Uses

Cyclosporine eye drops are used to treat a certain serious allergic eye condition (vernal keratoconjunctivitis). It works by decreasing inflammation (swelling) in certain parts of your eyes, including the clear layer at the front of the eye (cornea), and the thin membrane covering the eye (conjunctiva). Treatment can help prevent eye damage (such as ulcers).

How To Use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using cyclosporine 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 4 times a day (morning, noon, afternoon, and evening). If a child is using this medication, an adult should help the child when starting treatment, especially if the child is younger than 10 years old. Continue to help until the child is able to properly use this medication without help.

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.

Contact lens wear while using this medication is usually not recommended. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using this medication. Gently shake the container before use. Remove the cap. 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. Blink a few times to spread the medicine across 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 blink or rub your eye. If directed to use this medication in both eyes, repeat these steps for your other eye. Do not rinse the dropper.

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.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If your symptoms improve, your doctor may decrease your dose. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for all your medications.

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, use it at the same times each day as directed by your doctor.

If you are using the single-use form of this medication, throw away the opened container after use. Do not save for later use.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Side Effects

Eye discomfort/redness/itching, watery eyes, feeling as if something is in the eye, eyelid swelling/redness, 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.

Precautions

Before using this medication, 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:

• current/recent eye infection (such as herpes or chickenpox in or near your eye)
• cancer or precancerous condition in or around your eye

After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires 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 breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

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.

Overdose

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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Avoid conditions and substances that can make your symptoms worse, such as sun, wind, salt water, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold, and smoke.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to help manage your eye condition, such as applying cold compresses, using eye lubricants (such as artificial tears), or wearing sunglasses when outdoors.

Missed Dose

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.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. 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.