Alrex Side Effects and Warnings
zhion@zhion.com November 10, 2005
What is Alrex used for?  Alrex is used for the temporary relief of the
itching and redness of the eye caused by seasonal allergies. Alrex
should not be used to treat contact lens-related problems.

Who should not use Alrex? You should not use Alrex if you have any
of the following conditions:
Eye infections caused by viruses, including herpes and chicken pox.
Eye infections caused by mycobacterium or fungi.
An allergic reaction to Alrex.
Special Warnings for Alrex:

Long-term use of Alrex or other eye drops that contain steroids may
result in glaucoma, and cataracts. If you already have glaucoma, tell
your doctor.

Long-term use of Alrex or other eye drops that contain steroids may
lower your ability to fight infections and may increase your chance of
getting an eye infection.

Using steroid eye drops may make viral diseases of the eye, such as
herpes simplex, worse and last longer.

Using steroid eye drops after cataract surgery may delay healing
time.

General Precautions with Alrex:

You should contact your doctor if pain develops, or if redness or
itching gets worse.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better within two days.
He/she may want to re-evaluate your condition.

You should not use Alrex longer than 10 days without having the
pressure in your eye checked by your doctor.

What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?
Tell your doctor or health care provider if you: wear contact lenses
because you should not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.
wear contact lenses and your eyes are not red. You should wait at
least 10 minutes after using Alrex before putting in your contact
lenses because Alrex contains a preservative that may be absorbed
by the lens.

What are some possible side effects of Alrex? (This is NOT a
complete list of side effects reported with Alrex. Your doctor can
discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)

Increased pressure within the eye (see special warnings)
Blurring of vision
Burning when putting drops in the eye
Swelling or discharge around the eyelids
Dry eyes
Tearing
Sensation of having an object in your eye
Itching
Redness
Increased sensitivity to light
Headache
Runny nose
Sore throat

Contraindications [1]

As with other ophthalmic corticosteroids, Alrex is contraindicated in
most viral diseases of the corneas and conjunctiva and in
mycobacterial and fungal diseases of the eye. Prolonged use of
corticosteroids may result in secondary glaucoma, cataract
formation, and secondary ocular infections following suppression of
the host response and/or perforation of the globe. The most
common adverse events in patients treated with Alrex were
abnormal vision/blurring, burning, chemosis, discharge, and dry eyes.

For more detailed information about Alrex, ask your doctor.
[1] http://www.bausch.com 2008
Alrex® (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.2%)

Baush&Lomb: The first corticosteroid specifically designed for seasonal
allergic conjunctivitis, Alrex® offers powerful relief against the whole symptom
complex, i.e., itching, redness, burning, and photophobia.