Optimmune Product Information
Optimmune Questions
What conditions does Optimmune treat?
It is used in dogs to treat chronic, recurrent conjunctivitis resulting from an auto-immune disease of the eye. It is indicated to treat Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) and chronic superficial keratitis (pannus). It increases the flow of tears and reduces the number of inflammatory cells on the eye.
How does Optimmune work?
It contains cyclosporin which is an immunomodulator nonpolar cyclic oligopeptide with lacrimominetic and anti-inflammatory activities. It is a highly lipophilic drug and is absorbed into the cornea in high concentrations. It also penetrates the lacrimal gland following administration.
It exerts its immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of cytokines which up-regulate T-helper cell activity. This restores the function of lacrimal acinar epithelium under autoimmune attack and reduces infiltration of ocular tissues by inflammatory cells. In addition to its immunosuppressive activity, it exerts a direct lacrimomimetic effect by blocking the inhibition of tear production by prolactin.
Optimmune thus increases the flow of tears identical to natural tear secretions. As well as lubrication and wetting, epithelial growth factors and other components of tears are necessary for maintenance of corneal health. Studies have demonstrated that long term use of Optimmune does not increase susceptibility of the eye to microbial infection.
How should I administer Optimmune to my pet?
Wear gloves when applying it, avoid contact with your eyes and skin and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after use. Squeeze the tube from the bottom. Open your dog’s eyelids and place the prescribed amount across the eyeball.
What is the correct dosage of Optimmune for my animal's weight and species?
The correct dose for your animal is as prescribed by your vet. Your vet will follow the data sheet for the medication prescribed and for some medications will adjust this taking into consideration your animal's medical history.
How long should I continue with Optimmune for?
You should continue for the length of time your vet prescribed the medication for. Please read the label your vet has attached to the medication. If you suspect that your pet may be having an adverse reaction to a medication, please contact your vet for advice on continuing the medication.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Optimmune?
If you miss a dose of medication, please contact your vet for advice on when to give the next dose.
Where can I buy Optimmune?
You can purchase Optimmune cheaper than from your Vet Practice from www.vets4u.uk. To contact vets4u.uk, call us on +44 116 218 4244 between 09:30am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday, chat to us directly or email us at mail@vets4u.uk.
Does Optimmune need a prescription?
Yes, as it is classified as a POM-V.
How can I buy Optimmune from Vets4u?
You can buy Optimmune via our website via a valid prescription by adding to the basket on our website www.vets4u.uk.
Manufacturer’s Link to Optimmune
NOAH Compendium Datasheet Link to Optimmune
Are there any side-effects of Optimmune?
Slight eye irritation (e.g. eye redness, blepharospasm, conjunctivitis) has been reported in rare cases in the first days of treatment. If the irritation persists beyond 7 days, treatment should be discontinued.
Inflammation and swelling of the skin of the eye lids have been observed in very rare cases.
In very rare cases, pruritus, skin lesions and hair loss have been reported in the area around the eyes; this may be associated with overflow of excess ointment.
Systemic reactions such as increased salvation, lethargy, inappetence and vomiting have been observed in very rare cases for which no confirmed conclusions concerning the causal relationship are available.
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:
- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals displaying adverse reactions during the course of one treatment)
- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals)
- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals)
- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals)
- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals, including isolated report
Is Optimmune a steroid?
No, it contains Cyclosporin.
How long does a tube of Optimmune last?
It depends how many millimetres (mm) of ointment your vet has prescribed you to use for your dog.
Why is Optimmune so expensive?
The cost varies between suppliers.
Can Optimmune damage a cat’s eye?
Optimmune is licensed for use in dogs, it does not have a license for cats which means adverse reactions in cats are not known enough to have a license.
Does Optimmune have a use-by date?
It can be used for 28 days after first being opened.
Does Optimmune work for conjunctivitis?
If the conjunctivitis is due to an auto-immune disease or secondary to ‘dry eye’ it can help.
How often do I apply Optimmune for dogs?
Follow what your vet has prescribed.
Is Optimmune an antibiotic?
No.
Is Optimmune eye ointment a controlled drug?
No.
Answers Compiled by our RCVS Registered Veterinary Surgeon.