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Overview: Verkazia is an eye drop used to treat a rare allergic eye condition called vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Verkazia may work by reducing inflammation in the eyes. Common side effects include temporary eye discomfort, such as pain and itching after using the drops. Be careful not to let the tip of the eye drop container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface to prevent contamination.

Uses

What is Verkazia used for?

Verkazia is commonly used to treat a rare, severe, and long-term allergic eye condition called vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Symptoms of VKC may include eye itching, watering, discharge, and sensitivity to light.

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

How does Verkazia work (mechanism of action)?

Verkazia blocks the release of substances released by the immune system that cause allergic inflammation of the eye.

How is Verkazia supplied (dosage forms)?

Verkazia is available as a 0.1% single-dose eye drop.

How should I store Verkazia?

Verkazia should be stored at room temperature, usually between 68 F and 77 F (25 C and 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place that is protected from light. Do not freeze or refrigerate. Keep in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Verkazia?

The most common side effects of Verkazia are listed below. These side effects may vary based on the product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Burning of the eye

There may be other side effects of Verkazia 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 Verkazia?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Verkazia may cause allergic reactions which can be serious. Stop using Verkazia 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

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Verkazia?

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

  • Cyclosporine
  • Verkazia
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Verkazia before using it?

Do not use Verkazia unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

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

Keep Verkazia out of the reach of children.

Verkazia is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly use eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Use Verkazia at least 10-15 minutes apart from artificial tears or other eye medicines. Use Verkazia at least 10 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 eye drop container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of an eye infection, such as eye redness, itching, discharge, swollen eyelids, or fever.

Remove contact lenses before using Verkazia. If your health care provider says it is okay to wear contacts, wait at least 15 minutes after using Verkazia before putting your lenses back in.

Verkazia comes in single-use containers. These are preservative-free, which means they can go bad quickly after the container is opened. Use the medicine as soon as you open it, in one or both eyes as prescribed, then throw away the container. Do not save any leftover medicine.

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

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 determine if Verkazia is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Verkazia 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 Verkazia 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 Verkazia while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does Verkazia interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Verkazia.

Does Verkazia interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Verkazia and 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.

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 Verkazia?

If you or someone else has used too much Verkazia, 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 Verkazia?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure what to do after a missed dose.