Opticrom Allergy Eye Drops 5ml

Opticrom

Allergy eye drops

Sodium Cromoglicate 2.0% w/v

Please read this leaflet before you start to use your medicine.

It contains a summary of the information available on your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your pharmacist.

Contents:

5 ml eye drops (approximately 125 drops) containing Sodium Cromoglicate 2.0 % w/v (active ingredient).

Other ingredients include benzalkonium chloride, disodium edetate, purified water. The active ingredient, sodium cromoglicate, belongs to a class of medicines known as anti-inflammatory/anti-allergy agents.

Manufacturer:

Aventis Pharma Le Trait

76580 Le Trait

Seine Maritime

France

Marketing Authorisation Holder:

Sanofi-aventis

One Onslow Street

Guildford

Surrey

GU1 4YS

UK

Tel:01483 505515

Fax:01483 535432

email:ukmedicalinformation@sanofi-aventis.com

What Are Your Eye Drops Used For ?

Opticrom Allergy Eye Drops are for the relief and treatment of allergic red, watery, itchy and puffy eyes caused by hayfever, house mites, and other particles e.g. pet hairs.

Allergic eyes happen when allergens come into contact with sensitive eyes. When this happens, a number of chemicals are released from special cells in the covering of the eye making them itchy, red and watery.

Before You Use Your Eye Drops.

• You must be sure that your irritated eyes are the result of allergy or have been previously diagnosed by your doctor to suffer from allergy.

You can be confident that you have allergic eyes if:

• BOTH EYES ARE AFFECTED


• YOU HAVE A RUNNY OR BLOCKED NOSE AS WELL


• YOUR EYESIGHT IS NOT AFFECTED

BUT if you have:

• NO NOSE SYMPTOMS


• ONLY ONE EYE IS AFFECTED


• YOUR SIGHT IS AFFECTED

you cannot be sure that you are suffering from allergic eyes and should go and see your doctor before you use these drops.

• Do not use these drops if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients. These are listed at the beginning of this leaflet.


• As with all medicines, you should consult your doctor before using this product if you are, or think you may be, pregnant or you are breastfeeding.


• As with all products containing benzalkonium chloride, soft contact lenses should not be worn whilst using this product.


• Like all eye drops a temporary blurring of vision can occur after application. Wait until your vision is clear before driving or using machines.

How To Use Your Eye Drops

Use 1 to 2 drops in each eye four times a day, or as directed by your doctor. Mealtimes can help you to remember, so apply the drops at breakfast-time, lunchtime, teatime and before you go to bed.

• 1. Wash your hands.


• 2. Use a mirror, this will help you to see what you are doing.


• 3. Carefully dry your eyes using a tissue, and unscrew the cap from the bottle.


• 4. Pull your lower eyelid down gently, and then carefully place 1 or 2 drops inside your lower eyelid.


• 5. Close your eye and blink a few times to make sure your eye is covered by the liquid.


• 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the other eye, then recap the bottle securely.

• If your eyes get worse or are no better after 2 days of using the eye drops, see your doctor or pharmacist.


• If you suffer from allergic eyes for more than three months of the year, see your doctor even if Opticrom Allergy Eye Drops soothe your eyes. You should not use this product continuously for more than three months without talking to your doctor first.


• If you forget to take a dose of Opticrom Allergy eye drops, use it as soon as you remember and then go on as before.

After Using Your Eye Drops

• Some people find that their eyes sting or become irritated after using the drops. This should only last for a short time. If the stinging is severe or lasts for a long time, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.


• If you experience any other undesirable effects whilst using this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

How To Look After Your Drops

• Do not use the eye drops after the expiry date. This is marked on the bottle and on
  the carton after the letters 'EXP'.


• Do not keep the drops for more than four weeks after opening for the first time.


• Store below 30°C. Keep the bottle in the outer carton in order to protect from light.


• Avoid contamination of the contents by replacing the cap securely after use.


• Keep this medicine in a safe place where children cannot see or reach it.

This leaflet was last revised in February 2007.

OPTICROM is a registered trademark.

© sanofi-aventis 1985-2007