Patient leaflet - VOLTAROL OPHTHA, DICLOFENAC SODIUM 0.1% W/V PRESERVATIVE FREE EYE DROPS
3. how to use voltarol® ophtha
When Voltarol® Ophtha is being used during eye surgery the doctor will work out the correct dose.
If you have been prescribed the drops to use at home the doctor will tell you how and when to use them. Always follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
The usual dose is 1 drop in the affected eye 4 times a day.
How often you use the drops, and how long you use them for, will be different depending on your condition.
The dose will be on the pharmacist’s label. Check the label carefully. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Instructions for using the eye drops are given at the end of this leaflet.
These drops should not be used in children under 18 years old.
What if you forget to use the drops?
If you miss a dose continue with the next dose as normal. Do not double the dose to make up for the one you missed.
What if you use too much?
If you use too much or if you accidentally swallow the eye drops, see your doctor at once or go to your nearest hospital casualty department. Take your medicine with you.
4. possible side effects
Voltarol® Ophtha are suitable for most people, but, like all medicines, they can sometimes cause side effects.
Stop using Voltarol® Ophtha and tell your doctor straight away if you notice:
- Allergic reactions in your eyes such as red, itching and swollen eyes and eyelids.
- Other general allergic reaction symptoms such as rash, redness, itching, cough and runny or stuffy nose.
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
- Eye pain.
- A mild or moderate burning sensation and/or redness in the eyes.
- Blurred vision immediately after using the eye drops.
- Breathlessness and wheezing or other symptoms of asthma.
- Unusual sensitivity to light.
- Damage to cells on the surface of the cornea (the membrane covering the front of the eye), corneal thinning or ulcers that might result in loss of sight.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. how to store voltarol® ophtha
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not store above 25°C.
- The drops are sterile until the tab is removed.
- Do not use more than 28 days after opening the blister pack.
- Do not use the drops after the expiry date which is printed on the outside of the pack.
- If your doctor tells you to stop using Voltarol®Ophtha, please take any left back to your pharmacist to be destroyed. Only
keep the drops if the doctor tells you to. Do not throw them away with your normal household water or waste. This will help to protect the environment.
-
6. FURTHER INFORMATION
Each ml of eye drop contains 0.1% w/v (1 mg/ml) of the active ingredient diclofenac sodium.
The other ingredients are boric acid, polyoxyl 35 castor oil, trometamol and water for injections.
Each single dose unit contains 0.3 ml of slightly yellowish and opaque solution with characteristic odour, sufficient for one eye.
The single dose units are contained in sealed blister packs (blocks of 5 single-dose). They come in packs of 40 units.
Manufactured by Excelvision, Rue de la Lombardiere, 07100 Annonay, France.
Procured from within the EU and repackaged by the Product Licence Holder Beachcourse Limited., 20 Alliance Court, London W3 0RB.
Revision date: 04.06.2018
Leaflet reference: VOLT ____
PL 16378/0649 |POM|
Voltarol® is a registered trademark of Novartis AG.
How to use Voltarol
®Ophtha single dose units- Wash your hands before applying your drops.
- Open blister pack and remove the strip of single dose units.
- Tear off one single dose unit from the strip (SEE FIGURE 1). Hold it by the small tab with the nozzle pointing downwards and tap the single dose unit gently until all the air bubbles are above the solution.
- Twist the tab off the single dose unit (SEE FIGURE 2).
- Make sure that the tip of the single dose unit does not touch anything.
- Hold the single dose unit in one hand between the thumb and forefinger.
- With your head tilted back (SEE FIGURE 3) use the forefinger of your other hand to pull down the lower lid of your eye.
- Place the single dose unit tip close to your eye, but without touching the eye or lid, and gently squeeze the single dose unit to allow one drop to be applied (SEE FIGURE 4).
- Close your eyelid and gently press the inner corner of your eye with your forefinger for three minutes (SEE FIGURE 5).
- Discard the single dose unit and remaining solution and wash your hands.
Follow these instructions carefully. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if there is anything you do not understand.
Blind or partially sighted?
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER
Diclofenac Sodium 0.1% w/v Preservative Free Eye Drops
Your medicine is known by the above name, but will be referred to as Diclofenac Sodium throughout this leaflet.
