This medication is used to treat a certain eye disorder
(neurotrophic keratitis) that causes a loss of nerve function to a certain
part of your eye (the cornea). Cenegermin is a man-made form of a substance
made by your body. It is used by your body to help maintain and make more
nerve cells in your eyes. This medication may help prevent decreased vision
or loss of vision caused by neurotrophic keratitis.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this
medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask
your doctor or pharmacist.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually 6 times a day, about 2 hours apart starting in the
morning.
This medication is stored in a freezer at the pharmacy.
If you start treatment right away after receiving the weekly carton, you
will have to wait until the first vial is thawed, which could take up to 30
minutes at room temperature. Do not heat this medication any other way,
such as by heating in the microwave or placing in hot
water.
To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any
other surface.
Take a vial out of the refrigerator and follow the
manufacturer's directions to prepare and use this medication. If you are
directed to use this medication in both eyes, you will need to use 2 vials
each day. After you open a vial for use, connect the vial adapter as
directed. The opened vial can be put back in the refrigerator for up to 12
hours. If needed, the opened vial may also be stored at room temperature
for up to 12 hours. Do not freeze or shake the vial. Carefully follow the
directions to use the single-use pipette dropper with the
vial.
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before
using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact
lenses. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to
make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop
into the pouch. With your head tilted back, blink a few times so that the
medicine covers the surface of your eye. Look downward, gently close your
eyes, and place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply
gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will
prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to rub your eye. If
directed to use this medication in both eyes, repeat these steps for your
other eye. Only use 1 pipette dropper for each eye and each dose. Throw
away the used pipette dropper right away after use. If you miss your eye
and there is no longer any eye drop solution in the dropper, try again,
using a new pipette dropper.
Throw away the used vial at the end of each day (after
12 hours) even if there is still some eye drop solution left in
it.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as
drops or ointments), wait at least 15 minutes before applying other
medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter
the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, you may want to set an alarm as a reminder
for dosing. Mark the provided weekly dose recording card to track each time
you use a dose. Continue to use this medication for the full time
prescribed (usually 8 weeks).
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Eye discomfort/pain/redness, watery eyes, eye
sensitivity to light, feeling as if something is in the eye, headache, or
temporary blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using cenegermin, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs
clear vision until you can do it safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) may be done
while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Within 5 hours after leaving the pharmacy, store the
weekly carton in the refrigerator away from moisture. Do not freeze or
shake. Use/discard within 14 days. Keep all medications away from children
and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.