How Patients Use LACRISERT®
Inserting LACRISERT®
LACRISERT® is inserted into the inferior cul-de-sac of the eye beneath the base of the tarsus using the soft, flexible applicator provided in the box. The insert should not be placed in apposition to the cornea nor beneath the eyelid at the level of the tarsal plate.1
The insertion process does take a little practice. Encourage your patients to read the insertion instructions below very carefully. With a couple of tries, the technique for insertion is easy to learn, even in patients with reduced manual dexterity.2
A printable version of the Insertion Instructions is also available for your patients.
6 Simple Steps to Proper Insertion of LACRISERT®
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| Before opening the package of LACRISERT®, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. On a flat surface, open blister pocket slowly and smoothly by peeling back label area. Each blister pocket contains one LACRISERT® ophthalmic insert. | Open applicator package with label side up. Avoid touching grooved tip of the applicator. Pick up applicator by the wide end and rinse the tip thoroughly under hot running tap water. Gently shake off excess water. |
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| Hold applicator with tip facing down and with forefinger on top to guide and apply gentle pressure. Lightly press the grooved tip of the applicator onto the LACRISERT® ophthalmic insert and it will adhere to the applicator. | While looking into a mirror and starting with the right eye, turn head to the right so that the colored part of the eye is close to the nose. Use free hand to grasp the lower lid between the thumb and index finger. Gently pull the lid away from the eyeball to create a pocket between the white part of the eyeball and the lid. |
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| Place the tip of the applicator containing LACRISERT® into the pocket. Avoid touching the colored part of the eye. It is important to follow Steps 4 and 5 carefully or difficulty might be experienced in keeping LACRISERT® in the eye. |
Remove the applicator. It is important after removing the applicator to look down before releasing the lower eyelid. LACRISERT® should remain deep in the lower pocket recess of the eye and not near the edge of the eyelid. |
Success of Inserting LACRISERT® in Dry Eye Patients With Reduced Manual Dexterity2
In a study, 91% of rheumatoid arthritis patients suffering from Dry Eye learned to successfully place LACRISERT® after just a few tries. The remaining 9% were able to place LACRISERT® successfully and only experience difficulty hours later. All patients eventually overcame any difficulty of placement.2
Just as with first-time contact lens wear, it is very important that you instruct your patients on LACRISERT® insertion while they are still in your office. In certain cases, you may need to instruct a caregiver on administration. If LACRISERT® is improperly inserted, it can be very uncomfortable or inadvertently expelled from the eye.1
Be sure to practice the technique a few times with whoever you are training before they go home to attempt it alone.1 Click here for a printable version of the illustrated insertion instructions shown above to share with your patient. For the Spanish version, click here.
Removing LACRISERT®
Your patients may need to remove LACRISERT® if they:
- Inserted LACRISERT® improperly and would like to reinsert a new one1
- Experience blurring of vision1
- Notice their Dry Eye symptoms getting worse1
- Observe any new symptoms
You should advise them to follow the instructions below for proper removal of LACRISERT®:
- Locate LACRISERT® by pulling the lid away from the eyeball while looking in a mirror.
- Close the eyelids.
- When located, move LACRISERT® upward with fingers through the closed eyelids.
- Keep the lids against the eyeball and LACRISERT® should slip over the lid margin so that it can be removed with a clean facial tissue without touching the colored part of your eye.
This video demonstrates the importance of instructing your patients on how to properly insert LACRISERT®. It also provides a visual simulation of the proper insertion technique.
LACRISERT® is indicated in patients with moderate to severe Dry Eye syndromes, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca. LACRISERT® is indicated especially in patients who remain symptomatic after an adequate trial of therapy with artificial tear solutions. LACRISERT® is also indicated for patients with exposure keratitis, decreased corneal sensitivity, and recurrent corneal erosions.
Important Safety Information
Do not use LACRISERT® if you are allergic to hydroxypropyl cellulose. Instructions for inserting and removing LACRISERT® should be carefully followed. If improperly placed, LACRISERT® may result in a scratch to the cornea of your eye. Because LACRISERT® may cause temporary blurred vision, please use caution when driving or operating machinery. Rubbing the eye(s) containing LACRISERT® should be avoided. You should always discuss this safety information with your doctor. The following adverse reactions have been reported but were in most instances mild and temporary: temporary blurring of vision, eye discomfort or irritation, matting or stickiness of eyelashes, increased sensitivity to light, eyelid swelling, and eye redness. Talk to your doctor if you have side effects that bother you or that do not go away. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
References: 1. Lacrisert [prescribing information]. Lawrenceville, NJ: Aton Pharma, Inc; 2007.
2. Hill JC. Slow-release artificial tear inserts in the treatment of dry eyes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Br J Ophthalmol. 1989;73(2):151-154.