Your doctor has decided that you need these eye drops to help treat your condition.
Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to use the eye drops. It contains important information. Keep the leaflet in a safe place because you may want to read it again.
If you have any other questions, or if there is something you don’t understand, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine has been prescribed for you. Never give it to someone else. It may not be the right medicine for them even if their symptoms seem to be the same as yours.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
In this leaflet:
-
1. What Diclofenac Sodium are and what they are used for
-
2. Things to consider before you start to use Diclofenac Sodium
-
3. How to use Diclofenac Sodium
-
4. Possible side effects
-
5. How to store Diclofenac Sodium
-
6. Further information
-
1. WHAT DICLOFENAC SODIUM ARE AND WHAT THEY ARE USED FOR
Diclofenac Sodium contain 0.1% of the active ingredient diclofenac sodium. Diclofenac sodium is one of a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation.
Diclofenac Sodium are used
- before eye surgery, to help keep the pupil open during surgery, or
- after eye surgery or injury, to control pain and/or inflammation,
- to reduce the symptoms, such as red, runny or itchy eyes associated with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (hayfever).
-
2. THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU START TO USE DICLOFENAC SODIUM
Some people MUST NOT have Diclofenac Sodium. Talk to your doctor if:
- you think you may be allergic to diclofenac sodium, aspirin or any other NSAIDs, or to any of the other ingredients of the eye drops. (These are listed at the end of the leaflet.)
- You are more than 6 months pregnant.
You should also ask yourself these questions before you have Diclofenac Sodium:
- Do you have an eye infection?
- Are you using any other eye drops?
- Do you have any bleeding disorders?
- Are you pregnant or breast feeding?
If the answer to any of these questions is YES, tell your doctor or pharmacist because Diclofenac Sodium might not be the right medicine for you.
Are you taking other medicines?
Diclofenac Sodium may interfere with other drugs you might be taking or using.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these drugs.
- Medicines to prevent your blood clotting.
- Eye drops or ointment containing steroids such as hydrocortisone or betamethasone.
Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking. This means medicines you have bought yourself as well as medicines on prescription from your doctor.
Will there be any problems with driving or using machinery?
Some people may have problems with their eyes such as blurred vision, while they are being treated with Diclofenac Sodium. If you are affected, you should not drive or use machinery.
Other special warnings
- The eye drops contain polyoxyl 35 castor oil which can sometimes cause skin reactions.
- If you are using more than one sort of eye drops leave five minutes between applications.
3. how to use diclofenac sodium
When Diclofenac Sodium is being used during eye surgery the doctor will work out the correct dose.
If you have been prescribed the drops to use at home the doctor will tell you how and when to use them. Always follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
The usual dose is 1 drop in the affected eye 4 times a day.
How often you use the drops, and how long you use them for, will be different depending on your condition.
The dose will be on the pharmacist’s label. Check the label carefully. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Instructions for using the eye drops are given at the end of this leaflet.
These drops should not be used in children under 18 years old.
What if you forget to use the drops?
If you miss a dose continue with the next dose as normal. Do not double the dose to make up for the one you missed.
What if you use too much?
If you use too much or if you accidentally swallow the eye drops, see your doctor at once or go to your nearest hospital casualty department. Take your medicine with you.
4. possible side effects
Diclofenac Sodium are suitable for most people, but, like all medicines, they can sometimes cause side effects.
Stop using Diclofenac Sodium and tell your doctor straight away if you notice:
- Allergic reactions in your eyes such as red, itching and swollen eyes and eyelids.
- Other general allergic reaction symptoms such as rash, redness, itching, cough and runny or stuffy nose.
- Eye pain.
The following side effects have also been reported:
- A mild or moderate burning sensation and/or redness in the eyes.
- Blurred vision immediately after using the eye drops.
- Breathlessness and wheezing or other symptoms of asthma.
- Unusual sensitivity to light.
- Damage to cells on the surface of the cornea (the membrane covering the front of the eye), corneal thinning or ulcers that might result in loss of sight.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. how to store diclofenac sodium
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not store above 25°C.
- The drops are sterile until the tab is removed.
- Do not use more than 28 days after opening the blister pack.
- Do not use the drops after the expiry date which is printed on the outside of the pack.
