Alamast

Alamast is used to treat itching of the eye that occurs with allergies. Pemirolast works by preventing certain kinds of inflammatory cells from releasing irritating substances that cause allergic symptoms.

This medication is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

This product is available in the following forms:

• Solution

As with all medicines, the risks of using Alamast must be compared to how much this medication will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.

For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
• Pediatric: Up-to-date pediatric appropriate studies in children 3 years of age and older have not indicated that the use of this medication causes any problems that would limit the use of this medication.
• Geriatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in elderly patients. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
• Pregnancy: This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category C. This means that animal studies have shown an adverse effect and no studies have been performed on pregnant women OR there are no adequate studies on pregnant animals and pregnant women.
• Breastfeeding: There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
• Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions.When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over the counter medications.
• Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.
• Other Medical Problems: Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• • Contact lens-related irritation - This medication should not be used to treat this condition.

For solution (eye drops):

• Wash your hands.
• Tilt your head back and press your lower finger gently just beneath the lower eyelid.
• Pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medication into this space.
• Let go of the eyelid and close your eyes. Do not blink.
• Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1-2 minutes to allow your eye to absorb the medication.
• Wash your hands immediately after use to remove any medication that may be on them.
• Do not touch the applicator tip to any surface. Keep the container tightly closed. This will help prevent infection of the eye.

Dosing

Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication.

The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.

• Adults and children 3 years of age and older - Use 1-2 drops in each affected eye 4 times a day.
• Children under 3 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.

Storage

Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away form heat, moisture and direct light. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children..

Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.

In using Alamast, there are some precautions you must take. You should avoid wearing contact lenses when your eyes are red and irritated from allergies.

For patients who continue to wear contact lenses and whose eyes are not red, be certain to wait at least 10 minutes after applying this medication before replacing any contact lenses normally worn.

Alamast may produce unwanted affects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:

Less Common

• Cough (mucus-producing)
• Headache (severe)
• Stomach pain and cramping
• Pain and tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
• Painful menstrual bleeding
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Tightness in chest
• Troubled breathing

Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:

More Common

• Chills
• Cough
• Fever
• Sneezing
• Sore Throat

Less Common

• Back pain
• Burning feeling in eye
• Eyelid swelling
• Eye dryness
• Foreign body feeling in eye
• General feeling of eye discomfort
• Increased itching of the eye
• Redness of the eye

Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any other side effects.

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