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What is Lacrisert
Hydroxypropyl celluloseThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryHydroxypropyl cellulose is a modified form of cellulose used in many products, including Lacrisert, an artificial tear formulation. It is used to treat dry eyes and other conditions related to insufficient tear production. As a food additive, hydroxypropyl cellulose serves as a thickener and stabilizer.
Lacrisertis the brand name
Lacrisert Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Lacrisert
Hydroxypropyl cellulose
1981
3
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Hydroxypropyl cellulose, otherwise called Lacrisert, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses like Dry Eye Syndrome and Dry Eye Syndromes .Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eye Syndromes
Corneal Erosions
Effectiveness
How Lacrisert Affects PatientsHydroxypropyl cellulose is a type of cellulose that is soluble in both water and organic substances. It helps to stabilize and thicken the tears that cover the surface of the eye, which can help with the irritation and dryness caused by dry eye syndrome. It can reduce symptoms like redness, stinging, itching, burning, sensitivity to light, dryness, and blurry vision. In some cases, it can even help to prevent or reverse vision damage caused by dry eye syndrome.
How Lacrisert works in the bodyHydroxypropyl cellulose is a type of cellulose that can dissolve in both water and certain types of liquids. It forms a barrier to keep water from evaporating and is used as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and coating for tablets.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Lacrisert is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Dry Eye Syndrome, Inflammation Corneal and Corneal Erosions. The amount of dosage fluctuates with the administration technique (e.g. Pellet or Insert - Ophthalmic) indicated in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Dry Eye Syndrome
, 5.0 mg
, Ophthalmic, Insert, Insert - Ophthalmic, Pellet, Pellet - Ophthalmic, Conjunctival, Insert - Conjunctival
Dry Eye Syndromes
, 5.0 mg
, Ophthalmic, Insert, Insert - Ophthalmic, Pellet, Pellet - Ophthalmic, Conjunctival, Insert - Conjunctival
Corneal Erosions
, 5.0 mg
, Ophthalmic, Insert, Insert - Ophthalmic, Pellet, Pellet - Ophthalmic, Conjunctival, Insert - Conjunctival
Warnings
Common Lacrisert Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Lacrisert Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe lethal dose of this drug for a rat when taken orally is 10200mg/kg.
Lacrisert Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Lacrisert?
14 active studies are currently investigating the effects of Lacrisert in the management of Dry Eye Syndromes, Inflammation of the Cornea and Corneal Erosions.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Corneal Erosions
0 Actively Recruiting
Dry Eye Syndromes
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 4
Dry Eye Syndrome
11 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Lacrisert Reviews: What are patients saying about Lacrisert?
5Patient Review
5/14/2013 Lacrisert is a really great medication for dry eyes. I no longer have to use drops all day long, and it's helped me a lot.
5Patient Review
11/16/2012 Lacriserts are the only things that work for me and my quality of life has improved drastically because of them.
5Patient Review
3/22/2016 I developed dry eye after cataract surgery and diagnosed with Sjorgen's syndrome. Was and I am on Restasis. We added the Lacrisert. This has helped me a lot - most of my symptoms have disappeared. Once you have mastered putting them in they are an essential part of my daily routine.
5Patient Review
1/24/2012 Lacrisert has been fantastic for me. I generally have about 8-10 hours of symptom relief, which is a huge improvement from before.
5Patient Review
8/26/2019 This is the only thing that has worked for my eyes, but it's very expensive. Medicare doesn't cover it well at all.
5Patient Review
4/24/2012 These lacriserts have really helped me a lot. I wasn't able to do simple things like read or use a computer because of the pain. Now, I only have to wear dark glasses some of the time.
5Patient Review
1/17/2016 Lacrisert has been an amazing help for my dry eyes. It's by far the best treatment I've tried and it allows me to work and read without any issues for 8 hours or more.
5Patient Review
3/17/2015 These are amazing! I have a condition called MGD/bleph which causes my tears to dry out and evaporate quickly. This product has really helped me by creating a barrier that prevents evaporation. I can now do things like go surfing in salty water without any problems. It's truly life-changing.
5Patient Review
10/14/2013 I am so pleased with this product! I had no idea that there was a solution to my dry eye problem that didn't involve drugs. These are really easy to use and have made a world of difference.
4.7Patient Review
7/22/2009 I've been using Lacriserts for my eyes since the late 80's, and they were really effective. Unfortunately, they stopped making them a few years ago. In the meantime, I've tried other products but nothing has worked as well. I'm excited to say that there is now a generic version available, and I will be using it again!
4.7Patient Review
5/7/2014 There was a bit of a learning curve to using this product, but it was worth it. This completely changed my life for the better by addressing my EXTREME dry eye problem (caused by sjogren's syndrome). Now I feel like a normal person again and couldn't be more grateful.
4.7Patient Review
12/9/2009 I've been using Lacrisert for a month now and am generally pleased. The only downside is that my nose runs constantly, which is a bit annoying. Has anyone else experienced this?
4.3Patient Review
2/4/2020 I'm so glad I found this treatment! They're one of the only things that has worked and they've really improved my eye health. The only downside is that they can be expensive and difficult to obtain, but it's worth it for me.
4Patient Review
6/11/2017 Lacrisert has been a godsend. I no longer have any pain and can finally use my eyes normally again. If you're struggling to get the hang of using them, don't give up! They definitely take some getting used to, but once you do they work like a charm.
2.3Patient Review
7/12/2013 I can't quite make up my mind about Lacrisert. It definitely provides relief when I first wake up, but then the liquid builds up and I have blurred vision and red eyes by the end of the day. On the plus side, it does seem to make my eyes more sensitive to light.
2.3Patient Review
1/28/2016 The product is effective in the eye, but it is very difficult and frustrating to position. I finally gave up, so it was a waste of money!
1.7Patient Review
1/23/2016 I have been using this medication for about a month now, and I just can't seem to keep them in my eye. I tried using them at night; however, they come out and the tears are so sticky that I can't see until I use an eye rinse to clean them out.
Patient Q&A Section about lacrisert
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Do you need a prescription for lacrisert?
"The Lacrisert drug is used to treat dry eye conditions by reducing burning and itching. It does this by maintaining moisture in the eye. The drug is available as both a prescription and over-the-counter medication."
Answered by AI
Is lacrisert still available?
"Per Bausch Health has stated that the drug shortage of Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) ophthalmic insert is due to manufacturing interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and that the earliest the drug may be available again is September 2020."
Answered by AI
What is lacrisert?
"Lacrisert is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Dry eye Syndrome. It may be used alone or with other medications. It belongs to a class of drugs called Ophthalmic Lubricants. Its safety and effectiveness in children is not known."
Answered by AI
How long does it take for lacrisert to work?
"The LACRISERT® insert will take about an hour to soften and then dissolve within 14 to 18 hours."
Answered by AI