Optivar

Optivar (for the eyes) is an antihistamine used to treat itchy eyes caused by allergies (hay fever).

Optivar may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all the instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are using.

You should not use Optivar if you are allergic to azelastine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Optivar should not be given to a child younger than 3 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Optivar may cause serious side effects. Stop using Optivar and call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, itching, or eye redness after using this medication;
• eye pain;
• trouble breathing; or
• fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms.

Common side effects of Optivar may include:

• blurred vision (temporary);
• headache; or
• a bitter taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in this medicine could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 10 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Store this medicine in an upright position at room temperature.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not wear contact lenses while your eyes are red or irritated. Optivar should not be used to treat minor contact lens irritation.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Medicine used in the eyes usually does not interact with other drugs you take. However, many drugs can interact with one another. Make sure to inform all of your healthcare providers about every medicine you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.