Bepreve

Bepotastine Besilate, also known and sold under the trade name of Bepreve, is a medication that belongs to the group of antihistamines, used in the treatment of itching of the eyes due to allergies.

It is considered to work by blocking a certain natural substance, known as histamine which is the main factor that causes allergies.

Before the decision to start the treatment with Bepreve is make, it is essential to get informed about its beneficial effects and potential risks and side effects. For the decision to be made, the beneficial effects must outweigh the potential risks.

This is a decision that you and your doctor together have to make. During the consultations, remember to inform your doctor about:

• Allergies – Inform your doctor about any allergic reactions to any medications, prescribed or no prescribed. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergic reactions to any specific food, dye, fabric and etc.
• Pediatric – Proper studies have shown that this medication has proven useful and safe when used within pediatric patients. However, it should not be used within pediatric patients under 2 years of age, because there are no studies that confirm the safety of the medication when used within pediatric patients under 2 years of age.
• Geriatric – Proper studies have shown that this medication has proven useful and safe when used within geriatric patients. There are no age-connected problems that have been found due to old age.
• Pregnancy – There are no studies done which would confirm whether this medicine is safe to be used during pregnancy. Because of this, it should be only used when the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
• Breastfeeding – There are no studies which would confirm whether this medicine is safe to be used within nursing mothers. Because of this, it should be only used when the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
• Drug interactions – Inform your doctor if you are using any other medications, prescribed or no prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because certain medications are no recommended to be used in a combination with others, due to the possibility that certain interactions could occur. But, sometimes the doctor may decide to use a certain type of a combination including two or more medications if he or she considers that it would prove to be beneficial regarding your condition.
• Other interactions – Certain medications should not be used in a combination with alcohol or/and tobacco. Because of this it is recommended to get informed by your doctor if there is a need for you to follow a certain diet or discontinue your use of alcohol and/or tobacco during the treatment.
• Other medical problems – Inform your doctor about your medical history, any medical problems and conditions from the past or at the moment. It is important to inform the doctor if you are currently using contact lenses.

For proper use, contact your doctor to get the proper directions. This medicine is in the form of a solution. Wash your hands with warm water and soap before and after every application.

To avoid contamination, avoid to touch the dropper tip to your eye. If you use contact lenses, remove them before every application, and wait at least 10 minutes after the application to put them back on. This is important because the medicine could be absorb by the lenses.

The dosage is prescribed by your doctor based on your condition and the prognosis of the treatment. The dose is individual for every patient. The usual dose is one drop, two or three times a day.

To get the most benefit from the treatment, use the medication regularly. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. Do not double to catch up. If the time for the next one is near, wait for it, and apply the next one.

This medicine could be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing is suspected, contact your doctor as soon as you notice.

Visit your doctor at your scheduled appointments so that he or she would be able to track your condition and make any necessary changes regarding the dosage or the treatment itself. The doctor may make changes to the dose, e.g. to increase or decrease it, or if there are any serious side effects or an allergic reaction present the treatment will be discontinued.

Inform your doctor if you have any allergic reaction to any medication, prescribed or no prescribed. This is important because this product may contain inactive substances that could cause interactions to occur.

This medication should not be used within children under two years of age, because its safety has not been confirmed. Also, during pregnancy and within nursing mothers should be used only when the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

After applying this medication, you could experience some vision changes. Because of this avoid driving and any activities that require clear vision until your vision becomes stable again. Remember to remove your contact lenses (if used) before every application.

Along with its needed beneficial effects, there is always the possibility that certain potential side effects could appear.

These side effects are not present within all patients. They could also be mild or more serious. However, it is important to get informed about the potential side effects, so that you would be able to notice their presence and inform the doctor for further directions.

• Common side effects – headache, eye irritation, sore throat, mild taste in the mouth. These are common side effects that usually appear in the beginning of the treatment until the body has adjusted to the presence of the drug. Other side effects may also be present.

A very serious allergic reaction is not common, but there are some symptoms that you need to be cautious about – skin rash, itching/swelling (of the hands, feet, face, tongue), dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, inform the doctor right away.