Apo-Olopatadine (Apotex, 0.2 %): Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

What is APO-OLOPATADINE used for?

APO-OLOPATADINE is used for the treatment of itchy eyes caused by seasonal allergies.

How does APO-OLOPATADINE work?

Itchy eyes due to seasonal allergies, also called allergic conjunctivitis, happens when allergens like pollen cause the cells of the eye to release a chemical called histamine. This can result in itching, redness and swelling on the surface of your eye. APO-OLOPATADINE works by stopping the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause the allergic reaction. This reduces eye itching.

What are the ingredients in APO-OLOPATADINE?

Medicinal ingredients: olopatadine hydrochloride

Non-medicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride, edetate disodium dihydrate, povidone, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous and water for injection. Tiny amounts of hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide are sometimes added to maintain proper pH balance.

APO-OLOPATADINE comes in the following dosage forms:

Ophthalmic solution (eye drops), 0.2% w/v (means you get 0.2% medicine by weight in each liquid drop).

Do not use APO-OLOPATADINE if:

• you are allergic to olopatadine hydrochloride or to any of the other ingredients (see What are the ingredients in APO-OLOPATADINE?).

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take APO-OLOPATADINE. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:

• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

• are breastfeeding. APO-OLOPATADINE may pass into breastmilk.
• are under 18 years of age.

Other warnings you should know about:

• Use of APO-OLOPATADINE and use of contact lenses:

  • Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.
  • APO-OLOPATADINE contains a preservative, benzalkonium chloride, which may cause eye irritation and is known to discolour soft contact lenses. Do not use APO-OLOPATADINE while wearing contact lenses.
  • Remove your contacts before using APO-OLOPATADINE and wait at least 15 minutes before putting your contacts back in.

• Use of APO-OLOPATADINE with other eye drops or ointments:

  • If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between putting in APO-OLOPATADINE and the other drops.
  • Apply eye ointments last.

• Driving and using machines: You may find that your vision is blurred for a time just after you use APO-OLOPATADINE. Do not drive or use machines until your vision is clear.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

The following may interact with APO-OLOPATADINE:

There are no known drugs that interact with APO-OLOPATADINE.

How to take APO-OLOPATADINE:

• APO-OLOPATADINE is an eye drop. Only use it in your eye(s).
• Use APO-OLOPATADINE exactly how your healthcare professional has told you to. Do not change your dose without talking to your healthcare professional.

Usual dose:

Adults: 1 drop in each affected eye once daily.

1. 1 2

Instructions for use:

1. 1. Get the APO-OLOPATADINE bottle and a mirror if needed.
2. 2. Wash your hands.
3. 3. Twist off the cap, being careful not to touch the dropper tip.
4. 4. Hold the bottle, pointing it down, between your thumb and middle finger.
5. 5. Tilt your head back. 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 (Figure 1).
6. 6.

   Bring the bottle tip close to the eye. Use the mirror if it helps.

   Do not touch your eye or eyelid, or any surface with the dropper. It could contaminate the drops, cause an eye infection and damage the eyes.

7. 7. Gently press the bottom of the bottle with your forefinger to release one drop (Figure 2). Do not squeeze the bottle: it is designed so that just a gentle press on the bottom is all that it needs.
8. 8. If you use drops in both eyes, repeat the steps for the other eye.
9. 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.

Missed Dose:

If you forget to use APO-OLOPATADINE, 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 the one missed.

What are possible side effects from using APO-OLOPATADINE?

These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking APO-OLOPATADINE. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.

Side effects may include:

In the eye:

• eye problems such as dry, itchy, red, irritated or crusted eyes
• eye surface inflammation with or without surface damage
• eye discharge
• eye pain
• increased tear production
• eyelid redness, swelling
• sensitivity to light
• blurred vision
• burning, stinging or gritty feeling or a feeling as if something is trapped in the eye

Other areas of your body:

• headache
• dizziness
• fatigue or tiredness
• nasal dryness
• a dry mouth
• a change in your sense of taste
• nausea
• red or itchy skin

Serious side effects and what to do about them

If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.

Reporting Side Effects

Storage:

• Store at 4°C to 30°C.
• Throw away the bottle at the end of your treatment or 4 weeks after first opening whichever comes first.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.

If you want more information about APO-OLOPATADINE:

• 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://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website (http://www.apotex.ca/products), or by calling 1-800-667-4708.

Last Revised: January 26, 2024