Optimmune (Cyclosporine) by Merck Animal Health

Optimmune (Cyclosporine) Ophthalmic Ointment

Optimmune's Generic Name:

Cyclosporine ophthalmic

Optimmune Ophthalmic Ointment General Description:

This drug is an eye medication that is used in dogs and cats to modify the immune system. It is available in the form of an ointment or drops.

What is this Optimmune (Cyclosporine) Ophthalmic Ointment?

• An immunosuppressant

Reasons for prescribing eye medication:

• To treat chronic superficial keratitis (pannus)
• To treat keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye)

What dogs/cats should not take Optimmune (Cyclosporine) Ophthalmic Ointment?

• Animals that have corneal ulcers as cyclosporine can delay healing
• Animals that have fungal or viral infections as cyclosporine can worsen or prolong the infection
• Animals that are pediatric
• Animals that may be pregnant or nursing
• Animals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to this drug should not take this medication

Directions:

Read and follow the prescription label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.

Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs.

Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.

Dose adjustments may be made based upon an assessment of how your dog or cat is responding clinically.

If your pet requires more than one medication in the same eye, administer the medications 5 minutes apart.

If your pet requires more than one medication, discuss with your veterinarian if it is preferable to administer drops before ointments.

If you are having difficulty applying the medication, contact your veterinarian.

The medical conditions that cyclosporine treats are often a result of a chronic disease process. Therefore, it often requires time before improvements are seen and treatment is usually long term.

Call ahead for refills.

Ideally, give this medication at the same time(s) daily.

Administration of eye drops

• Wash your hands before applying any eye medication
• Check label directions and shake bottle if necessary
• Remove excess discharge from around the eye with a moistened cloth
• Remove the cap and avoid contaminating the tip of the medication bottle with the environment or your fingers
• Tilt your pet's head back so that they are looking up towards the ceiling
• Gently hold the eyelids open and with the other hand holding the medication bottle, rest your hand above the eye
• Ensure that the tip of the medication bottle is not pointed towards the eye in case of any sudden movements
• Ensure that the tip of the medication bottle does not touch your pet's eye, eyelids, or lashes
• Apply the correct amount of drops into the eye
• Continue to hold your pet's head up and allow them to blink to distribute the drops over the entire eye
• Place the cap back on the medication bottle and avoid contaminating the inside of the cap with your fingers
• Wash your hands after applying any eye medication
• Always praise and reward your pet to encourage cooperation

Administration of eye ointments

• Wash hands prior before applying any eye medication
• Check label directions
• Remove excess discharge from around the eye with a moistened cloth
• Remove the cap and avoid contaminating the tip of the medication tube with the environment or your fingers
• Tilt your pet's head back so that they are looking up towards the ceiling
• Gently roll down the lower eyelid of the affected eye and while holding the medication tube, rest your hand above the eye
• Be sure that the tip of the medication tube is not pointed towards the eye in case of any sudden movements
• Ensure that the tip of the medication tube does not touch your pet's eye, eyelids, or lashes
• Holding the tube parallel to the eyelid, apply the correct amount of ointment along the inner edge of the lower lid
• Gently hold the eyelids shut and massage to disperse the medication
• Place the cap back on the medication tube and avoid contaminating the inside of the cap with your fingers
• Wash your hands after applying any eye medication
• Always praise and reward your pet to encourage cooperation

What if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask a veterinarian before giving Optimmune (Cyclosporine) Ophthalmic Ointment?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

• When your pet will need to be rechecked
• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• What are the risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:

• If your pet has experienced previous eye problems
• If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
• If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
• If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
• If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medications can be given together.
• If your pet is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

Storage and Warnings:

Cyclosporine ophthalmic should be stored in a childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not use any eye drops that have become discolored or have particles in them.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.

Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Potential side effects of Optimmune (Cyclosporine) Ophthalmic Ointment:

• This medication can cause mild eye irritation resulting in redness, blinking, or rubbing
• If these symptoms persist or you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Can this drug be given with other drugs?

