GENERIC NAME: HYDROXYPROPYLMETHYLCELLULOSE - OPHTHALMIC INSERT (hi-DROX-ee-pro-pull-meth-ill-CELL-you-lohss, off-THAL-mick)

BRAND NAME(S): Lacrisert

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is a tear-like substance used in the treatment of dry eye syndromes.

HOW TO USE: The inserts are to be properly placed in the eye once or twice daily as directed. Your doctor will demonstrate how to place the insert into the eye and how to remove it. Practice inserting and removing the insert while in the doctor's office so any questions you have can be answered.

SIDE EFFECTS: Vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable for a period after applying the insert. Use caution if driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. Eye irritation or discomfort, sticking of eyelashes and sensitivity to bright light may occur when first using this medication. If these symptoms continue or become worse, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: itching, pain burning, redness, swelling in or around the eyes, vision problems. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: eye problems, any allergies. As with any medication, this should be used cautiously during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: If the condition for which this was prescribed does not improve or becomes worse after a few days, consult your doctor.

MISSED DOSE: Each insert is to be used for a 24 hour period. If you forget to replace an insert, do it as soon as remembered. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat. Check the expiration date on the box and discard any expired medication.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Sjogren's Syndrome - Learn about Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease involving the abnormal production of extra antibodies that attack the glands and connective tissue. Primary Sjogren's syndrome only affects the glands, while secondary Sjogren's syndrome also involves the connective tissue. Symptoms may include dry eyes, dry mouth, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma. Though there is no cure for Sjogren's syndrome, the symptoms may be treated by using lubricating eye ointments, drinking plenty of water, humidifying the air, and using glycerin swabs. Medications are also available to treat dry eye and dry mouth. Source:MedicineNet Read 14 more hydroxypropylmethylcellulose-ophthalmic insert related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection