OPTIMMUNE® Ophthalmic Ointment is indicated for management of chronic keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and chronic superficial keratitis (CSK) in dogs.

The clinical effects of OPTIMMUNE® Ophthalmic Ointment have not been determined in dogs with KCS due to the following conditions: congenital alacrima, sulfonamide usage, canine distemper virus, metabolic disease, surgical removal of the third eyelid gland, and facial nerve paralysis with loss of the palpebral reflex. Some of the underlying conditions which may lead to KCS can be either transient (eg, facial nerve trauma) or correctable with appropriate treatment. Consequently, recovery from clinical signs attributed to KCS may be observed and treatment options may need reconsideration.

When switching to cyclosporine from another therapeutic agent (eg, frequent application of an artificial tear preparation) for KCS or CSK, it should be kept in mind that clinical efficacy is not necessarily apparent immediately after initiation of OPTIMMUNE® Ophthalmic Ointment therapy. Several days to a few weeks may be required before the clinical effects of OPTIMMUNE® Ophthalmic Ointment are of sufficient magnitude such that previously initiated therapy can be safely withdrawn. Abrupt cessation of a therapeutic agent immediately upon initiation of OPTIMMUNE® Ophthalmic Ointment therapy can result in rapid clinical relapse which may be erroneously interpreted as an adverse reaction to OPTIMMUNE® Ophthalmic Ointment.

The safety of OPTIMMUNE® Ophthalmic Ointment has not been determined in cases of preexisting viral or fungal ocular infections. It is recommended that in such cases, OPTIMMUNE® Ophthalmic Ointment therapy be delayed until the fungal/viral ocular infection has been successfully treated.

The safety of OPTIMMUNE® Ophthalmic Ointment in puppies, pregnant bitches, or dogs used for breeding has not been determined.