- If your doctor tells you to stop using Diclofenac Sodium, please take any left back to your pharmacist to be destroyed. Only
keep the drops if the doctor tells you to. Do not throw them away with your normal household water or waste. This will help to protect the environment.
-
6. FURTHER INFORMATION
Each ml of eye drop contains 0.1% w/v (1 mg/ml) of the active ingredient diclofenac sodium.
The other ingredients are boric acid, polyoxyl 35 castor oil, trometamol and water for injections.
Each single dose unit contains 0.3 ml of slightly yellowish and opaque solution with characteristic odour, sufficient for one eye.
The single dose units are contained in sealed blister packs (blocks of 5 single-dose). They come in packs of 40 units.
Manufactured by Excelvision, Rue de la Lombardiere, 07100 Annonay, France.
Procured from within the EU and repackaged by the Product Licence Holder Beachcourse Limited., 20 Alliance Court, London W3 0RB.
Revision date: 04.06.2018
Leaflet reference: DICS _____
PL 16378/0649 |POM|
How to use Diclofenac Sodium single dose units
- Wash your hands before applying your drops.
- Open blister pack and remove the strip of single dose units.
- Tear off one single dose unit from the strip (SEE FIGURE 1). Hold it by the small tab with the nozzle pointing downwards and tap the single dose unit gently until all the air bubbles are above the solution.
- Twist the tab off the single dose unit (SEE FIGURE 2).
- Make sure that the tip of the single dose unit does not touch anything.
- Hold the single dose unit in one hand between the thumb and forefinger.
- With your head tilted back (SEE FIGURE 3) use the forefinger of your other hand to pull down the lower lid of your eye.
- Place the single dose unit tip close to your eye, but without touching the eye or lid, and gently squeeze the single dose unit to allow one drop to be applied (SEE FIGURE 4).
- Close your eyelid and gently press the inner corner of your eye with your forefinger for three minutes (SEE FIGURE 5).
- Discard the single dose unit and remaining solution and wash your hands.
Blind or partially sighted?
PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER
Diclofenac Sodium 0.1% w/v Preservative Free Eye Drops
Your medicine is known by the above name, but will be referred to as Diclofenac Sodium throughout this leaflet.
Your doctor has decided that you need these eye drops to help treat your condition.
Please read this leaflet carefully before you start to use the eye drops. It contains important information. Keep the leaflet in a safe place because you may want to read it again.
If you have any other questions, or if there is something you don’t understand, please ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine has been prescribed for you. Never give it to someone else. It may not be the right medicine for them even if their symptoms seem to be the same as yours.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
In this leaflet:
-
1. What Diclofenac Sodium are and what they are used for
-
2. Things to consider before you start to use Diclofenac Sodium
-
3. How to use Diclofenac Sodium
-
4. Possible side effects
-
5. How to store Diclofenac Sodium
-
6. Further information
-
1. WHAT DICLOFENAC SODIUM ARE AND WHAT THEY ARE USED FOR
Diclofenac Sodium contain 0.1% of the active ingredient diclofenac sodium. Diclofenac sodium is one of a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation.
Diclofenac Sodium are used
- before eye surgery, to help keep the pupil open during surgery, or
- after eye surgery or injury, to control pain and/or inflammation,
- to reduce the symptoms, such as red, runny or itchy eyes associated with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (hayfever).
-
2. THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU START TO USE DICLOFENAC SODIUM
Some people MUST NOT have Diclofenac Sodium. Talk to your doctor if:
- you think you may be allergic to diclofenac sodium, aspirin or any other NSAIDs, or to any of the other ingredients of the eye drops. (These are listed at the end of the leaflet.)
- You are more than 6 months pregnant.
You should also ask yourself these questions before you have Diclofenac Sodium:
- Do you have an eye infection?
- Are you using any other eye drops?
- Do you have any bleeding disorders?
- Are you pregnant or breast feeding?
If the answer to any of these questions is YES, tell your doctor or pharmacist because Diclofenac Sodium might not be the right medicine for you.
Are you taking other medicines?
Diclofenac Sodium may interfere with other drugs you might be taking or using.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these drugs.
- Medicines to prevent your blood clotting.
- Eye drops or ointment containing steroids such as hydrocortisone or betamethasone.
Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking. This means medicines you have bought yourself as well as medicines on prescription from your doctor.
Will there be any problems with driving or using machinery?
Some people may have problems with their eyes such as blurred vision, while they are being treated with Diclofenac Sodium. If you are affected, you should not drive or use machinery.
Other special warnings
- The eye drops contain polyoxyl 35 castor oil which can sometimes cause skin reactions.
- If you are using more than one sort of eye drops leave five minutes between applications.
3. how to use diclofenac sodium
When Diclofenac Sodium is being used during eye surgery the doctor will work out the correct dose.
If you have been prescribed the drops to use at home the doctor will tell you how and when to use them. Always follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
The usual dose is 1 drop in the affected eye 4 times a day.
How often you use the drops, and how long you use them for, will be different depending on your condition.
The dose will be on the pharmacist’s label. Check the label carefully. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Instructions for using the eye drops are given at the end of this leaflet.
These drops should not be used in children under 18 years old.
What if you forget to use the drops?
If you miss a dose continue with the next dose as normal. Do not double the dose to make up for the one you missed.
What if you use too much?
If you use too much or if you accidentally swallow the eye drops, see your doctor at once or go to your nearest hospital casualty department. Take your medicine with you.
4. possible side effects
Diclofenac Sodium are suitable for most people, but, like all medicines, they can sometimes cause side effects.
Stop using Diclofenac Sodium and tell your doctor straight away if you notice:
- Allergic reactions in your eyes such as red, itching and swollen eyes and eyelids.
- Other general allergic reaction symptoms such as rash, redness, itching, cough and runny or stuffy nose.
- Eye pain.
The following side effects have also been reported:
- A mild or moderate burning sensation and/or redness in the eyes.
- Blurred vision immediately after using the eye drops.
- Breathlessness and wheezing or other symptoms of asthma.
- Unusual sensitivity to light.
- Damage to cells on the surface of the cornea (the membrane covering the front of the eye), corneal thinning or ulcers that might result in loss of sight.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. how to store diclofenac sodium
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
- Do not store above 25°C.
- The drops are sterile until the tab is removed.
- Do not use more than 28 days after opening the blister pack.
- Do not use the drops after the expiry date which is printed on the outside of the pack.
- If your doctor tells you to stop using Diclofenac Sodium, please take any left back to your pharmacist to be destroyed. Only
keep the drops if the doctor tells you to. Do not throw them away with your normal household water or waste. This will help to protect the environment.
-
6. FURTHER INFORMATION
Each ml of eye drop contains 0.1% w/v (1 mg/ml) of the active ingredient diclofenac sodium.
The other ingredients are boric acid, polyoxyl 35 castor oil, trometamol and water for injections.
Each single dose unit contains 0.3 ml of slightly yellowish and opaque solution with characteristic odour, sufficient for one eye.
The single dose units are contained in sealed blister packs (blocks of 5 single-dose). They come in packs of 40 units.
Manufactured by Excelvision, Rue de la Lombardiere, 07100 Annonay, France.
Procured from within the EU and repackaged by the Product Licence Holder Beachcourse Limited., 20 Alliance Court, London W3 0RB.
Revision date: 04.06.2018
Leaflet reference: DICS _____
PL 16378/0649 |POM|
How to use Diclofenac Sodium single dose units
- Wash your hands before applying your drops.
- Open blister pack and remove the strip of single dose units.
- Tear off one single dose unit from the strip (SEE FIGURE 1). Hold it by the small tab with the nozzle pointing downwards and tap the single dose unit gently until all the air bubbles are above the solution.
- Twist the tab off the single dose unit (SEE FIGURE 2).
- Make sure that the tip of the single dose unit does not touch anything.
- Hold the single dose unit in one hand between the thumb and forefinger.
- With your head tilted back (SEE FIGURE 3) use the forefinger of your other hand to pull down the lower lid of your eye.
- Place the single dose unit tip close to your eye, but without touching the eye or lid, and gently squeeze the single dose unit to allow one drop to be applied (SEE FIGURE 4).
- Close your eyelid and gently press the inner corner of your eye with your forefinger for three minutes (SEE FIGURE 5).
- Discard the single dose unit and remaining solution and wash your hands.