Valeant Ophthalmics
Bridgewater, NJ – June 27, 2012 – Valeant Ophthalmics, a division of Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC, will use unique twists on some familiar works of visual art to welcome visitors to its booth at the American Optometric Association (AOA, Chicago, June 27-July 1). The booth’s “Art and Science of Vision” theme reflects the company’s commitment to refining ophthalmic therapies to better match treatments to individual patient needs and to support eye care professionals in the art of patient management. AOA attendees can find Valeant at booth number 2229.
Valeant Ophthalmics provides LACRISERT® (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) for moderate to severe Dry Eye Syndromes. Artist Matt Hirschfeld, young cousin of the celebrated late caricaturist and Playbill cover artist Al Hirschfeld, created a special “dry eye” illustration in the distinctive style of his cousin. Matt Hirschfeld has hidden the six symptoms of dry eye (discomfort, burning, dryness, grittiness, light sensitivity and stinging) for discovery in his unique illustration.
MACUGEN® (pegaptanib sodium injection), approved to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is represented by “Woman with a Violin,” a brilliantly colored 1921 painting by Post-Impressionist Henri Matisse. The center of the painting is obscured by a black spot, to simulate the disruption in vision characteristic of wet AMD, when neovascularization may result in damage to the photoreceptors in the retina.
TIMOPTIC® (timolol maleate 0.5% ophthalmic solution) in OCUDOSE® (dispenser) is a classic IOP lowering medication available in a preservative-free form, represented by the classic painting by Spanish court painter Diego Velázquez (“Portrait of Abbess Jerónima de la Fuente,” 1620). The surface of the painting is compromised, dried and cracked with age, similar to the cumulative effects of preservatives on the ocular surface. In contrast, the superimposed photographic eye represents the preservative-free eye, which is not compromised by preservative toxicity.
The overlap between art and science and ocular disease is a topic explored in depth in the book, “Vision and Art: The Biology of Seeing” on display at the booth. The book describes how great artwork can be viewed within the context of the biology of the eye – using light, color and contrast to compensate for and simulate reality.
The Valeant Ophthalmics theme promotes the art and science of patient management within ocular disease. Valeant Ophthalmics is committed to providing proven therapies, refined to meet the needs of specific patient populations.
Indications for LACRISERT®
LACRISERT® (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert) is indicated in patients with moderate to severe Dry Eye Syndromes, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca. LACRISERT® is indicated especially in patients who remain symptomatic after an adequate trial of therapy with artificial tear solutions. LACRISERT® is also indicated for patients with exposure keratitis, decreased corneal sensitivity and recurrent corneal erosions.
Important Safety Information About LACRISERT®
LACRISERT® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to hydroxypropyl cellulose. Instructions for inserting and removing LACRISERT® should be carefully followed. If improperly placed, LACRISERT® may result in corneal abrasion. Because LACRISERT® may cause transient blurred vision, patients should be instructed to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. Patients should be cautioned against rubbing the eye(s) containing LACRISERT®.
The most commonly reported adverse events were transient blurring of vision, ocular discomfort or irritation, matting or stickiness of eyelashes, photophobia, hypersensitivity, eyelid edema, and hyperemia.
Indications for TIMOPTIC® in OCUDOSE®
Preservative-free TIMOPTIC® (timolol maleate 0.5% ophthalmic solution) in OCUDOSE® (dispenser) is indicated in the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. Preservative-free TIMOPTIC® in OCUDOSE® may be used when a patient is sensitive to the preservative in TIMOPTIC® (timolol maleate ophthalmic solution), benzalkonium chloride, or when use of a preservative-free topical medication is advisable.
Important Safety Information About TIMOPTIC® in OCUDOSE®
Timoptic is contraindicated in patients with: bronchial asthma; a history of bronchial asthma; severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; sinus bradycardia; second or third degree atrioventricular block; overt cardiac failure; cardiogenic shock; hypersensitivity to any component of this product.
This drug is absorbed systemically. The same adverse reactions found with systemic administration of beta-adrenergic blocking agents may occur with topical administration. Severe respiratory or cardiac reactions, including death, have been reported following systemic or ophthalmic administration of timolol maleate. TIMOPTIC® should be used with caution in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency. The most frequently reported adverse experiences have been burning and stinging upon instillation.
Indications for MACUGEN®
MACUGEN® (pegaptanib sodium injection) is approved to treat wet age-related macular degeneration. It is available by prescription only. Not all people respond the same to MACUGEN®, so individual results may vary. The safety or efficacy of MACUGEN® has not been proven beyond 2 years.
Important Safety Information About MACUGEN®
With MACUGEN®, you may have some side effects, mostly in the eye and due to the injection procedure. The most common side effects are burning sensation, eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, vision loss, blurred vision, visual disturbances, high blood pressure, and cataract. For a complete list of side effects, please ask your doctor or see the prescribing information.
You should not receive MACUGEN® if you have an infection in or around your eye or if you are hypersensitive (allergic) to pegaptanib sodium or any of the other ingredients. A serious eye infection can sometimes develop after an injection into the eye. Signs of a serious infection may include eye pain, light sensitivity, and/or vision changes. Check with a retinal physician immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, so you can be treated early if an infection occurs.
Eye injections like those with MACUGEN® can increase eye pressure. This is something you would not notice; however, your retinal physician may do some extra tests after your injection to make sure there are no complications. In rare cases, allergic reactions have been known to occur. Tell your retinal physician about any known allergies.
You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
. Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information.
About Valeant Ophthalmics
Valeant Ophthalmics, a division of Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC, is part of a growing pharmaceutical company that is committed to supporting ophthalmics. Valeant Ophthalmics is providing clinicians with established therapies that are designed to meet the needs of specific patient populations. The company’s mission is to deliver the science – the efficacy and the innovation in tolerability -- that can help the clinician with the art of achieving patient satisfaction.
Attachments:
TIMOPTIC® in OCUDOSE® full Prescribing Information
LACRISERT® full Prescribing Information
MACUGEN® full Prescribing Information
Ed Stevens Chase Communications
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