Additional Information About LACRISERT®
Side Effects
The following side effects have been reported with the use of LACRISERT® but were, in most instances, mild and transient1:
- Blurred vision
- Eye discomfort or irritation
- Matting or stickiness of eyelashes
- Sensitivity to light
- Soreness
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Eye redness
Click here to report any side effects you may have experienced while using LACRISERT®.
Blurred Vision
Because LACRISERT® may produce transient blurring of vision, you should exercise caution when operating hazardous machinery or driving a motor vehicle.1
If you do experience blurring of vision, especially around the same time every day, your eye care professional may suggest that you remove LACRISERT® 3 to 4 hours after insertion, until the blurriness subsides. Carefully follow the removal instructions. You may insert another LACRISERT® if needed.1,2
Artificial tear products may also be helpful in soothing blurred vision after inserting LACRISERT®.2,3
Other Key Things to Know About LACRISERT®
- LACRISERT® is not known to interact with other Dry Eye treatments, so you can use it along with artificial tears and other treatments3,4
- You may need to use LACRISERT® twice daily for symptom relief 1
- LACRISERT® users usually have symptom relief 2 weeks after beginning LACRISERT®, but it may take several weeks for your symptoms to improve1,4,5
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. Katz JI, Kaufman HE, Breslin C, Katz IM. Slow-release artificial tears and the treatment of keratitis sicca. Ophthalmology. 1978;85(8):787-793. 3. Bartlett JD, Jaanus SD, eds. Clinical Ocular Pharmacology. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann;2001:325. 4. Lacrisert Clinical White Paper. Available at: http://www.lacrisert.com/attachments/LacrisertClinicalWhitePaper.pdf. Accessed January 5, 2009. 5. 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.
