Drugs & Vitamins

Optivar Active Ingredients: Azelastine Eyedrops   Representative Names: Optivar Available Product Images: What is azelastine eye solution? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with azelastine eye solution? What side effects may I notice from using azelastine? What should I watch for while taking azelastine? Where can I keep my medicine? What is azelastine eye solution? (Back to top) AZELASTINE (Optivar™) is an antihistamine. It reduces itching of eyes associated with hay fever or other allergies (allergic conjunctivitis). Generic azelastine eye solution is not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •any other medical problems •wear contact lenses •an unusual or allergic reaction to azelastine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to become pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Azelastine eye solution is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower eyelid with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops (usually 1 drop) into the pouch. Close the eye gently; do not blink for a minute or two. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Azelastine eye solution may be used in children 3 years of age and older. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with azelastine eye solution? (Back to top) There are no drug interactions known with azelastine eye solution. If you use other eye drops or ointments, you should use one product, then wait 5—10 minutes before using the next product. Eye ointments should be applied last when several eye medicines are used together. Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from using azelastine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •skin rash, hives, or itching •swelling of the lips, tongue or face Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): More common: •bitter taste •blurred vision •eye burning or stinging •headache Less common: •eye pain •fatigue What should I watch for while taking azelastine? (Back to top) Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to improve in 2 or 3 days. If you wear contact lenses, do not wear them if your eyes are red. Azelastine ophthalmic solution should not be used to treat contact lens-related irritation. If you wear soft contact lenses, you should wait at least 10 minutes after instilling azelastine ophthalmic solution before inserting your contact lenses. Report any serious side effects promptly. Stop using azelastine if your eyes get inflamed, painful, or have a discharge and see your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can. Be careful not to touch the tip of the dispensing container onto the eye, or any other surface. Eye infections can result from contamination of eye drops. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Store upright between 2—25°C (36—77°F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:10/27/2003 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.