{"product_id":"optimmune-ophthalmic-ointment-3-5-gm","title":"Optimmune Ophthalmic Ointment (Cyclosporine 0.2%) - 3.5 gm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eFDA-Approved Cyclosporine Eye Ointment for Dry Eye in Dogs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptimmune Ophthalmic Ointment (0.2% Cyclosporine) is the only FDA-approved veterinary cyclosporine eye product for dogs. This sterile, preservative-free ointment manages two chronic immune-mediated eye conditions, dry eye (KCS) and chronic superficial keratitis (CSK), by calming local inflammation and supporting the eye's own tear production. Most dogs do best when treatment is kept up consistently for life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBenefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOnly FDA-Approved Product:\u003c\/strong\u003e The sole FDA-approved veterinary cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment made specifically for use in dogs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTreats Dry Eye (KCS):\u003c\/strong\u003e Reduces immune-mediated damage to the tear glands and helps the eye produce its own natural tears again.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManages Pannus (CSK):\u003c\/strong\u003e Suppresses T-cell activity to calm the immune-driven corneal inflammation that defines chronic superficial keratitis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClinically Proven Results:\u003c\/strong\u003e Controlled trials showed Optimmune raised tear production by an average of 8 to 9 mm over a 12-week period.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo Systemic Toxicity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Applying the drug directly to the eye keeps it localized, avoiding the organ toxicity that comes with systemic cyclosporine use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePreservative-Free Formula:\u003c\/strong\u003e The sterile, preservative-free base lowers the risk of chemical irritation and reduces the chance of secondary eye infections.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong Shelf Life:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remains effective for up to 24 months and does not need to be kept in a refrigerator.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIngredients\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eComposition Table\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 48.0874%; height: 27px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6023px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 45.3613%; height: 19.6023px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIngredient\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 54.3615%; height: 19.6023px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuantity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.6023px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 45.3613%; height: 19.6023px;\"\u003eCyclosporine, USP\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 54.3615%; height: 19.6023px;\"\u003e2 mg per gram (0.2%)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOther Ingredients\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePetrolatum USP, Corn Oil NF, Petrolatum and Lanolin Alcohol\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDirections for Use\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrescription Required:\u003c\/strong\u003e US Federal law limits this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian only.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFor Dogs Only:\u003c\/strong\u003e Optimmune is made for topical ophthalmic use in dogs only and must never be used in other species.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClean Eyes First:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gently clear any discharge or debris from around the eye with a suitable non-irritating solution before each application.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApply Twice Daily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Squeeze a quarter-inch strip of ointment into the affected eye every 12 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement Options:\u003c\/strong\u003e The ointment can go directly onto the cornea or be placed into the conjunctival sac, whichever your veterinarian recommends.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid Tube Contact:\u003c\/strong\u003e The tip of the tube must never touch the eye, your hands, or any surface to keep it free from contamination.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpace Multiple Medications:\u003c\/strong\u003e If your dog uses other eye products, wait 5 to 10 minutes between each one so they can absorb properly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStart Treatment Early:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beginning Optimmune early in the course of KCS gives the best results, before corneal scarring or permanent tear gland damage sets in.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMissed Dose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Give the missed dose as soon as you remember; if the next dose is almost due, skip the missed one and carry on with the regular schedule.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisclaimer:\u003c\/strong\u003e This dosage information is provided by the manufacturer. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any supplement for your pet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdditional Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePrecautions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo Not Stop Abruptly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stopping Optimmune causes rapid worsening of signs in nearly all KCS cases; always speak to your vet before making any changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePuppies and Breeding Dogs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Safety has not been studied in puppies, pregnant females, or dogs kept for breeding purposes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExisting Eye Infections:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use in dogs with pre-existing viral or fungal eye infections has not been evaluated for safety.