Optimmune is a sterile eye ointment containing cyclosporine which helps to treat keratoconjunctivitis Sica (KCS or dry eye) in dogs. Optimmune requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Dogs
Benefits:
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Can increase natural tear production
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Reduces inflammation
How it works: Cyclosporine has broad anti-inflammatory effects that help to reduce damage to the tear glands while also stimulating tear production.
Cautions: Do not touch the tube opening to any surface including eyes or hands. This medication may cause blurred vision. Avoid using other eye medications unless approved by the veterinarian.
More Information:
Brand Name Optimmune Ophthalmic Ointment (Schering-Plough)
Generic Name Cyclosporine
What is the most important information I should know about Optimmune Ophthalmic: Optimmune Ophthalmic is FDA approved for veterinary use in dogs only. Optimmune Ophthalmic is a prescription medication available as a sterile eye ointment. The sterile ointment is usually applied as a 1/4 inch strip to the eye(s) every 12 hours. Do not touch the tube opening to any surface, including eyes and hands. The tube opening is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye.
What is Optimmune Ophthalmic: Optimmune ophthalmic is an immunosuppressive agent used to reduce inflammation in the eye(s). Optimmune ophthalmic is used to treat chronic dry eye (KCS, keratoconjuntivits Sica) that may be caused by inflammation. Optimmune Ophthalmic may also be used for purposes other than those listed.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before using Optimmune Ophthalmic on my pet: Do not use Optimmune Ophthalmic if the pet has any type of infection in the eye(s). Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
How should this medication be used: Use this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Wash your hands prior to using the eye ointment. Apply a 1/4 inch strip of the ointment into the lower eyelid. Store Optimmune Ophthalmic at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube properly capped.
What happens if I miss applying a dose: Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: An overdose of this medication is unlikely. If an overdose is suspected, wash the eye with water and seek emergency veterinary medical treatment.
What should I avoid while applying Optimmune Ophthalmic on my pet: Do not touch the tube opening to any surface including eyes or hands. This medication may cause blurred vision. Avoid using other eye medications unless approved by the veterinarian.
What are the possible side effects of Optimmune Ophthalmic: Serious side effects are not expected. Some burning, redness, tearing, discharge, pain, itching, stinging, or blurring of the eye may occur. Continue the medication and talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Optimmune Ophthalmic: Before using Optimmune Ophthalmic, tell your veterinarian if your pet is using other eye ointment or eye medications. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Optimmune Ophthalmic. Talk to the veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Optimmune Ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
Directions:
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Optimmune Ophthalmic Ointment, a prescription medication, is used in dogs for the management of chronic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS or “dry eye”).
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Optimmune Ophthalmic Ointment is an immunosuppressive agent used to reduce inflammation in the eye(s).
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Optimmune Ophthalmic Ointment is used in dogs only. Do not use in cats.
Tip: The tube opening is sterile. Do not touch the tube opening to any surface, including eyes and hands. If the opening becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye(s).
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs:
All weights
Remove debris from eye(s) with a nonirritating solution. The sterile ointment is usually applied as a ¼ inch strip to the lower eyelid(s) every 12 hours. Wash your hands prior to using the eye ointment
Cats:
Horses:
Storage: Store this product at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube properly capped.
Works almost immediately for my dog's dry eyes. Use as recommended by vet (i started with 2x a day then reduced to 1 daily use). Keeps my dogs's eyes clean and irritation-free. Great product and at an excellent price on 1800petmeds!
After paying double for prescription at the Vet my groomer suggested 1800petmeds and I went online. Wow saving $15 and able to get another med at the same time resulted in free shipping. The tube of Optimmune even seems to be better quality and easier to apply to Boo's right eye. Now I can afford to apply twice a day and keep my 13 year old Shih Tzu healthier. The meds came within 3 days of my order by United States Postal Service so that is another plus.
Our Shih Tzu was diagnosed with dry eye as a puppy. So has been using Optimune ointment since he was 5 months old, (he is now 8 yearsold). A liitle while back i could not get Optimune anymore, so our vet made a ointment for him, based on the ingredients of Optimune. But ths ointment was nowhere near as good as Optimune, so i am so happy i can once again get Optimune from 1-800 Petmeds, and his eyes are looking much better.
I have been using optimmune for about a year now and my yorkie's eyes have less discharge and her eyes are clearer. She is really good about me putting it in her eyes, of course she is also suffering from glaucoma so she can't see real good so she can't see me coming with the medicine.
We do ship to Australia by Global Priority. Since it is a prescription medication, you can either send us the vet's written prescription, or provide us with the telephone number for your vet so we can obtain the authorization for you.
I have a Shitzu and all of a sudden she has a problem with her tummy. The vet said it may be her liver and that optimune may have caused it. After looking at all of the symtoms my dog dosn't have them. She is lythargic and she walks like she is constipated. But she is eating and going potty and drinks water. She was on meds for a cold and 3 days later she was running an fine. Now she is back to a tummy ache.
My german Sheppard now needs both Prednisolone and Cyclosporin we have tried the tube but it is too hard to get the ointment in
3 years, 3 months ago
by
Heather
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0
Answers
A:
My vet said the ointment is better than the drops because the drops are compounded. They are not always the same consistency and when you get to the bottom of the bottle it can be more concentrated The drops were stinging my dogs eyes and I never knew it until the vet showed me. I switched to the ointment and my dog's eyes have never been better.
We do not offer compounding services and therefore cannot provide cyclosporine 1% drops. You should be able to have it compounded at a local pharmacy offering compounding services.
my yorkshire terrier tessie 6.5lbs.has been on the cyclosporine1% since january 08. she is doing great on this med.but it is so expensive.i am 70and don't have a lot of money.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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