Visiocare (Ciclosporin) 2mg/g

Visiocare general information

What is Visiocare used for?

Visiocare eye ointment 2mg/g is a topical ophthalmic medication for dogs, used to treat conditions that are thought to be immune mediated due to an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues.  Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), also called dry eye, is a lack of tear production, and the most common cause of this condition is damage to the tear producing lachrymal glands by the immune system.  The result is that the tear film, which is a fat and mucus based protective film does not fully cover the eye, causing the eye to dry out causing pain and inflammation.  Symptoms of KCS include itching, burning, irritation, and photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light).  Chronic superficial keratitis (CSK) is also an immune mediated eye condition in dogs that is most common in German Shepherds but can occur in all breeds of dog.  CKS is chronic inflammation of the cornea and sclera (white of the eye), which become pigmented and infiltrated with blood vessels and immune cells and can lead to blindness.  The pathogenesis of both KCS and CSK are thought to be influenced by ultraviolet radiation, particularly at high elevation, where UV is stronger.  Visiocare eye ointment 2mg/g reduce swelling, redness, discomfort and irritation of the eyes associated with inflammation.  It also increases tear production to improve symptoms of dry eyes.  

How does Visiocare work?

Visiocare eye ointment 2mg/g contains ciclosporin, an immunosuppressant that is used to treat immune-mediated eye conditions in dogs.  Cyclosporin in Visiocare eye ointment targets specific immune cells involved in the allergic and immune reaction. It works by blocking the action of T lymphocytes by inhibiting the production of certain inflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin-2 that is produced in response to antigen activation of T lymphocytes, which in the case of autoimmune diseases are autoantigens (antigens against self).  Cyclosporin in Visiocare eye ointment also blocks proliferation of these activated T-cells but has no effect on other cells of the immune system.  By blocking immune mediated cell damage, Cyclosporin in Visiocare eye ointment reduces pain and inflammation associated with these eye conditions and reduces damage to the lachrymal glands, which increases tear production.  Visiocare eye ointment uses microemulsification technology, which is a mixture of oil and water in combination with a surfactant, which allows the ointment to spread more readily over the surface of the eye to increase cyclosporin bioavailability. 

What does Visiocare contain?

Visiocare eye ointment 2mg/g contains the active ingredient cyclosporin, an immunosuppressant that is used to treat immune-mediated eye conditions in dogs.  It also contains emulsifier. 

Treating immune-mediated eye conditions with Visiocare

Visiocare eye ointment 2mg/g contains cyclosporin, an immunosuppressant that is used to treat immune-mediated eye conditions in dogs.  Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), also called dry eye, caused by a lack of tear production, due to damage to the tear producing lachrymal glands.  The result is that the tear film, which is a fat and mucus based protective film does not fully cover the eye, causing the eye to dry out. Symptoms of KCS include itching, burning, irritation, and photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light).  Chronic superficial keratitis (CSK) is chronic inflammation of the cornea and sclera (white of the eye), which become pigmented and infiltrated with blood vessels and immune cells and can lead to blindness.  Cyclosporin in Visiocare eye ointment targets specific immune cells involved in the allergic and immune reaction, and the production of certain inflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin-2 that is produced by antigen activated T lymphocytes.  Cyclosporin in Visiocare eye ointment also blocks proliferation of these activated T-cells but has no effect on other cells of the immune system.  Visiocare eye ointment 2mg/g reduce swelling, redness, discomfort and irritation of the eyes associated with inflammation.  It also increases tear production to improve symptoms of dry eyes. 

What are the side effects of Visiocare?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Visiocare eye ointment 2mg/g include redness and irritation at the site of application, causing your dog to blink and rub the eye. 

When should Visiocare not be used?

You should not use give Visiocare eye ointment 2mg/g to your dog if your dog:

• is allergic to cyclosporin or any ingredients in Visiocare
• is pregnant or lactating
• has a fungal or viral infection as Visiocare eye ointment may worsen or prolong the infection
• has corneal ulcers as Visiocare eye ointment may delay healing
• are taking medicines that interact with Visiocare like topical coticorsteroids, without discussion and instruction from your veterinarian

How should Visiocare be taken?

You should apply your Visiocare eye ointment 2mg/g to your dogs’ eye by tilting the head back and squeezing a small strip of ointment into the conjunctival sac.  You should apply Visiocare eye ointment to your dog’s eye twice daily every 12 hours, morning and evening and for long term as it will help improve symptoms but will not cure your dog’s condition.  

How long should you use Visiocare?

You should apply Visiocare eye ointment to your dog’s eye long term as it will help improve symptoms but will not cure your dog’s condition. 

Missed dose of Visiocare

If you miss a dose of Visiocare eye ointment 2mg/g apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Visiocare be stored?

You should store your Visiocare eye ointment 2mg/g below 25°C in a cool dry place.