Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Act Olopatadine 0.2%
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2% ophthalmic solution is used for the treatment of itchy eyes associated with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis: Some materials (allergens) like pollens, house dust or animal fur may cause allergic reactions resulting in itching, redness as well as swelling of the surface of your eye.
What it does:
ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2% solution is a medicine for treatment and control of allergic conditions of the eye. It works in two different ways by reducing and controlling the intensity of the allergic reaction.
When it should not be used
ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2% solution should not be used if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to olopatadine hydrochloride, any of the other ingredients which are listed below.
Tell your doctor if you have allergies.
Do not use ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2% solution in children under the age of 16 years.
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Olopatadine hydrochloride
What the nonmedicinal ingredients are:
Other ingredients include: benzalkonium chloride, dibasic sodium phosĥate anhydrous, edetate disodium dihydrate, povidone, sodium chloride, and water for injection. Tiny amounts of hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide are sometimes added to maintain proper pH balance.
What dosage forms it comes in:
ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2% ophthalmic solution is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid (eye drops) available as 2.5 mL in a 5 mL low density polyethylene (LDPE) white bottle, with a natural LDPE nozzle and a white high density polyethylene (HDPE) screw cap.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
This medicine must not be taken by mouth.
BEFORE you use ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2% ophthalmic solution, talk to your doctor or pharmacist:
If you have allergies to ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2% ophthalmic solution or any of its ingredients or components of the container.
If you wear contact lenses
ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2% should not be used to treat contact lens-related eye irritations.
Do not use the drops while your contact lenses are in your eyes. Wait at least ten minutes after using the eye drops before putting your lenses back into your eyes. Benzalkonium chloride, a preservative in ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2%, can affect soft lenses. Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.
Pregnancy or breast feeding
If you are pregnant, or might get pregnant, talk to your doctor before you use ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2%. If you are breast feeding, do not use ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2%; it may get into your milk.
Driving and using machines
You may find that your vision is blurred for a time just after you use ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2% solution. Do not drive or use machines until your vision is clear.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medications, even products you have bought yourself without prescription or natural health products.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Usual Adult Dose:
The recommended dose is one drop in each affected eye once daily.
If you are using other eye drops, wait at least five to ten minutes between putting in ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2% and the other drops.
Directions for Use:
- 1. Get the bottle of ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2% ready, along with a mirror, if needed.
- 2. Wash your hands.
- 3. Take the bottle and twist off the cap, being careful not to touch the dropper tip.
- 4. Hold the bottle, pointing it down, between your thumb and middle finger.
- 5. Tilt your head back and look at the ceiling. Pull down your eyelid with a clean finger, until there is a “pocket” between the eyelid and your eye. The drop will go in there.
- 6. Bring the bottle tip close to the eye. Use the mirror if it helps.
- 7. Gently press the bottom of the bottle with your forefinger to release one drop at a time. Do not touch your eye or eyelid, surrounding areas or other surfaces with the dropper. It could infect the drops left in the bottle. Do not squeeze the bottle: it is designed so that just a gentle press on the bottom is needed.
- 8. If you use drops in both eyes, repeat the steps for the other eye.
- 9. Put the bottle cap firmly back on immediately after use.
Overdose:
If you get too much in your eyes, rinse it all out with warm water.
Don’t put in any more drops until it’s time for your next regular dose.
In case of drug over dose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Missed Dose:
If you forget to use ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2% solution, use a single drop as soon as you remember, and then go back to your regular routine. Do not use a double dose to make up for one missed.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
A small number of people who use ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2% solution may get side effects. They can be unpleasant, but most of them disappear rapidly.
You can usually continue using the drops, unless the effects are serious. If you’re worried, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects can include headache, dry mouth, or a change in your sense of taste and eye problems such as dry, itchy, irritated or crusted eyes or blurred vision.
If you notice any side effects, other than discomfort, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2% ophthalmic solution, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store at 4°C to 25oC.
Once opened, bottles should be stored at 4-25°C. Discard unused portion 28 days after opening.
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
MORE INFORMATION
If you want more information about ACT OLOPATADINE 0.2%:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full Product Monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp); the manufacturer’s website http://www.tevacanada.com; or by calling 1-800-268-4127 ext. 3; or email druginfo@tevacanada.com
Teva Canada Limited
30 Novopharm Court
Toronto, Ontario
M1B 2K9