You may have felt a dry feeling in your eyes, like a grain of sand stuck inside, or just a red, burning sensation. We call this 'Dry Eye Disease'. This condition can occur in people who spend a lot of time looking at the computer, in people with certain diseases, as they age, and for many other reasons. So today we are going to talk about a new nasal spray that doctors have introduced as a treatment for this. The special thing about this is that it is not a medicine that is applied to the eyes, but a nasal spray.
BMI Calculator
Know your body mass index (BMI) and weight classification
What is this Varenicline nasal spray?
Simply put, this is a medicine that treats a condition called Dry Eye Disease. It can be found in the market under the name (Tyrvaya). The surprising thing about this is that it is not a medicine that is applied to the eyes, but a nasal spray. Imagine how dry eyes can be cured by spraying a medicine into the nose.
Here's how it works: There's a nerve inside our nose that's directly connected to the glands that produce tears in our eyes. When you spray this medicine called Varenicline into the nose, it stimulates that nerve. That stimulation causes our body to produce more tears naturally. This way, instead of using artificial tears, the medicine works by moistening your eyes with the natural tears your body produces, reducing dryness.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
When you talk to your doctor about this medication, it's important to mention the following things, as they are very important for your safety.
- If you have an allergy to this medicine called Varenicline or any other medicine, food, or preservatives, please tell us first.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby soon, please let us know.
- It is also essential to tell the doctor if you are a breastfeeding mother .
Hiding this information from your doctor will only harm you. So don't be afraid to talk openly about everything.
Clinical vitamins and nutritional supplements
Clinically proven high quality vitamins, minerals and immune nutritional supplements.
Check Availability →How exactly do you use this?
Since this is a nasal medication, it is very important to know how to use it correctly.
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Use the medicine exactly as prescribed, for the prescribed amount and at the right time. If it is twice a day, try to keep it at the same time every day. Do not use more than the prescribed amount.
- Read the instruction sheet:This medicine usually comes with an INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE leaflet. Read it carefully and understand it. It should clearly explain how to prime the spray bottle before using it for the first time, the angle at which to spray into the nose, etc. If you have any doubts, ask your doctor again to be sure.
- If giving this medicine to young children: If giving this medicine to young children, be sure to talk to your doctor about it, as special care must be taken.
What if you use too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not take this lightly.
What do you do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, don't worry. Don't miss the missed dose. Skip it altogether and take your regular dose at the next scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them can be serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of this.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face. If this happens, seek medical advice immediately. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Sneezing | It is normal to experience a few sneezes immediately after spraying the medicine. Many people can see this. |
| Cough | Some people may experience a slight cough while using the medicine. |
| Nose and throat discomfort | You may experience a slight burning sensation inside the nose, discomfort, or a sore throat. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
How should I store the medicine? How should I remove it?
- Storage: Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Never store in the freezer.
- Disposal: This is very important. Any medicine left over after 30 days of opening the bottle, or after the expiration date, should be disposed of. The best way to do this is to hand it over to a medicine take-back program, available at some pharmacies or hospitals. If you can't find a way to do this, ask your doctor about how to safely dispose of it.
Finally, this article is only intended to give you a general understanding of this medication. The best person to talk to about any questions or concerns you may have is your doctor.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Varenicline is a special nasal spray that treats dry eyes.
- Before using this, you should tell your doctor about all your allergies and pregnancy status.
- When using the medicine, read the instructions that come with it carefully. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as facial swelling and skin rashes, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you miss a dose, skip it and take it at the next scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
- Safely dispose of any remaining medication within 30 days of opening the bottle or after it has expired.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your question or experience below.