Cystaran

Brand name:

Cystaran.

Cysteamine, a cystine-depleting agent, is used to treat f corneal cystine crystal accumulation in those who have cystinosis, which is a hereditary condition that causes crystal formation in the cornea due to amino acid cysteine accumulation.

You can only purchase cysteamine with a prescription. It is sold in a solution form.

Talk to your physician about the risks and benefits associated with cysteamine eye drops before you decided to start treatment.

You must inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to food, animals, preservatives, and other drugs. A list of the ingredients can be found in the information sheet that is included in the packaging.

You should read this in case you have allergies to any of its ingredients. Studies have shown that cysteamine’s efficacy in children is not affected by any age-related factors.

There has been little research done cysteamine’s effects in geriatric patients. The effects of cysteamine on pregnant women and the unborn child have not been studied adequately.

The same holds true for nursing infants. Cysteamine should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks. This medication may also interact with other drugs.

Make sure you give our physician a complete list of your current medications. Also, don’t take any over-the-counter medications without checking with your doctor first.

Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while on cysteamine treatment. Cysteamine can make other medical conditions worse.

Inform your physician if you have a brain disease, a history of head injury, and increased intracranial pressure. This medicine should be used with caution in such cases.

It is very important that you follow the physician’s instructions regarding the duration of treatment, cysteamine administration, dosage, and timing.

If you or your child wears contact lenses, remove them and then use the eye drops. You should only put the contact lenses back on after 15 minutes.

You can ask your healthcare provider to show you how to use the eye drops. Generally, you need to follow these steps. You must wash your hands before your use the cysteamine eye drops.

Tilt back your head and gently pull down your lower eyelid creating a small space. Instill the medication into this space and then let go of the lower eyelid.

You should gently close your eyes and keep them shut for 1 or 2 minutes. This ensures absorption of the medication. Replace the cap of the eye drops and then wash your hands.

Make sure the tip of the dropper does not come into contact with dirty surfaces. Keep the lid closed tightly if you are no longer using the medication.

The dosage of cysteamine depends on your individual needs. However, adults usually have to instill 1 drop into each eye, every waking hour. The same goes for children.

If you forget a dose, apply the drops immediately. Skip it if it’s almost time for the next one. It is recommended that you store cysteamine eye drops in the refrigerator and take 1 bottle out 24 hours before using it.

This allows the medication to completely thaw. You should discard thawed eye drops after 7 days even if it’s not completely empty.

There are a number of precautions you need to take with you are on ophthalmic cysteamine treatment. As mentioned earlier, you need to make sure that the tip of your solution does not become contaminated.

Using contaminated medication may worsen your condition. Remove your contacts before using the medication and return it only after 15 minutes. Follow-up appointments are important.

You need to go to these diligently so that your doctor can check your condition and make sure unwanted side effects do not develop.

Inform your physician if you develop an eye infection or you accidentally hurt your eye. You might need to stop the medication. The same goes if you need to undergo eye surgery.

Ophthalmic cysteamine can also cause side effects. Some of these resolve without medical treatment. A headache is a common side effect that may not need treatment.

However, if it worsens or doesn’t get better over time, you should consult your physician.

You should also call your doctor if you have the following:

• blurred vision
• visual changes
• eye pain
• sore eyes
• sensitivity to light

You may only exhibit some of these side effects. But if you experience side effects that are not listed here, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.