GELTEARS - summary of medicine characteristics

Summary of medicine characteristics - GELTEARS

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

GelTears.

2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Clear, colourless gel containing 0.2% w/w carbomer 980 Ph.Eur

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Eye gel.

4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Substitution of tear fluid in the management of dry eye conditions, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca and unstable tear film.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Adults (including the elderly):

One drop to be instilled into the conjunctival fold of each affected eye 3 – 4 times daily or as required, depending on the degree of discomfort.

Children and adolescents aged to 18 years:

The safety and efficacy of GelTears in children and adolescents at the posology recommended in adults has been established by clinical experience, but no clinical trial data are available.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Blurred vision can occur if too much gel is instilled at one time, or if the gel is used too frequently. This effect can last for up to an hour. Recovery can be aided by blinking vigorously for a few seconds. If this fails, the lower eyelid should be manipulated until the gel returns to the lower fornix and normal vision is restored.

Contact lenses should be removed during treatment with GelTears.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No significant interactions have been reported.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and lactation

Safety for use in pregnancy and lactation has not been established, therefore, Geltears should not be used in these circumstances.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

As with other ophthalmic preparations, transient blurring of vision may occur on instillation. If affected, the patient should be advised not to drive or operate hazardous machinery until normal vision is restored.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Corneal irritation due to benzalkonium chloride could possibly occur with prolonged use.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme, Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

4.9 Overdose

Not applicable.

5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Artificial tears and other indifferent preparations, ATC code: S01XA20

GelTears contains Carbomer 980, a hydrophilic, high molecular weight polymer of carboxyvinylic acid. The gel forms a transparent lubricating and moistening film on the surface of the eye. The preparation has a pH similar to that found in the normal tear film and is slightly hypotonic with respect to tears. GelTears relieves the symptoms of irritation linked with dry eye syndromes and protects the cornea against drying out.

The use of vital stains has provided objective evidence that the corneal and conjunctival epithelial lesions associated with dry eye syndromes show improvement on treatment with GelTears. The gel remains on the surface of the eye for longer than low viscosity artificial tears and hence, less frequent application is required.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

No human pharmacokinetic studies are available, however, absorption or accumulation in ocular tissues is likely to be negligible due to the high molecular weight of the active ingredient.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

No adverse safety issues were detected during the development of this formulation. The ingredients are well established in clinical ophthalmology.

6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Benzalkonium chloride 0.01% w/w (as a preservative)

Water for Injection

Sorbitol

Sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment

6.2 Incompatibilities

Not applicable

6.3 Shelf life

The shelf life expiry date shall not exceed 3 years from the date of its manufacture when stored below 25°C. Any remaining gel should be discarded 28 days after first opening the tube.

6.4 Special precautions for storage

The product should be transported in the original packaging. It should be stored below 25°C.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

Sterile ophthalmic gel presented in 5g and 10g plasticised, lacquered aluminium tubes, closed with a tamper evident polyethylene cap. Each tube is individually cartonned with a patient information leaflet.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal