Freegen

Each mL of ophthalmic drops contains carboxymethylcellulose sodium 5 mg.

It also contains the following excipients: Calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium lactate and purified water.

Carboxymethylcellulose has gentle and protective properties which provide long-lasting relief from dry, scratchy feeling of dry eye irritation.

Freegen contains electrolytes found in natural tears. Therefore, Freegen do not only provide comforting relief from dry eye irritation, it also supplements the natural electrolyte balance of the tears.

Freegen® dressings are indicated for the local treatment of chronic wounds with healthy surrounding skin (leg ulcers and pressure ulcers) at the

granulation stage.

Freegen® Sacrumand Border are indicated for pressure sores.

Benzocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Benzocaine topical is used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by minor skin irritations, sore throat, sunburn, teething pain, vaginal or rectal irritation, ingrown toenails, hemorrhoids, and many other sources of minor pain on a surface of the body. Benzocaine is also used to numb the skin or surfaces inside the mouth, nose, throat, vagina, or rectum to lessen the pain of inserting a medical instrument such as a tube or speculum.

There are many brands and forms of benzocaine topical available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Benzocaine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Instill 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed. If irritation persists or increases, discontinue use and consult a physician.

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Freegen?

Freegen® dressings are contraindicated in case of infection.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Ocular lubricant may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed. If you use more than one drop, wait about 5 minutes between drops.

• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

To apply the ointment:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the ointment tube with the tip pointing toward this pocket. Look up and away from the tip.

• Squeeze out a ribbon of ointment into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the tube to your eye. Blink your eye gently and then keep it closed for 1 or 2 minutes.

• Use a tissue to wipe excess ointment from your eyelashes.

• After opening your eyes, you may have blurred vision for a short time. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or ointment tube. Do not place the tip directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper or tube tip can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using ocular lubricant.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.

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What other drugs will affect Freegen?

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious, possibly fatal interactions may occur:

* None known

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use.

This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Freegen, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Freegen?

Applies to benzocaine topical: cream, film, gel/jelly, gum, liquid, lotion, lozenge/troche, ointment, paste, powder for suspension, solution, spray, swab, tablet disintegrating

Other dosage forms:

• topical application cream, topical application gel/jelly, topical application liquid, topical application ointment, topical application spray, topical application wax

As well as its needed effects, benzocaine topical (the active ingredient contained in Freegen) may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

If any of the following side effects occur while taking benzocaine topical, check with your doctor immediately:

Incidence not known:

• Headache
• high fever
• nausea
• vomiting
• worsening of pain, redness, swelling, or irritation in or around the mouth