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Overview: Oxervate is an eye drop used to treat an eye condition in which nerve damage in the eye causes dryness, redness, and possible vision problems. The most common side effects include eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light, and increased tears. Oxervate may cause blurry vision as a temporary side effect. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until you know how Oxervate affects you.

Uses

What is Oxervate used for?

Oxervate (cenegermin-bkbj) is commonly used to treat neurotrophic keratitis, ​​a condition where nerve damage affects the eye surface. These nerves help the eye blink, close, and produce tears. When damaged, the eye surface becomes less sensitive, and the eyes may not close the way they should. Neurotrophic keratitis may lead to symptoms such as eye dryness, redness, sores on the eye, and vision problems.

Oxervate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Oxervate work (mechanism of action)?

Oxervate works by providing a man-made form of nerve growth factor, a natural protein that helps support the nerves in the eye. This medicine can help heal the eye surface.

How is Oxervate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Oxervate

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.002% (20 mcg/mL) ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store Oxervate?

Oxervate is an eye drop that comes in vials, packaged in weekly cartons. When you receive Oxervate, take the weekly cartons out of the insulated pack as soon as possible (within five hours) and put them in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Unopened vials can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. Unused vials should be thrown away after 14 days.

Each morning, remove one vial of Oxervate from the refrigerator to use that day. If you use Oxervate in both eyes, take out two vials. Only take out the number of vials you will need for one day. An opened vial of Oxervate can be stored in its carton in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C), or at room temperature, at or below 77 F (25 C), for up to 12 hours. After 12 hours, throw away any unused solution.

Oxervate is kept in a freezer at the pharmacy. You will not store it in the freezer at home. If you need to start the medicine right away, place a vial at room temperature to allow it to thaw. You may need to wait up to 30 minutes for a vial to thaw. Do not shake the vials. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store your Oxervate eye drops.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Oxervate?

The most common side effects of Oxervate are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Eye pain (see below)
  • Feeling like something is in your eye
  • Eye redness
  • Inflamed eye
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Increased tears
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of Oxervate that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Oxervate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Oxervate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Oxervate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Oxervate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Eye Pain. It is common to have mild to moderate pain in your eye while using Oxervate. You may have brief pain right after you put the drop in your eye. Some people also have eye discomfort until their eye is healed. Call your health care provider right away if you have an eye infection or any of the following symptoms while using Oxervate.

  • Eye pain that becomes severe or does not go away
  • Swollen eye or eyelid
  • Eye itching, discharge, or crusting
  • Fever 
  • Worsening vision

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Oxervate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Oxervate.

  • Cenegermin
  • Oxervate
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Oxervate.

What should I know about Oxervate before using it?

Do not use Oxervate unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. When you receive Oxervate, you will also receive a special kit. Only use Oxervate with the vial adapters, sterile disinfectant wipes, and pipettes (single-use applicators) that come in the kit. To prepare and use Oxervate, follow the detailed instructions for use that come with your medicine. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Do not share Oxervate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Oxervate out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Oxervate may need to be used multiple times per day for several weeks. Follow the instructions given to you by your health care provider. To help you remember each dose, consider setting an alarm and tracking your doses on the card that comes in your kit.

Use Oxervate at least 15 minutes apart from other eye drops. Use Oxervate at least 15 minutes before any eye ointment, gel, or thicker (viscous) eye drops. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure about when to use your eye medicines.

Eye infections may occur if your eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the applicator touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of an eye infection or other eye problems.

Oxervate may cause blurry vision as a temporary side effect. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until you know how Oxervate affects you.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Oxervate. If your health care provider says it is okay for you to wear contacts, wait at least 15 minutes after using Oxervate eye drops before putting your lenses back in.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Oxervate?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Oxervate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Oxervate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Oxervate, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Eye infection
  • Wear contact lenses 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Oxervate could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Oxervate passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Oxervate while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Oxervate?

For more information about Oxervate, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.oxervate.com or call them at 833-366-7387.

Interactions

Does Oxervate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Oxervate and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Oxervate.

Does Oxervate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Oxervate may interact with other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any other eye medicines.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Oxervate?

If you or someone else has used too much Oxervate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Oxervate?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use extra doses. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure what to do after a missed dose.