ALREX is an eye preparation that contains a corticosteroid. It is used as short-term treatment of the symptoms of seasonal allergic inflammation of the eye in adults.
WHAT ALREX IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TAKE/USE ALREX
Do not use ALREX:
- if you have infection of the eye. It may mask infection or worsen the existing infection
- if you are allergic to loteprednol, other corticosteroids (e.g. cortisone) or any of the other the ingredients of ALREX
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- if you have glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye)
- in children under the age of 18 years
Take special care with ALREX:
- If signs and symptoms fail to improve after two days, consult your doctor.
- If ALREX is used for 10 days or longer, pressure inside your eye should be monitored by your doctor.
- This bottle of ALREX is sterile when packaged. Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, as this may introduce germs into your medicine.
- ALREX should be discarded 28 days after opening.
- Safety and effectiveness in small children have not been proven.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: ALREX should not be used during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding your baby. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional for advice before taking this medicine.
Driving and using machinery: You may experience abnormal or blurred vision for a while after instilling ALREX into your eyes. Wait until your vision is clear before driving or operating machinery.
Important information about some of the ingredients of ALREX:
- ALREX contains benzalkonium chloride, do not wear soft contact lenses when using it.
- Benzalkonium chloride can cause damage to your eyes if you use it for too long or too often. Your doctor should examine your eyes regularly.
HOW TO USE ALREX
Do not share medicines prescribed for you with any other person. Always use ALREX exactly as your doctor has instructed you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure. The usual dose is one or two drops into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) four times daily. During initial treatment within the first week, the dosing may be increased up to one drop every hour, if necessary. Do not use ALREX for longer than six weeks. If you are using other eye medicines together with ALREX, you should wait at least 10 minutes in between instilling the products. Do not swallow. Shake well before use.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
ALREX can have side effects. If the following happens, stop using ALREX immediately and tell your doctor:
- Increased pressure within the eye
- Allergic reaction
- Skin rash or hives
- Swelling of the face
- Chest pain
- Changes in the way your heart beats
These can be serious side effects and you may need medical attention. The following are frequent side effects. If any of these become bothersome, stop using ALREX and tell your doctor:
- Abnormal or blurred vision
- Redness in the eye
- Burning or stinging when putting drops in the eye or at any time during treatment
- Swelling of the eyes
- Discharge from the eyes
- Dry eyes or excessive tearing
- Sensation of having an object in your eye
- Eye discomfort or itchy eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Headache
The following side effects occur less frequent. You should tell your doctor if any of the following become bothersome:
- Swelling and redness of the eyelid
- Painful eyes
- Sticky eyes
- Eye irritation
- Feeling tired or weak
- Fever and chills
The following side effects have also been reported in patients using ALREX. Tell your doctor if you are concerned about any of the following:
- Skin rash or skin discolouration
- Sweating
- Muscle spasms
- Dizziness
- Tingling feeling (pins and needles)
- Trembling, shaking or twitching
- Anxiety
- Inability to sleep
- Depression
- Discharge from the ear or ear pain
- Heartburn
- Increased blood pressure
- Change of voice
- Asthma
- Abnormalities of your hair
- Loss of appetite
Not all side effects reported for this medicine are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while taking this medicine, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional for advice. If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE ALREX
Store upright. Store at or below 25 °C. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Do not use for more than 28 days after first opening. Keep bottle tightly closed when not in use. Store in an upright position. Do not use after the expiry date stated on the bottle and the carton. Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.