Bepreve

The active ingredient in Bepreve is bepotastine besilate. The mechanism of action for Bepreve is that it is both an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer. It prevents your body from reacting to chemicals that may irritate your eyes.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Bepreve. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Bepreve:

• Do not use Bepreve eye drops when wearing soft contact lenses, because the preservative in it (benzalkonium chloride) may be absorbed by the contact lenses and permanently discolor them. If you wear soft contacts, take them out and wait at least 10 minutes after using Bepreve before you put them back in.
• Before the instillation of the eye medicine, wash your hands.
• To administer the eye drops, tilt your head back slightly and draw down your lower eyelid to form a little pocket. Hold the dropper above your eye and squeeze a drop into the pocket. Then press one finger to the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1 minute.
• Use only the number of drops that your doctor has prescribed.
• Avoid touching the eye dropper tip or placing it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, resulting in severe visual difficulties.

The most common side effects of Bepreve seen in clinical trials include:

• Headaches.
• Eye irritation.
• Common flu-like symptoms (nasopharyngitis).
• Mild taste in your mouth.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Bepreve. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reactions to the medication such as eye pain, hives, skin rash, or swelling.

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Bepreve. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, drug information sheets, or prescribing information for Bepreve that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Bepreve, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• This drug should not be used while wearing soft contact lenses. Bepreve contains a preservative that can discolor them. Wait at least 10 minutes after using bepotastine before inserting your contact lenses.
• If you have significant eye discomfort while taking these eye drops, discontinue use and contact your doctor right away.
• Bepreve is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years of age.

If you have any of the below conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare practitioner because Bepotastine (Bepreve) is not safe for you to consume.

• A hypersensitivity reaction to bepotastine besilate or any of the inactive ingredients in the product.

This drug will begin to treat ocular itching symptoms within 10 to 15 minutes of administration.

When Bepreve is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions.

• There are no specific drugs that interact with Bepreve, however, it is best to let your doctor know what medication you are on.

Bepreve is available in the following dosage form:

Bepotastine besilate 1.5% ophthalmic solution

The typical dose is one drop in the affected eye(s), twice a day.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but omit it if it's almost time for the following dose. Do not use two dosages at the same time.

Store Bepreve at room temperature and out of reach of children.

by ISTA Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Bausch + Lomb Incorporated, is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Bepreve.

There are a few lower-cost generic versions available.

There is no specific way to stop taking this medication. If you need to stop, it is best to speak to your healthcare provider first.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.