Special Warning : אזהרת שימוש

4.4       Special warnings and precautions for use

Systemic effects
• Brinzolamide and timolol are absorbed systemically. Due to the beta-adrenergic blocking component, timolol, the same types of cardiovascular, pulmonary and other adverse reactions seen with systemic beta-adrenergic blocking agents may occur. The incidence of systemic adverse reactions after topical ophthalmic administration is lower than for systemic administration. To reduce the systemic absorption, see section 4.2.


•    Hypersensitivity reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) reported with sulphonamide derivates can occur in patients receiving AZARGA as it is absorbed systemically. At the time of prescription, patients should be advised of the signs and symptoms and monitored closely for skin reactions.
If signs of serious reactions or hypersensitivity occur, AZARGA should be withdrawn immediately.


Cardiac disorders
In patients with cardiovascular diseases (e.g. coronary heart disease, Prinzmetal's angina and cardiac failure) and hypotension, therapy with beta-blockers should be critically assessed and the therapy with other active substances should be considered. Patients with cardiovascular diseases should be watched for signs of deterioration of these diseases and of adverse reactions.

Due to its negative effect on conduction time, beta-blockers should only be given with caution to patients with first degree heart block.

Vascular disorders
Patients with severe peripheral circulatory disturbance/disorders (i.e. severe forms of Raynaud's disease or Raynaud's syndrome) should be treated with caution.


Hyperthyroidism
Beta-blockers may also mask the signs of hyperthyroidism.
Muscle weakness
Beta-adrenergic blocking medicinal products have been reported to potentiate muscle weakness consistent with certain myasthenic symptoms (e.g. diplopia, ptosis and generalised weakness).

Respiratory disorders
Respiratory reactions, including death due to bronchospasm in patients with asthma have been reported following administration of some ophthalmic beta-blockers. AZARGA should be used with caution, in patients with mild/moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk.

Hypoglycaemia/diabetes
Beta-blockers should be administered with caution in patients subject to spontaneous hypoglycaemia or to patients with labile diabetes, as beta-blockers may mask the signs and symptoms of acute hypoglycaemia.

Acid/base disturbances
AZARGA contains brinzolamide, a sulphonamide. The same types of adverse reactions that are attributable to sulphonamides may occur with topical administration. Acid-base disturbances have been reported with oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. This medicinal product should be used with caution in patients with risk of renal impairment because of the possible risk of metabolic acidosis. If signs of serious reactions or hypersensitivity occur, discontinue the use of this medicinal product.

Mental alertness
Oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may impair the ability to perform tasks requiring mental alertness and/or physical coordination. AZARGA is absorbed systemically and therefore this may occur with topical administration.


Anaphylactic reactions
While taking beta-blockers, patients with a history of atopy or a history of severe anaphylactic reaction to a variety of allergens may be more reactive to repeated challenge with such allergens and unresponsive to the usual doses of adrenaline used to treat anaphylactic reactions.

Choroidal detachment
Choroidal detachment has been reported with administration of aqueous suppressant therapy (e.g. timolol, acetazolamide) after filtration procedures.

Surgical anaesthesia
Beta-blocking ophthalmological preparations may block systemic beta-agonist effects e.g. of adrenaline. The anaesthesiologist should be informed when the patient is receiving timolol.

Concomitant therapy
The effect on intra-ocular pressure or the known effects of systemic beta-blockade may be potentiated when timolol is given to the patients already receiving a systemic beta-blocking agent. The response of these patients should be closely observed. The use of two topical beta-adrenergic blocking agents or two local carbonic anhydrase inhibitors is not recommended (see section 4.5).

There is potential for an additive effect on the known systemic effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibition in patients receiving an oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and AZARGA. The concomitant administration of AZARGA and oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors has not been studied and is not recommended (see section 4.5).

Ocular effects
There is limited experience with AZARGA in the treatment of patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma or pigmentary glaucoma. Caution should be utilised in treating these patients and close monitoring of IOP is recommended.

AZARGA has not been studied in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma and its use is not recommended in these patients.

Ophthalmic beta-blockers may induce dryness of eyes. Patients with corneal diseases should be treated with caution.

The possible role of brinzolamide on corneal endothelial function has not been investigated in patients with compromised corneas (particularly in patients with low endothelial cell count). Specifically, patients wearing contact lenses have not been studied and careful monitoring of these patients when using brinzolamide is recommended, since carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may affect corneal hydration. This may lead to a corneal decompensation and oedema and wearing contact lenses might increase the risk for the cornea. Careful monitoring of patients with compromised corneas, such as patients with diabetes mellitus or corneal dystrophies, is recommended.

AZARGA may be used while wearing contact lenses with careful monitoring (see below under 'Benzalkonium chloride').

Benzalkonium chloride
AZARGA contains benzalkonium chloride which may cause eye irritation and is known to discolour soft contact lenses. Contact with soft contact lenses should be avoided. Patients must be instructed to remove contact lenses prior to the application of AZARGA and wait 15 minutes after instillation of the dose before reinsertion.

Benzalkonium chloride has also been reported to cause punctate keratopathy and/or toxic ulcerative keratopathy. Close monitoring is required with frequent or prolonged use.


Hepatic impairment
AZARGA should be used with caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Effects on Driving

4.7   Effects on ability to drive and use machines

AZARGA has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Temporary blurred vision or other visual disturbances may affect the ability to drive or use machines. If blurred vision occurs at instillation, the patient must wait until the vision clears before driving or using machines.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may impair the ability to perform tasks requiring mental alertness and/or physical coordination (see section 4.4).