HYDROXYPROPYLCELLULOSE (Ophthalmic)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.?

• Lacrisert

In Canada?

• Lacrisert

Category

• Protectant, ophthalmic
• Tears, artificial

Description

Hydroxypropyl cellulose (hye-drox-ee-PROE-pil SELL-yoo-lose) belongs to the groupof medicines known as artificial tears. It is inserted in the eye to relievedryness and irritation caused by reduced tear flow that occurs in certaineye diseases.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in thefollowing dosage form:

Ophthalmic
• Ocular system (eye system) (U.S. and Canada)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do.This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For hydroxypropyl cellulose,the following should be considered:

Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to hydroxypropyl cellulose. Also tell your health care professionalif you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives.

Pregnancy?Hydroxypropyl cellulose has not been shown to causebirth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding?Hydroxypropyl cellulose has not been reported tocause problems in nursing babies.

Children?Although there is no specific information comparinguse of this medicine in children with use in other age groups, this medicineis not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children thanit does in adults.

Older adults?Many medicines have not been studied specificallyin older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactlythe same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific informationcomparing use of this medicine in the elderly with use in other age groups,this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problemsin older people than it does in younger adults.

Proper Use of This Medicine

To use:

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

Dosing?The dose of hydroxypropyl cellulose will bedifferent for different patients. Follow your doctor'sorders or the directions on the label. The following information includesonly the average doses of hydroxypropyl cellulose. Ifyour dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells youto do so.

The number of doses you use, the time allowed betweendoses, and the length of time you use the medicine depend on the medical problemfor which you are using hydroxypropyl cellulose.

• 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 forget to insert an eye system at the propertime, insert it as soon as possible. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage?To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

Thismedicine may cause blurred 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 are not able to see well.

This medicine may also cause your eyes to become more sensitive to lightthan they are normally. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposureto bright light may help lessen the discomfort.

If your eye symptoms get worse or if you get new eye symptoms, remove theeye system and check with your doctor as soon as possible.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects,a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. The following side effects maygo away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

However, check with your doctor if any of these effects continue or arebothersome:

Less common

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Ifyou notice any other effects, check with your doctor.