Skip to main content

Hydroxypropylcellulose Drug Implant (HYDROXYPROPYL CELLULOSE INSERT - OPHTHALMIC)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • dry eyes
  • eye disease
  • inflammation of the eyes

Brand Name(s): Lacrisert

Generic Name: Hydroxypropylcellulose

Instructions

If you use contact lenses, remove them before using this medicine.

Keep the medicine at room temperature. Avoid heat and direct light.

Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to show you how to use this medicine correctly.

Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine.

Do not touch the insert and do not let it touch any surface except the applicator.

Use the applicator to place the insert in the eye.

Rinse the applicator with hot running water after each use. Shake off visible drops of water, then return the applicator to the storage container.

Avoid rubbing the eyes when the insert is in place.

If an insert comes out, you may replace it with another one.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all your medicines. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines.

Your provider may want you also to use artificial tears or saline drops. Follow instructions carefully.

It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.

Use this medicine at the same time each day.

Cautions

For use only in the eyes. May be harmful if swallowed.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions before starting this medicine, especially other eye conditions.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause blurry vision.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving, or operating machinery.

This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to light. Wear dark glasses to protect eyes from bright light.

It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Remove the insert and contact your provider right away if you experience eye redness or irritation that doesn't go away, eye pain or swelling, or vision changes other than temporary blurring.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • blurry vision
  • discomfort in the eyes
  • sticky eyelashes
  • redness of eyes
  • irritation of the eyes
  • sensitivity to light
  • watering of the eyes

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • eye pain or swelling
  • blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

 
 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.