Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (hye-drox-ee-PROE-pil SELL-yoo-lose)

Treats eye dryness and irritation caused by reduced tear flow.

Brand Name(s):

Lacrisert

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Device

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Sometimes the insert might fall out of your eye. This can happen if you rub your eyes too hard, especially when you first wake up in the morning. If it does fall out, get a new insert to put in your eye. Do not reinsert the old one because it may be contaminated.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using, including over-the-counter drugs.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor about any allergies or other medical conditions you have had. Make sure your doctor knows if you wear contact lenses.
• If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
• This medicine can cause your vision to become blurred. You should avoid driving or doing anything else that could be dangerous until you find out how it affects you.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Eye pain.
• Eye redness or irritation that does not go away.
• Vision changes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Increased sensitivity to light.
• Mild stinging, redness, or irritation of your eye.
• Redness or swelling of your eyelid.
• Tearing.