OTC brimonidine ophthalmic solution now available to relieve eye redness

Pharmacies are now stocking nonprescription Lumify (brimonidine tartrate 0.025% ophthalmic solution) manufactured by Bausch Health. The alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist is indicated to relieve eye redness caused by minor eye irritations (e.g., environmental allergies, dryness, fatigue) in adults.1 Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution has been marketed in higher concentrations (0.15% or 0.2%) for a number of years in Canada (alone or in combination with other agents) for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure. It's also available in a 0.33% gel for the topical treatment of facial erythema of rosacea in adults. The recommended dosage of Lumify is one drop in the affected eye(s) every six to eight hours (maximum 4 doses/day). Patients should be advised to stop using the product if they experience eye pain or changes in vision, or if the condition worsens or persists for more than three days.1 The eye drops have demonstrated a reduction in ocular redness as early as one minute after instillation and persisting for up to eight hours. No tachyphylaxis (tolerance or loss of effectiveness) and minimal rebound congestion were noted in clinical studies.1 Read: eTick mobile app now available for free tick identification in Canadian provinces Recommend that patients remove contact lenses before Lumify use and to wait at least 15 minutes after instillation before reinserting the lenses. Patients should also be instructed to allow at least five minutes between Lumify instillation and the use of any other eye drop products.1 Lumify is the first OTC (Schedule III) eye drop with low-dose brimonidine for the relief of eye redness.2 Schedule III drugs are sold from the self-selection area of the pharmacy. A pharmacist must be available to assist patients with medication selection. Lumify is being introduced this month and is expected to be available at all major pharmacy retailers in Canada in 3.5 mL and 7.5 mL bottles.2 Any unused solution should be discarded 121 days after opening.1 References 1. Bausch Health, Canada Inc. Lumify (brimonidine tartrate 0.025% ophthalmic solution) product monograph. Laval, QC; June 15, 2021. https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00065943.PDF (accessed July 12, 2022). 2. Bausch + Lomb Corporation. Bausch + Lomb receives Health Canada approval of Lumify redness reliever eye drops. May 24, 2022. Reference (accessed July 12, 2022).

OTC brimonidine ophthalmic solution now available to relieve eye redness

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