Uses
Ophthalmic lifitegrast is used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Lifitegrast is in a class of medications called lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist. Lifitegrast ophthalmic works by reducing the swelling in the eye tissues.
Side Effects Of Lifitegrast Ophthalmic
Lifitegrast may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- blurred vision
- itchy or irritated eyes
- tearing or eye discharge
- headache
- runny or stuffy nose
- throat irritation
- pain or pressure in the face
- change in the ability to taste food
Lifitegrast ophthalmic may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking lifitegrast:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lifitegrast, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in lifitegrast ophthalmic solution. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any other eye drops or eye ointments. Your doctor may need to give you additional instructions.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking lifitegrast, call your doctor.
- you should know that lifitegrast eye drops should not be instilled while wearing contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before instilling lifitegrast eye drops and put them back in 15 minutes later.
Dosage Of Lifitegrast Ophthalmic
Ophthalmic lifitegrast comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eyes. It is usually instilled in each eye twice a day, about 12 hours apart. Instill lifitegrast at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use lifitegrast ophthalmic exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Lifitegrast eye drops come in single-use containers (small bottles to be used for one dose). Use the liquid from the container immediately after opening, and throw away the container with any remaining liquid in it when you are finished. Do not save the liquid left in the container for your next dose.
To instill the eye drops follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Pull off one container of lifitegrast ophthalmic from the strip of containers. Put the rest of the containers back into the foil pouch.
- Hold the container upright. Be sure that twist-off tab is at the top of the container.
- Open the container by twisting off the tab at the top of the container.
- Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else; eye drops and droppers must be kept clean.
- While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
- Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face
- While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
- Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.
- Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure.
- Wipe any excess lifitegrast ophthalmic from your face with a tissue.
- Repeat steps 5- 12 to instill in the other eye. There is enough liquid in one container for both eyes.
- Wash your hands to remove any medication.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else use your lifitegrast ophthalmic. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
