Consumer Information for: SANDOZ OLOPATADINE

Consumer Information

Information about the product including what the product is used for, dosage, warnings, proper use and side effects. This summary will not tell you everything about the product. Contact your healthcare professional if you have any questions about the product.


What the medication is used for

Sandoz Olopatadine solution is used for the prevention and treatment of signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.

Allergic conjunctivitis: Some materials (allergens) like pollens, house dust or animal fur may cause allergic reactions resulting in itching, redness as well as swelling of the surface of your eye.

What it does

Sandoz Olopatadine solution is a medicine for treatment and control of allergic conditions of the eye. It works in two different ways by reducing and controlling the intensity of the allergic reaction.

When it should not be used

Sandoz Olopatadine solution should not be used if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to olopatadine hydrochloride, any of the other ingredients or components of the container (see What the non-medicinal ingredients are).

Tell your doctor if you have allergies.

Do not use Sandoz Olopatadine solution in children under the age of three years.

What the medicinal ingredient is

Olopatadine hydrochloride

What the non-medicinal ingredients are

Preservative: benzalkonium chloride
Other ingredients include: dibasic sodium phosphate, purified water and sodium chloride. Tiny amounts of hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide are sometimes added to maintain proper pH balance.

What dosage form it comes in

Sandoz Olopatadine solution (eye drops): 0.1% w/v, supplied in a plastic (DROPTAINER®) dispenser bottle with a screw cap containing 5 mL.

Warnings and precautions

Pregnancy or breast-feeding: If you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before you use Sandoz Olopatadine solution. If you are breast-feeding, do not use Sandoz Olopatadine solution; it may get into your breast milk.

Use of Sandoz Olopatadine solution and use of contact lenses

  • Do not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.
  • Sandoz Olopatadine solution contains a preservative, benzalkonium chloride, which may cause eye irritation and is known to discolour soft contact lenses. Do not use the drops while wearing contact lenses.
  • Remove your contacts before applying Sandoz Olopatadine and wait at least 15 minutes before putting your contacts back in.

Use of Sandoz Olopatadine solution with other eye drops or ointments

  • If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between putting in Sandoz Olopatadine solution and the other drops.
  • Apply eye ointments last.

Driving and using machines: You may find that your vision is blurred for a time just after you use Sandoz Olopatadine solution. Do not drive or use machines until your vision is clear.

Interactions with this medication

Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, even products you have bought yourself without prescription or natural health products.

There are no known drugs that interact with Sandoz Olopatadine solution.

Proper use of this medication

Sandoz Olopatadine solution is an eye drop. Only use it in your eye(s).

If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes before putting in Sandoz Olopatadine solution and other eye drops. If you are using an eye ointment, you should apply it last.

Remove your contacts before applying Sandoz Olopatadine solution and wait at least 15 minutes before putting your contacts back in.

Usual dose

Adults and Children (3 years and older): 1 to 2 drops in each affected eye twice daily.

Instructions for use

  1. Get the Sandoz Olopatadine solution bottle and a mirror.
  2. Wash your hands.
  3. Twist off the cap, being careful not to touch the dropper tip. After cap is removed: if tamper evident snap collar is loose, remove before using product.
  4. Hold the bottle, pointing it down, between your thumb and middle finger.
  5. Tilt your head back. Pull down your eyelid with a clean finger, until there is a ‘pocket’ between the eyelid and your eye. The drop will go in here (picture 1).
  6. Bring the bottle tip close to the eye. Use the mirror if it helps. Do not touch your eye or eyelid, or any surface with the dropper. It could contaminate the drops, cause an eye infection and damage the eyes.
  7. Gently press on the base of the bottle with your forefinger to release one drop at a time. Do not squeeze the bottle: it is designed so that just a gentle press on the bottom is all that is required (picture 2).
  8. If you use drops in both eyes, repeat the steps for the other eye.
  9. Put the bottle cap firmly back on immediately after use.

Overdose

If you think you have used too much Sandoz Olopatadine solution, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

If you get too much in your eyes, rinse it all out with warm water. Don’t put in any more drops until it’s time for your next regular dose.

Missed dose

If you forget to use Sandoz Olopatadine solution, use a single drop as soon as you remember, and then go back to your regular routine. Do not use a double dose to make up for the one missed.

Side effects and what to do about them

A small number of people who use Sandoz Olopatadine solution may get side effects. They can be unpleasant, but most of them disappear rapidly.

You can usually continue using the drops, unless the effects are serious. If you're worried, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects may include:

In the eye:

  • eye problems such as dry, itchy, red, irritated or crusted eyes
  • eye surface inflammation with or without surface damage
  • eye discharge
  • eye pain
  • increased tear production
  • eyelid redness, spasm, swelling or dryness
  • sensitivity to light
  • blurred vision
  • staining in your eye
  • burning, stinging or gritty feeling or a feeling as if something is trapped in the eye.

Other areas of your body:

  • headache
  • dizziness
  • fatigue or tiredness
  • nasal dryness
  • a dry mouth
  • a change in your sense of taste
  • nausea
  • red or itchy skin.

If you notice any side effects, other than discomfort, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects, how often they happen and what to do about them
Symptom / effect Talk with your doctor or pharmacist Only if severe Talk with your doctor or pharmacist In all cases Stop taking drug and call your doctor or pharmacist
Rare
Allergic reactions: swelling of the mouth and throat, shortness of breath, hives, severe itching and rash     ✔

This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking Sandoz Olopatadine solution, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store

Store at room temperature or between 4-30°C.
Throw away the bottle at the end of treatment.
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Reporting side effects

You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:

NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.

More information

This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals can be found by contacting the sponsor, Sandoz Canada Inc., at:

1-800-361-3062

or by written request at:
145 Jules-Léger
Boucherville QC
J4B 7K8

Or by e-mail at :
medinfo@sandoz.com

This leaflet was prepared by Sandoz Canada Inc.

Last revised: July 10, 2018

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