Geltears*
carbomer 980

About Geltears

The name of your medicine is Geltears. It is an containing 0.2% w/w carbomer 980 with benzalkonium chloride (0.01% w/w) as a preservative. The other ingredients are sorbitol, sodium hydroxide and purified water. Each tube contains either 5g or 10g of liquid gel for use as a substitute for natural tears. This product is one of a group of medicines called Artificial Tears.

Who makes Geltears?

Geltears is made in Germany by Dr Gerhard Mann, Chem.-Pharm. Fabrik GmbH, Brunsbütteler Damm 165 - 173, 13581 Berlin, Germany. The Product Licence (PL 0033/0149) and Product Authorisation (PA 118/45/1) are held by Chauvin Pharmaceuticals Ltd, 106 London Road, Kingston-Upon-Thames, KT2 6TN, England

What is Geltears for?

Geltears is used as a substitute for natural tears by patients who suffer from dry eyes because they do not produce enough of their own tears. It can also be used in patients who suffer from sore eyes because their tear film is unstable.

Before using Geltears

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed in the section "About Geltears" above, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding, you should ask you doctor or pharmacist for advice before using your medicine.

You should not wear contact lenses during treatment with this medicine.

Your vision may become temporarily blurred after you add Geltears to your eye(s). This should not last very long, but if you are affected, you should not drive or use machinery until your vision returns to normal.

Using Geltears

Geltears can be used by adults, children and the elderly. It is normal to put one drop into each affected eye 3 to 4 times daily. If you have been given different instructions (for example by your doctor) then make sure that you follow these carefully. The instructions below will help you to use your medicine:

First, wash your hands. Remove the tube cap and look upwards. Hold the tube above your eye with one hand and pull the lower eyelid gently downwards with the other. Squeeze the tube so that a drop of gel falls into the gap between the lower eyelid and the eye. Release the lower eyelid. You should take care not to touch the end of the dropper nozzle onto your eyes, fingers or any other surface. Remember to replace the cap after use.

If you forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you remember and then go on as before.

After using Geltears

Your vision may become blurred if too much gel is added at one time, or if you use your medicine more often than is required. This effect can last for up to an hour. If you are affected you may be able to speed up recovery of normal vision by blinking vigorously for a few seconds. If this does not work, try gently rubbing your lower eyelid. This should help the gel to collect in the sac beneath the eye where it will no longer interfere with your vision.

Some people can begin to experience eye irritation after using eye medicines for some time. If you develop pain or redness in or around the eyes, you should stop using your medicine and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Geltears is not expected to cause you any other difficulties, however, if you do experience any problems, especially in and around the eyes, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Storing Geltears

This medicine should be stored below 25°C. As with all medicines, it should be kept well out of the reach and sight of children. Discard any remaining gel 28days after first opening the tube. The expiry date (EXP) is embossed on the end of the tube and printed on the carton. Do not use your medicine after this date.

Remember this medicine should only be used by one person. Never give it to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms. This leaflet applies only to Geltears, but it does not contain all of the information known about it. If you have any further questions or are unsure about anything you should ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Date of Revision: September 2002

* Trade mark