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Lacrisert

hydroxypropyl cellulose
Used for Dry Eye
Used for Dry Eye

Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) is a long-acting artificial tears insert that helps relieve eye dryness and irritation. It's placed between your eyeball and lower eyelid. The insert can be difficult to place, especially in the beginning, but it only has to be placed once a day unlike similar eye drops.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
reviewer
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
Last reviewed on November 30, 2021
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesPricesMedicare
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What is Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose)?

What is Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) used for?

  • Moderate-to-severe dry eye conditions, especially in people who don't find relief after trying artificial tear solutions first

  • Dry eyes caused by your eyes not fully closing (exposure keratitis)

  • Recurrent damage to the surface of the eye (corneal erosions)

  • Less eyelid closing and tear production when the eye senses something is bothering it (lowered corneal sensitivity)

How Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) works

Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) is a lubricating eye insert. It thickens the tear film on the surface of your eye to moisten and soothe (lubricate) dry eyes.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsLacrisert
Drug ClassOphthalmic agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$691.94(save 14.14%)
GoodRx discount
$594.08
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What are the side effects of Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Blurry vision
  • Eye discomfort or irritation
  • Red eyes
  • Eyelash matting or stickiness
  • Eyelid swelling
  • Light sensitivity
  • Allergic reactions

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Blurred vision

eye redness or discomfort or other irritation not present before use of this medicine

increased sensitivity of eyes to light

matting or stickiness of eyelashes

swelling of eyelids

watering of eyes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose)

thumbs-up

Pros

Typically used once daily, unlike artificial tear drops

Preservative-free and provides all-day relief for dry eyes

thumbs-down

Cons

Must follow instructions closely; can be harder to put in than eye drops

Available as a brand medication only, so it can be expensive

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose)

pharmacist

  • Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) can be used at night or in the morning.

    • If you wear makeup, put your makeup on first, then place the insert.

      • Your healthcare provider will show you how to properly use the Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) insert. Still, read and follow the placement instructions carefully for your following doses.

        • Each package contains two reuseable applicators and a plastic container for storage after each use.

          • Always wash your hands with soap and water before using any type of eye drop, including Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) inserts. This helps prevent eye infections.

            • When placed correctly, you shouldn't be able to see the Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) insert and it should feel comfortable.

              • Adding 1 to 2 drops of artificial tears after you place Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) into your eye can help the insert soften faster.

                • Don't rub your eye(s) when you're using the inserts, especially right after you wake up. This can cause the insert to fall out.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose)

                  How does Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) compare to artificial tears?
                  In a study comparing Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) administered once a day during waking hours to artificial tears used 4 or more times daily, Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) helped the tear film on the eyes last longer. People with dry eye symptoms also felt more eye comfort with the Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) inserts than those who used artificial tears.
                  How do you know if Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) is helping with dry eyes?
                  Having less dry eye symptoms tells you that Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) is working. Most people that used Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) for over 1 year had improvement in dry eye symptoms, such as relief of burning, tearing, feeling like something is in the eye, itching, light sensitivity, and blurred or cloudy vision.
                  How long does it take Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) to work?
                  The Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) insert starts to soften within an hour of placing it in the eye. As it softens and dissolves into the eye, it starts to thicken your tear film. For some people using Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose), it can take several weeks before you're satisfied with your dry eye symptom relief.
                  Can you wear contact lenses with Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose)?
                  Yes, you can continue to wear your contact lenses while using Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose). You should put your contacts into your eye first before placing the insert.
                  What should I do if Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) falls out?
                  If your Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) insert falls out, you can open a new package and put a new one in. Don't try to reuse the one that fell out.
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose)?

                  Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Carefully follow instructions for inserting and removing Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose)

                  Make sure to carefully follow the directions included with your Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) package every time you place and remove an insert. Doing it incorrectly can scratch or damage the surface of your eye (cornea).

                  risk-warning

                  Blurry vision

                  Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) can cause blurry vision. Avoid operating machinery, driving a car, or doing any potentially dangerous activities that require your focus until your vision returns to normal.

                  dosage

                  Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 package of 60 inserts of 5mg of Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) is $594.08 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 14.14% off the average retail price of $691.94.
                  package
                  Package
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  60 inserts of 5mg1 package$594.08$594.08

                  Typical dosing for Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose)

                  The typical dose is 1 Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) insert in each eye once daily. Each insert contains 5 mg of hydroxypropyl cellulose.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) and other drugs

                  Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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                  How much does Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) cost?

                  To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                  Lacrisert (brand)
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                  $594.08

                  (save 14.14%)
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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose)
                  Used for:

                  • Moderate-to-severe dry eye conditions, especially in people who don't find relief after trying artificial tear solutions first

                  • Dry eyes caused by your eyes not fully closing (exposure keratitis)

                  • Recurrent damage to the surface of the eye (corneal erosions)

                  • Less eyelid closing and tear production when the eye senses something is bothering it (lowered corneal sensitivity)

                  $594.08 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Artificial Tears
                  Used for:

                  • Dry eyes

                  • Prevention of eye irritation

                  $5.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Freshkote Preservative Free
                  Used for:
                  $35.95 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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