How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
This medication belongs to the class of medications called proteolytic enzymes. It is used to treat an eye condition called symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion or VMA. VMA is caused by the jelly-like material (vitreous gel) in the eye sticking to the inner surface at the back of the eye (the macula). This causes reduced vision. If the condition is not treated, it may result in a hole in the macula, causing permanent vision damage. Ocriplamsin works by separating the vitreous gel from the macula.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Ocriplasmin is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada and is no longer available under any brand names. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose is 0.125 mg (0.1 mL of the diluted solution) injected into the vitreous gel of the eye, by a qualified health care professional. It is always given under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation and injection.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important this medication be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive ocriplasmin, contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.
If you are to provide this medication for your doctor or ophthalmologist, keep the medication frozen, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take ocriplasmin if you:
- are allergic to ocriplasmin or any ingredients of the medication
- have, or may have, an eye infection
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- eye redness
- eye pain
- increased sensitivity to light
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- bleeding
- double vision
- halos around light
- nausea
- severe blurring or decrease in vision
- signs of eye infection, tear in the retina or increased eye pressure (e.g., worsening eye pain, redness, increased sensitivity to light, increased dark spots (floaters) floating in the field of vision)
- vision changes
- vomiting
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Eye problems: Ocriplasmin can cause eye problems such as infection of the inside part of the eye, pain or redness, detachment or tear of the retina, or increased pressure inside the eyes. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience eye pain, increased eye discomfort, worsening eye redness, blurred or reduced vision, increased sensitivity of the eyes to light, or an increase in the number of small particles in your vision.
Vision problems: This medication can cause temporary vision problems that may affect your ability to drive or operate machines. If you experience vision problems, do not drive or operate machines until your vision returns to normal.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if ocriplasmin passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Tell your doctor if you have had an injection of any medicine into the eye recently. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Jetrea
