Optivar - azelastine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.005%For fast, long-lasting relief from itchy allergy eyes  
Optivar - Expect More: Relief from itchy allergy eyes
Allergy Eyes

    Your Symptoms
    Allergy Eyes Screener
    Treatment Overview
    Tips for Relief
    Information for Parents
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Treatment Overview
Allergy eye symptoms flare up when an allergen, like tree pollen, gets into your eyes. So, if you're allergic to tree pollen, it would make sense to stay inside in the spring to avoid this allergen. But avoidance isn't always practical.

Fortunately, there are medications (overviewed below) that can help relieve the irritating itch of allergy eyes. Some may work for you and some may not. So be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best therapy for you. You can even complete the Allergic Conjunctivitis Screener to give your healthcare provider more useful information.

Over-the-Counter Allergy Eye Drops1
These eye drop medications may provide temporary relief of allergic conjunctivitis symptoms, but you shouldn't use them for extended periods of time without consulting your physician. That's because they may make redness in the eye worse over time.

Prescription Allergy Tablets1
If you have a mix of allergy symptoms such as itchy nose, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, throat, and palate, your healthcare provider may give you an oral prescription tablet such as Clarinex, Allegra, or Zyrtec. These medicines are commonly called oral antihistamines and are systemic (they work throughout your entire body), so they can treat many of the symptoms mentioned above. However, some oral antihistamines may cause dry eyes and make allergic conjunctivitis symptoms worse.

Prescription Allergy Eye Drops1
These eye drop medications can be used for relief of allergy eye symptoms. OPTIVAR is a prescription eye drop that's steroid-free. OPTIVAR offers three powerful ways to give you effective relief of itchy allergy eyes2,3:
  • Relieves itch within 3 minutes and lasts for 8 to 10 hours
  • Proven effective
  • Proven well tolerated

References:
1. American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Eye Allergies. Available at: http://allergy.mcg.edu/eyeallergy/eyeBrochure.html. Accessed October 22, 2004.

2. Ciprandi G, Cosentino C, Milanese M, Tosca MA. Rapid anti-inflammatory action of azelastine eye drops for ongoing allergic reactions. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2003;90:434-438.

3. OPTIVAR Prescribing Information, Meda Pharmaceuticals.




OPTIVAR is indicated for the treatment of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis in patients as young as 3 years of age.

In controlled clinical studies, some patients experienced brief eye burning/stinging, headache, and bitter taste. Less than 1% of patients stopped using OPTIVAR because of these effects. OPTIVAR should not be used if you are sensitive to any of the medication's components.

Available by prescription only. Ask your healthcare professional if OPTIVAR is right for you. Please see full Prescribing Information.

Meda Pharmaceuticals OPTIVAR® is distributed by Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc.
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OPT6035 February 2007