OPTIVAR

Drug Name: OPTIVAR

OPTIVAR DESCRIPTION:
AZELASTINE - OPHTHALMIC (azz-ELL-ust-een)

COMMON OPTIVAR BRAND NAME(S):
Optivar

OPTIVAR SIDE EFFECTS:
Eye irritation or stinging, headaches, or bitter taste in the mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE OPTIVAR:
OPTIVAR: OPTIVAR is used in the affected eye(s), usually twice daily; or as directed by your doctor. Remove contact lenses before applying the eye drop. Wait at least 10 minutes after using OPTIVAR before inserting contact lenses. To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place the dropper directly over the eye and instill the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after use. If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least five minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments, to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

OPTIVAR USES:
OPTIVAR is used to treat itching of the eyes caused by allergies (allergic conjunctivitis).

OPTIVAR PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies you may have. If you wear contact lenses, consult your doctor about the use of contact lenses when the eyes are red or irritated. Because your vision may be temporarily blurred or decreased after using OPTIVAR, use caution driving or performing activities requiring clear vision. OPTIVAR should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether OPTIVAR passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using OPTIVAR is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

OPTIVAR DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially other eye medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OPTIVAR OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

OPTIVAR NOTES:
Do not share OPTIVAR with others.

MISSED OPTIVAR 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 and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

OPTIVAR STORAGE:
Store dropper bottle upright at room temperature between 36 and 77 degrees F (2 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.