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What is Viscotears and when will it be it applied?

Viscotears is a clear and dropper gel. After instillation, it spreads quickly over the conjunctiva and cornea and stabilizes the tear film of the eye for a long time without tending to crust. This reduces the burning, itching and "sandy feeling" in the eyes. Viscotears is used to moisten the eyes and to moisten irritated eyes. Viscotears can also be used to moisten artificial eyes. On the recommendation of the pharmacist or on the prescription of a doctor, Viscotears is also used for dry eyes of various causes.

What should be considered?

Note for contact lens wearers:

If you wear contact lenses, you should remove the lenses Remove before using Viscotears and put them back in no earlier than 15 minutes after use. The preservative cetrimide contained in Viscotears can discolour soft contact lenses.

When should Viscotears not be used?

If you are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients in Viscotears.

When should you be careful when using Viscotears?

The tip of the container should not be touched as this may contaminate the gel or injure the eye.

If there is no improvement after 2-3 days, consult a doctor, pharmacist or druggist. If the condition worsens or new symptoms appear (e.g. reduced visual acuity, eye irritation, persistent reddening of the eyes), a doctor, pharmacist or druggist should be consulted immediately.

Occasionally, short-lasting visual disturbances occur until the gel is evenly distributed on the surface of the eye. Even when used as intended, Viscotears temporarily affects visual performance and thus the ability to react in traffic and when operating machines.

Inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist if you suffer from other illnesses, have allergies or are taking other medicines (even those you bought yourself!) or use them on your eyes.

Can Viscotears be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Based on previous experience, there is no known risk for the child when used as intended. However, systematic scientific investigations have never been carried out. As a precaution, you should avoid taking medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

How do you use Viscotears?

Adults:

The frequency of use depends on the need. Usually 1 drop is instilled into the conjunctival sac of the eye 3-4 times a day. Viscotears can also be used more frequently if necessary. With your head tilted back, hold the tube with one hand as vertically as possible over your eye. This creates a small drop at the tube opening. At the same time, use the index finger of the other hand to gently pull the lower eyelid down. Now let the drop fall into the conjunctival sac by gently squeezing the tube without touching the eye with the tip of the tube.

Children and adolescents:

The use and safety of Viscotears in children and adolescents have not yet been tested.

Follow the dosage given in the package leaflet or prescribed by your doctor, pharmacist or druggist. If you think the medicine is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

If you need to use other medicines in your eyes at the same time as Viscotears, you should discuss this with the doctor, pharmacist or druggist treating you. You should leave a gap of at least 5 minutes between the application of each drug and always instill Viscotears last.

What side effects can Viscotears have?

The following side effects can occur very frequently when using Viscotears: Sticking of the eyelids (in 12% of patients) and/or blurred vision immediately after application (in 16% of patients).

The following side effects can often occur when using Viscotears:

Slight, temporary burning, redness, swelling, allergic conjunctivitis and hypersensitivity to one of the ingredients are possible.

Occasionally, itching or pain in the eye, swollen eyelids and increased tearing occur.

If you notice side effects that are not described here, you should inform your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.

What else needs to be considered?

In order to avoid possible microbial contamination (contamination) of the eye gel, the tip of the tube must not be touched with hands or eyes come into contact. Close the tube immediately after use and always keep it tightly closed.

Shelf life:

After opening a tube, the contents must not be used for more than 4 weeks.

The medicinal product may only be used up to the date marked «EXP» on the container.

Storage:

Keep the medicine in the closed original pack at room temperature (15-25 °C) and out of the reach of children.

Bring any remaining residue 4 weeks after opening a tube to your dispensing point (doctor, pharmacist or druggist) for professional disposal.

Your doctor, pharmacist or druggist can provide you with further information. These people have the detailed information for specialists.

What does Viscotears contain?

1 g Viscotears contains the active substance: Carbomer 980 2.0 mg; excipients; preservative: cetrimide 0.1 mg; and other auxiliary materials.

Approval number

48624 (Swissmedic).

Where can you get Viscotears? What packs are available?

In pharmacies and drugstores, without a doctor's prescription.

Pack with 1× 10 g or 3× 10 g eye gel.

Viscotears is also available in single doses.

Authorization holder

Bausch & Lomb Swiss AG, 6301 Zug.

This leaflet was last checked by the Medicines Agency (Swissmedic) in January 2016.