Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Iheezo
What IHEEZO is used for:
IHEEZO is used in adults during eye procedures to numb the surface of the eye.
How IHEEZO works:
IHEEZO belongs to a group of medicines known as topical ophthalmic local anesthetics. It works by temporarily blocking pain signals travelling from the eye to the brain. This helps to numb and block sensation in the eyes.
The ingredients in IHEEZO are:
Medicinal ingredient(s): chloroprocaine hydrochloride.
Non-medicinal ingredients: hydrochloric acid (pH adjuster), hydroxyethyl cellulose, and water for injection.
IHEEZO comes in the following dosage form(s):
Gel: 3% w/w of chloroprocaine hydrochloride.
Do not use IHEEZO if:
- you are allergic to chloroprocaine hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients in IHEEZO.
- you are allergic to medicines from the para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) ester group, which includes ester-type local anesthetics. If you are unsure, ask your healthcare professional.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take IHEEZO. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Discuss with your healthcare professional before receiving IHEEZO.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if IHEEZO can pass into breastmilk. Discuss with your healthcare professional before receiving IHEEZO.
Other warnings you should know about:
Driving and using machines: IHEEZO may affect your vision and ability to do certain tasks. After your eye procedure with IHEEZO, avoid driving or using machines until your healthcare professional advises that it is safe to do so.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements, or alternative medicines.
How to take IHEEZO:
- You will not take IHEEZO by yourself. IHEEZO will be given to you by a healthcare professional (e.g., eye care clinician) in a healthcare setting.
- You will receive IHEEZO directly onto the surface of your eye (i.e., topical ophthalmic local anesthetic).
- After your eye procedure with IHEEZO, accidental injuries can take place. You should avoid touching your eye until the anesthesia has worn off. Follow your healthcare professional’s instructions on how to care for your eye after the eye procedure.
Usual dose:
The recommended initial dose is three drops of IHEEZO. You may receive additional drops if your healthcare professional decides it is necessary to maintain the effect of IHEEZO.
Overdose:
If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much IHEEZO, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, regional poison control centre or Health Canada’s toll-free number, 1-844 POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) immediately, even if there are no signs or symptoms.
Possible side effects from using IHEEZO:
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking IHEEZO. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.
Side effects may include:
- blurred vision;
- eye irritation or burning sensation in the eye;
- increased sensitivity to light;
- red eye and broken blood vessels in the eye;
- discomfort in or around the eye;
- feeling that there is something in the eye;
- itchy eye;
- eye pain;
- dry eye;
- swelling around the eye, eyelid, or on the surface of the eye;
- dilated pupil;
- dark or blank spots in the visual field.
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
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (canada.ca/drug-device-reporting) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your healthcare professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
Storage:
Your healthcare professional will store IHEEZO in a healthcare setting at 15°C to 25°C.
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
If you want more information about IHEEZO:
- Talk to your healthcare professional.
- Find the full Product Monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes the Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada Drug Product Database 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.
Date of Authorization: May 14, 2026