LACRISERT (cellulose) is indicated in patients with moderate to severe dry eye syndromes, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca. LACRISERT (cellulose) is indicated especially in patients who remain symptomatic after an adequate trial of therapy with artificial tear solutions.

LACRISERT (cellulose) is also indicated for patients with:

Exposure keratitis
Decreased corneal sensitivity
Recurrent corneal erosions

One LACRISERT (cellulose) ophthalmic insert in each eye once daily is usually sufficient to relieve the symptoms associated with moderate to severe dry eye syndromes. Individual patients may require more flexibility in the use of LACRISERT (cellulose) ; some patients may require twice daily use for optimal results.

Clinical experience with LACRISERT (cellulose) indicates that in some patients several weeks may be required before satisfactory improvement of symptoms is achieved.

LACRISERT (cellulose) is inserted into the inferior cul-de-sac of the eye beneath the base of the tarsus, not in apposition to the cornea, nor beneath the eyelid at the level of the tarsal plate. If not properly positioned, it will be expelled into the interpalpebral fissure, and may cause symptoms of a foreign body. Illustrated instructions are included in each package. While in the licensed practitioner's office, the patient should read the instructions, then practice insertion and removal of LACRISERT (cellulose) until proficiency is achieved.

NOTE: Occasionally LACRISERT (cellulose) is inadvertently expelled from the eye, especially in patients with shallow conjunctival fornices. The patient should be cautioned against rubbing the eye(s) containing LACRISERT (cellulose) , especially upon awakening, so as not to dislodge or expel the insert. If required, another LACRISERT (cellulose) ophthalmic insert may be inserted. If experience indicates that transient blurred vision develops in an individual patient, the patient may want to remove LACRISERT (cellulose) a few hours after insertion to avoid this. Another LACRISERT (cellulose) ophthalmic insert maybe inserted if needed.

If LACRISERT (cellulose) causes worsening of symptoms, the patient should be instructed to inspect the conjunctival sac to make certain LACRISERT (cellulose) is in the proper location, deep in the inferior cul-de-sac of the eye beneath the base of the tarsus. If these symptoms persist, LACRISERT (cellulose) should be removed and the patient should contact the practitioner.

LACRISERT (cellulose) , a sterile, translucent, rod-shaped, water-soluble, ophthalmic insert made of hydroxypropyl cellulose, 5 mg, is supplied as follows:

NDC 25010-805-68 in packages containing 60 unit doses (each wrapped in an aluminum blister), two reusable applicators, and a plastic storage container to store the applicators after use.

Storage

Store below 30°C (86°F).

Distributed by: ATON PHARMA, INC. Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, USA. Manufactured by: Merck and Co., Inc. West Point, PA 19486 USA. Issued June 2007. FDA rev date: 2/21/2008

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/13/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.