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GENERIC NAME: PILOCARPINE - OPHTHALMIC OCULAR SYSTEM (pie-low-KAR-peen, off-THAL-mick OCK-you-lurr system)

BRAND NAME(S): Ocusert Pilo

USES: This medication reduces pressure in the eye. It is used to treat glaucoma.

HOW TO USE: To apply the system, wash hands first. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place the system into the pouch. Blink a few times and roll your eye to move the insert into place. Practice inserting and removing the system in the doctor's office where you can be shown the proper technique. Damaged or deformed systems should not be used or kept in the eye. Replace with a new system.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, brow ache, temporary burning or stinging, or increased mucus production may occur initially. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if you develop: changes in vision, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, sweating, increased salivation, diarrhea. Also contact your doctor if blurred vision persists more than several hours in the morning after bedtime use. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have: other eye problems, asthma, intestinal disease, ulcers, low or high blood pressure, heart disease, an overactive thyroid gland, seizures, Parkinson's disease. Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, tell the doctor or dentist that you use this medication. Use caution if driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. This medication may cause vision problems in poor light. Use caution especially when driving at night. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug can affect the way your body responds to other drugs. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include blurred vision, increased saliva, fainting, irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, asthma, and increased sweating.

NOTES: Do not share this product with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you should miss a dose, apply as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Ocular systems should be stored in the refrigerator.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.