• Yes, but possible interactions may occur when giving cyclosporine ophthalmic in conjunction with: topical corticosteroids (ex. dexamethasone, prednisone)
• Drugs other than those listed may also interact with cyclosporine
• Do not give new food or medications without first talking to your veterinarian
• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

Overdosing?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you pet has accidentally ingested this medication or has received more than the prescribed amount.

What else should I know about Optimmune (Cyclosporine) Ophthalmic Ointment?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, cyclosporine ophthalmic should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

Some animals do not respond well to the ointment form of the medication and require drops that can be made by a compounding pharmacy.

It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Never use skin or ear medications in the eye.

This is just a summary of information about cyclosporine ophthalmic. If you have any questions or concerns about cyclosporine ophthalmic or the condition it was prescribed for, please contact your veterinarian.
 

Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Preparations
(Optimmune)

Common Drug Name
Cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment

Common Brand Names
Optimmune Ophthalmic Ointment
Compounded products are available.

Storage
Store at room temperature (36-86°F) in a tight, light resistant, childproof container.

Uses
Cyclosporine modifies the immune response. It is used as an ophthalmic preparation in the eye to treat keratoconjunctivits (KCS, 'dry eye') and chronic superficial keratitis in dogs. Usually KCS requires lifetime treatment.
Cyclosporine is used in other forms to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs.

Dose and Administration
Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty applying this medication, contact your veterinarian. 
If discharge is present, the area should be cleansed with a sterile eyewash solution prior to applying the ointment or suspension.
When applying an ointment, place one hand under and around your pet’s chin and lift upward, so the pet’s eyes are looking towards the ceiling. Pull down gently on the lower lid with a finger or thumb, depending upon which eye you are treating. Rest your other hand on top of the pet’s head. Be sure the tip of the tube is pointed away from your pet’s eye so if your pet jerks, the tube tip will not injure the eye. Hold the tube of ointment about one inch from the eye and apply a short ribbon of ointment along the inner edge of the lower lid, starting at the inside corner of the eye. Rotate the tube when you reach the outer portion of the eye to help detach  the ointment from the tube. Have your pet blink, and gently hold the eyelid shut. Gently massage the closed eyelid to disperse the ointment.
Ointments will blur your animal’s vision for a few minutes after administration. Prevent your pet from bumping into things and becoming injured.
If using a suspension, shake the solution well before using. Follow the directions above, but squeeze the drops into the corner of the eye, taking care not to touch the dropper to the eye surface. Continue to hold the head back for a moment while the drops disperse over the whole eye surface.
Never touch the tip of the tube or dropper to the pet’s eye, lids, or eyelashes. Do not touch the inside of the cap or the dropper or tube tip with your fingers, as this will also contaminate the medication.
Always wash your hands before and after applying this medication.
If you are applying more than one medication to the eye, allow 5 minutes between applications so one medication is not washed out by the next. Be sure not to interchange the caps of the medications.
Several days to a few weeks of therapy may be needed before an improvement in the condition is seen.
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the application you missed and go back to the regular schedule. 
This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

Possible Side Effects
Side effects are rare due to the very low concentration of cyclosporine, and since little of it is absorbed into the bloodstream. May see mild eye irritation (redness, rubbing at the eye, excess blinking) when starting treatment. Consult your veterinarian if these effects are severe or do not subside within a week.
If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Precautions
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to cyclosporine.
The safety of this medication in puppies, or breeding, pregnant, or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young) has not been determined.
Do not use in animals with viral or fungal infections of the eye. Successfully treat those conditions before using ophthalmic cyclosporine.
Consult with your veterinarian regarding eye examinations and laboratory testing necessary prior to and during treatment with cyclosporine ophthalmic preparations.

Drug, Food, and Test Interactions
Consult your veterinarian before using cyclosporine ophthalmic preparations with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, since interactions may occur.
Wait at least 5 minutes between applying cyclosporine and any other eye medication.

Signs of Toxicity/Overdose
Unlikely to have an overdose with the eye preparation. Oral overdose may cause liver and kidney damage. 
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any unusual signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children and pets.

This information may not cover all possible uses, directions, side effects, precautions, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or withdrawal times.   Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet.