Important Note

The following 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 use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PILOCARPINE - OPHTHALMIC OCULAR SYSTEM

(pie-low-KAR-peen, off-THAL-mick OCK-you-lurr system)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ocusert Pilo

Uses

This medication reduces pressure in the eye. It is used to treat glaucoma.

How To Use

To apply the system, wash hands first. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place the system into the pouch. Blink a few times and roll your eye to move the insert into place. Practice inserting and removing the system in the doctor's office where you can be shown the proper technique. Damaged or deformed systems should not be used or kept in the eye. Replace with a new system.

Side Effects

Headache, brow ache, temporary burning or stinging, or increased mucus production may occur initially. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if you develop: changes in vision, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, sweating, increased salivation, diarrhea. Also contact your doctor if blurred vision persists more than several hours in the morning after bedtime use. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have: other eye problems, asthma, intestinal disease, ulcers, low or high blood pressure, heart disease, an overactive thyroid gland, seizures, Parkinson's disease. Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, tell the doctor or dentist that you use this medication. Use caution if driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. This medication may cause vision problems in poor light. Use caution especially when driving at night. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication.

Drug Interactions

This drug can affect the way your body responds to other drugs. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include blurred vision, increased saliva, fainting, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, asthma, and increased sweating.

Notes

Do not share this product with others.

Missed Dose

If you should miss a dose, apply as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Ocular systems should be stored in the refrigerator.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).