DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Artificial Tear Ophthalmic Insert
Brand Name: Lacrisert

Artificial Tear Insert is used for:

Treating moderate to severe dry eye conditions, especially in patients who do not respond to other medicines. It is also used to treat other eye conditions, including corneal inflammation exposure, decreased corneal sensitivity, and repeated corneal exposures.

Artificial Tear Insert is an eye lubricant. It works by providing tear-like lubrication for relief of dry eyes and eye irritation.

Do NOT use Artificial Tear Insert if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Artificial Tear Insert

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Artificial Tear Insert:

Some medical conditions may interact with Artificial Tear Insert. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Artificial Tear Insert. Because little, if any, of Artificial Tear Insert is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Artificial Tear Insert may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Artificial Tear Insert:

Use Artificial Tear Insert as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Before leaving the doctor's office, you should practice inserting and removing Artificial Tear Insert insert until you are able to do it correctly.
• Do not rub your eyes while the insert is in place.
• If the insert is dislodged or expelled, it may be removed and another insert put into place.
• If you miss a dose of Artificial Tear Insert, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Artificial Tear Insert.

Important safety information:

• Artificial Tear Insert may cause blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Artificial Tear Insert. Using Artificial Tear Insert alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If you may have taken Artificial Tear Insert by mouth, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• It may take several weeks for Artificial Tear Insert to fully work.
• If Artificial Tear Insert causes a worsening of symptoms, inspect your eye to make sure this insert is in its proper location. If symptoms persist, remove the insert and contact your doctor.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Artificial Tear Insert, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Artificial Tear Insert during pregnancy. It is unknown if Artificial Tear Insert is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Artificial Tear Insert, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Artificial Tear Insert:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Blurred vision.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in vision; eye pain; irritation; redness; worsening of your condition.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Artificial Tear Insert:

Store Artificial Tear Insert at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Artificial Tear Insert out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Artificial Tear Insert, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Artificial Tear Insert is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Artificial Tear Insert. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.