Lacrisert®
Hydroxypropyl Cellulose 5 mg · ophthalmic insert
Dry Eye/OSD, Injections & Implants
Approved uses
Moderate to severe dry eye syndrome, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca
One 5 mg insert in each eye once daily; some patients require twice daily.
Exposure keratitis, decreased corneal sensitivity, recurrent corneal erosions
One 5 mg insert in each eye once daily; some patients require twice daily.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to hydroxypropyl cellulose
Available Forms5 mg insert, 60 unit doses per carton, two reusable applicators included
Mechanism of ActionStabilizes and thickens the precorneal tear film and prolongs tear film breakup time, which is accelerated in dry eye states. Also lubricates and protects the ocular surface.
Warnings & Precautions
- Corneal abrasion: Improper placement can abrade the cornea; seat the insert deep in the inferior cul-de-sac beneath the base of the tarsus.
- Transient blurred vision: Most common adverse event leading to discontinuation, 8.7% (45 of 520) in a 4-week open-label registry; caution with driving and hazardous machinery.
- Expulsion from the fornix: Shallow conjunctival fornices predispose; eye rubbing, especially on awakening, can dislodge it.
- Foreign body sensation: Misplacement into the interpalpebral fissure or at the tarsal plate level produces foreign body symptoms; recheck position and remove if symptoms persist.
Common Side Effects
- Ocular: Transient blurring of vision, ocular discomfort or irritation, matting or stickiness of eyelashes, photophobia, eyelid edema, hyperemia; mild and transient in most instances.
- Hypersensitivity: Reported; label gives no frequency.
Pregnancy & LactationFeeding of hydroxypropyl cellulose to rats at levels up to 5% of their diet produced no gross or histopathologic changes or other deleterious effects.
Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.