Drug Name
Opticare Ointment

Drug Uses
Opticare Ointment (generic name: Cyclosporine) is used as an ophthalmic ointment for treating certain eye conditions in animals.

It is primarily used for treating chronic idiopathic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS, also called "dry eye").

How to use
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your veterinarian. Use Opticare Ointment exactly as directed.
A 1/4 inch strip of ointment should be applied to the affected eye every 12 hours.

Drug Class and Mechanism
Active ingredient: Cyclosporine.
Cyclosporine lowers your body's immune system. The immune system helps your body fight infections. The immune system can also fight or "reject" a transplanted organ such as a liver or kidney. This is because the immune system treats the new organ as an invader.

Cyclosporine is used to prevent organ rejection after a kidney, liver, or heart transplant.

Cyclosporine is also used to treat severe psoriasis or severe rheumatoid arthritis.

Cyclosporine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Opticare Ointment, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule. Do not let your pet take 2 doses at once.

Storage
Store Opticare Ointment at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Opticare Ointment out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions
Do NOT use Opticare Ointment if your pet:

• is allergic to any ingredient in Opticare Ointment
• is going to be vaccinated with a live vaccine

Possible Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if your pet has any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call the vet if your pet has any of these serious side effects:

• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst;
• swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• blurred vision, headache or pain behind your eyes, sometimes with vomiting;
• seizure (convulsions);
• muscle pain or weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed;
• signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

tremors or shaking;

increased hair growth;

headache or body pain;

diarrhea, constipation, vomiting; or

numbness or tingly feeling.

More Information
If you have any questions about Opticare Ointment, please talk with your vet, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Opticare Ointment are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If the symptoms of your pet do not improve or if they become worse, check with your vet.