Cysteamine Hydrochloride, Ophthalmic

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is used in the eyes to treat crystals in the clear outer layer on the front of the eye. Use it exactly as directed.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: cystine-depleting medicine

Generic and brand names: cysteamine hydrochloride, ophthalmic; Cystaran

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine, in the form of eye drops, is used to treat crystals in the cornea caused by cystinosis. The cornea is the clear outer layer on the front of the eye.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Tell your provider if you wear contact lenses.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not use more or less than prescribed. The usual dose is 1 drop in each eye every waking hour.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine in children.

Wash your hands before putting medicine in your eyes. Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip gently press on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.

To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. After use, put the cap on tightly. Store the medicine away from heat and bright light. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored or gets contaminated. Contaminated eye drops can cause eye infections.

If you wear contact lenses:

• Wait at least 15 minutes after using these drops before inserting your contact lenses
• Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.
• Do not use this medicine to treat contact lens related irritation.

This medicine is for use in the eyes only. Do not take it by mouth.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may cause blurred vision for a short time. Do not drive or do other things that require you to see well until you know how you react to this medicine.

Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve in a few days or if it gets worse.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Pain, redness, or discharge in eyes; swollen eyelids; wheezing or shortness of breath, severe or frequent headaches.

Other: Burning and stinging in the eyes, mild headache, blurred vision, sensitivity to light.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use any other eye drops for 10 minutes before or after you use this medicine.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine in its original container in the freezer. Take a new bottle out of the freezer each week. Let it thaw for 24 hours before you use it. You may store the medicine in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 1 week. Do not refreeze the bottle. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Discard any unused medicine 1 week after you thaw it.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.