In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/ tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: eye pain, change in vision, continued eye redness/irritation.Ī very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Also, minor burning/stinging/irritation may temporarily occur. Vision may be temporarily blurred when this product is first used. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after 3 days. Check the package to see if you can wear your contact lenses while using your product. There are a few types of eye lubricants (some that contain polysorbates) that can be used while wearing contact lenses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist when you may replace your contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using most kinds of eye lubricants. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. If you are also using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Blot away any extra ointment from around the eye with a clean tissue. Release the eyelid, close the eye, and slowly roll your eye in all directions to spread the medication. For an ointment, hold the tube directly over the eye and gently squeeze a small strip (one-fourth of an inch or roughly 6 millimeters) of ointment into the pouch. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. Look down and gently close your eye for 1 or 2 minutes. For drops/gels, place the dropper directly over the eye and squeeze out 1 or 2 drops as needed. Tilt your head back, look up, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Always replace the cap tightly after each use. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or top of the ointment tube or let it touch your eye. To apply eye ointment/drops/gels: Wash hands first. If using an ointment once a day, it may be best to use it at bedtime. Ointments are usually used 1 to 2 times daily as needed. Usually, drops may be used as often as needed. Check the label to see if you should shake your product before using. Some eye drops need to be shaken before use. This is okay as long as the solution does not change color. Certain brands (containing glycerin with polysorbates, among other ingredients) may have a milky appearance. Do not use a solution that has changed color or is cloudy. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Follow all directions on the product package.