OPTIVAR (AZELASTINE HCL)

Optivar Description

Whether you have seasonal or year-round allergic conjunctivitis, you don’t have to spend your time rubbing or wiping your itchy, watery eyes that look like you haven’t slept in a month. Women may have an especially hard time as this condition will interfere with the ability to wear make-up.

Ask your doctor about a prescription for Optivar eye drops to treat your ‘pink eye’ and find relief from your allergy symptoms. Although allergic conjunctivitis is referred to as pink eye, it is not the contagious pink eye so you can tell your family, friends, and co-workers they have no fear of becoming infected with it.

Decrease the Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis with Optivar Drops

Optivar contains Azelastine HCl, a potent second generation histamine antagonist. First generation antihistamines are known to cause a sedating effect that can make it difficult to go about your day after using it. Once instilled into your eyes as directed, the histamine antagonist blocks the receptors so histamine cannot be signaled and trigger an inflammatory response to foreign pathogens. Optivar also stabilizes mast cells so they will not increase the production of histamine. This will help decrease inflammation and swelling so that your allergy symptoms are reduced and you can find relief.

Conditions Treated by Optivar

Allergic conjunctivitis is known better as pink eye because that is usually the most outstanding feature of this condition. The conjunctiva is the mucus membrane that covers the front of your eyeball and the inside of your eyelid. When your immune response causes inflammation, the tiny blood vessels of the conjunctiva dilate and blood flow increases which is how your eyes become red or pink looking, although there is usually no pain. Your eyes may feel itchy or irritated, become watery, and your eyelids could become swollen.

Before Optivar is Prescribed for You

Ask your doctor using Optivar while you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding poses any risks to your unborn or nursing baby. Explain other medical conditions or allergies you have to your doctor and list any OTC or Rx medications you take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements to determine if Optivar is safe for you to use.

Proper Use of Optivar

If you are a contact lens wearer, remove them before instilling Optivar and wait at least 10 minutes before putting them back in. Your vision will be temporarily impaired after using Optivar so do not drive, operate machinery, or attempt any task until you can see clearly again. Keep Optivar out of children’s reach and never share any meds with others. Do not touch the applicator bottle to your eye or you could contaminate the contents.

Possible Side Effects of Optivar

• Stinging after drops instilled
• Bitter taste
• Headache