, Ocular

To use:

• This medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using this medicine. It is very important that you understand how to insert this eye system properly. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
• Before opening the package containing this medicine, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• If the eye system accidentally comes out of your eye, as sometimes occurs when the eye is rubbed, do not put it back in the eye, since it may be contaminated. Instead, insert another eye system if needed.
• You may have to use this medicine for several weeks before your eye symptoms get better.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For eye system dosage form: For dry eyes or eye irritation: Adults and children—Place one insert in the eye each day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.