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCertain KCS Causes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Effectiveness is unknown in KCS caused by congenital alacrima, sulfonamide use, canine distemper, or facial nerve paralysis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid Unapproved Eye Medications:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not apply other eye treatments at the same time unless your veterinarian has specifically approved them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSwitching Therapies:\u003c\/strong\u003e Noticeable improvement may take a little time when transitioning to Optimmune from a different eye treatment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePersistent Irritation:\u003c\/strong\u003e If eye irritation carries on beyond 7 days, a sensitivity to one of the formula components should be considered and investigated by your vet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePossible Side Effects\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemporary Eye Discomfort:\u003c\/strong\u003e Some dogs experience mild burning, redness, tearing, stinging, or itching shortly after each application.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTransient Blurred Vision:\u003c\/strong\u003e The ointment base may cause a brief blurring of your dog's vision right after each application, which clears quickly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEyelid Inflammation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blepharitis and blepharospasm were seen in clinical studies, most commonly during the early stages of treatment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePawing at Eyes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Some dogs show discomfort or paw at their eyes early in treatment; this typically settles down as treatment continues.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccidental Ingestion Risk:\u003c\/strong\u003e If your dog chews or swallows the tube, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic straight away for guidance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eStorage Information\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore at Room Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Room temperature storage works fine; just make sure the tube does not go below 2°C (36°F) or above 25°C (77°F).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck Expiration Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shelf life is up to 24 months; never use the ointment after the expiry date printed on the tube.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep Away from Children:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store this prescription ointment somewhere children and other animals simply cannot access.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Return\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/shipping-policy\" title=\"Shipping policy | hardypaw\" aria-label=\"Shipping policy | hardypaw\"\u003eshipping policy\u003c\/a\u003e for details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed \u003ca href=\"\/policies\/refund-policy\" title=\"Refund policy\" aria-label=\"Refund policy\"\u003erefund policy\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ1: What does Optimmune eye ointment treat in dogs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Optimmune manages two chronic immune-mediated eye conditions in dogs. The first is keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye, where the eye stops producing enough tears. The second is chronic superficial keratitis, where the cornea becomes progressively inflamed. It works by calming eye inflammation and supporting tear production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ2: How does cyclosporine in Optimmune work for dogs with dry eye?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cyclosporine blocks T-cell activity, reducing the immune system's attack on the tear glands. This lowers inflammation in the eye and encourages the tear glands to produce more tears. Some dogs show improvement through inflammation control alone, even before tear production measurably increases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ3: Will my dog need Optimmune for life?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Most dogs with KCS or CSK need Optimmune long-term. Clinical studies showed that stopping treatment causes signs to return quickly in nearly all chronic KCS cases. Your vet will check in periodically to assess whether continued therapy remains the right approach for your dog.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ4: How quickly does Optimmune start working in dogs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e Around 6 mm of the average 8 to 9 mm improvement in tear production occurred within the first week in clinical trials. Results may take longer to show when switching from artificial tears. Starting early in the disease course consistently gives the best long-term outcomes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQ5: Can Optimmune be used in puppies or pregnant dogs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAns:\u003c\/strong\u003e No. Safety in puppies, pregnant females, or dogs used for breeding has not been established. It has also not been studied in dogs with existing viral or fungal eye infections. Always check with your veterinarian before starting any new eye medication in these animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClinical Research\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.acvo.org\/common-conditions-1\/2018\/2\/2\/keratoconjunctivitis-sicca\"\u003eAmerican College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists – KCS in Dogs\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.petmd.com\/pet-medication\/cyclosporine-ophthalmic\"\u003ePetMD – Cyclosporine Ophthalmic for Dogs\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vcahospitals.com\/know-your-pet\/keratoconjunctivitis-sicca-dry-eye-in-dogs\" title=\"Vca hospitals – dry eye in dogs\" aria-label=\"Visit a webpage about Vca hospitals – dry eye in dogs\"\u003eVCA Hospitals – Dry Eye in Dogs\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.drugs.com\/vet\/optimmune.html\" title=\"Drugs.com – veterinary cyclosporine eye ointment\" aria-label=\"Visit a webpage about Drugs.com – veterinary cyclosporine eye ointment\"\u003eDrugs.com – Veterinary Cyclosporine Eye Ointment\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Merck Animal Health","offers":[{"title":"1 tube","offer_id":44429737754785,"sku":"058804","price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 tubes","offer_id":44429737787553,"sku":"058804-2","price":139.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 tubes","offer_id":44429737820321,"sku":"058804-3","price":209.97,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0593\/2446\/5313\/files\/optimmune-ophthalmic-ointment-cyclosporine-0-2-3-5-gm-dog-eye-care-474.jpg?v=1778103246","url":"https:\/\/hordypaw.shop\/products\/optimmune-ophthalmic-ointment-3-5-gm","provider":"HardyPaw","version":"1.0","type":"link"}