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  1. Patients
  2. Dosing Help

How to Use CIPRODEX® Otic Ear Drops

Make Sure CIPRODEX® Otic Gets to Where It Is Needed

If you are like most people, administering ear drops is not an everyday activity for you. It is important to follow dosing and administration instructions. The first step in understanding how to use CIPRODEX® Otic is knowing what kind of ear infection you are treating: there are different instructions for Outer Ear Canal Infections (Swimmer’s Ear) and Middle Ear Infections with Tubes.

What kind of ear infection are you treating?

Outer Ear Canal Infections (Swimmer’s Ear)

Middle Ear Infection with Tympanostomy Tubes

Outer Ear Canal Infection (Swimmer’s Ear) Illustrated Administration Guide

Outer Ear Canal Infection (acute otitis externa) is an infection of the ear canal, the tube that extends from the entrance of the ear to the eardrum. It is important that you follow the instructions below for Outer Ear Canal Infection, to allow CIPRODEX® Otic to enter the affected part of your ear.

Do you know how to put in CIPRODEX ® Otic ear drops?

Step 1

Wash your hands with soap and water.

The first step in using ear drops is to wash your hands with soap and water. Then you warm the bottle.

Step 2

Warm the bottle of CIPRODEX® Otic by rolling the bottle between your hands for 1 to 2 minutes. Shake the bottle of CIPRODEX® Otic well.

Step 3

Remove the CIPRODEX cap. Put the cap in a clean and dry area. Do not let the tip of the bottle touch your ear, fingers or other surfaces.

Gently pull the outer ear lobe upward and backward while the person receiving CIPRODEX ® Otic ear drops stays on his/her side.

Step 4

Lie down on your side so that the affected ear faces upward.

The person receiving CIPRODEX ® Otic antibiotic ear drops should remain on his/her side while the drops are administered.

Step 5

Hold the bottle of CIPRODEX® Otic between your thumb and index finger. Place the tip of the bottle close to your ear. Be careful not to touch your fingers or ear with the tip of the bottle.

Step 6

Gently squeeze the bottle and let 4 drops of CIPRODEX® Otic fall into the affected ear. If a drop misses your ear, follow the instructions in Step 5 again.

Gently pull the outer ear lobe upward and backward while the person receiving CIPRODEX ® Otic ear drops stays on his/her side.

Step 7

Stay on your side with the affected ear facing upward. It is important that you follow the instructions below for your specific ear infection, to allow CIPRODEX to enter the affected part of your ear.

After CIPRODEX ® Otic ear drops have been put in the ear, the person receiving the drops should stay on his/her side for 1 minute.

Step 8

If you use CIPRODEX® Otic to treat an Outer Ear Canal Infection:

  • Gently pull the outer ear lobe upward and backward. This will allow the drops of CIPRODEX® Otic to enter your ear canal.
  • Remain on your side with the affected ear facing upward for 1 minute.

Step 9

If your doctor has told you to use CIPRODEX® Otic in both ears, repeat steps 5–8 for your other ear.

Step 10

Put the cap back on the bottle and close it tightly.

Step 11

After you have used all of your CIPRODEX® Otic doses, there may be some CIPRODEX in the bottle. Throw the bottle away.

Middle Ear Infection with Tubes Illustrated Administration Guide

Middle Ear Infection with Tubes occurs behind the eardrum in the middle ear when a tympanostomy tube is present in the eardrum. It is important that you follow the instructions below for Middle Ear Infection with Tubes to allow CIPRODEX® Otic to enter the affected part of your ear.

Before administering CIPRODEX ® Otic ear drops, the person giving the drops should clean his/her hands.

Step 1

Wash your hands with soap and water.

Before administering CIPRODEX ® Otic ear drops, roll the bottle between your hands for 1 to 2 minutes to warm it.

Step 2

Warm the bottle of CIPRODEX® Otic by rolling the bottle between your hands for 1 to 2 minutes. Shake the bottle of CIPRODEX® Otic well.

Step 3

Remove the CIPRODEX® Otic cap. Put the cap in a clean and dry area. Do not let the tip of the bottle touch your ear, fingers or other surfaces.

Remember to put the CIPRODEX ® Otic cap in a clean and dry area while using the ear drops.

Step 4

Lie down on your side so that the affected ear faces upward.

The person receiving CIPRODEX ® Otic antibiotic ear drops should remain on his/her side while the drops are administered.

Step 5

Hold the bottle of CIPRODEX® Otic between your thumb and index finger. Place the tip of the bottle close to your ear. Be careful not to touch your fingers or ear with the tip of the bottle.

Step 6

Gently squeeze the bottle and let 4 drops of CIPRODEX® Otic fall into the affected ear. If a drop misses your ear, follow the instructions in Step 5 again.

Gently pull the outer ear lobe upward and backward while the person receiving CIPRODEX ® Otic ear drops stays on his/her side.

Step 7

Stay on your side with the affected ear facing upward. It is important that you follow the instructions below for your specific ear infection, to allow CIPRODEX to enter the affected part of your ear.

The tragus is the small projection in front of the external opening of your ear.

Step 8

If you use CIPRODEX® Otic to treat a middle ear infection and you have a tube in your eardrum known as a tympanostomy tube:

  • Gently press the part of the ear known as the tragus 5 times using a pumping motion. This will allow the drops of CIPRODEX® Otic to enter your middle ear.
  • Remain on your side with the affected ear facing upward for 1 minute.

Step 9

If your doctor has told you to use CIPRODEX® Otic in both ears, repeat steps 5–8 for your other ear.

Step 10

Put the cap back on the bottle and close it tightly.

Step 11

After you have used all of your CIPRODEX® Otic doses, there may be some CIPRODEX left in the bottle. Throw the bottle away.

Keep Track of Your Doses

You never know when ear infections may happen, but it is important to make time for treatment2,3. For either Outer Ear Canal Infection or Middle Ear Infection with Tubes, CIPRODEX® Otic ear drops should be given twice a day in affected part of your ear for 7 days, according to your doctor's instructions. It is very important to use the ear drops for as long as your doctor tells you to—even if the symptoms improve.

When it comes to dosing, remember 4-2-7

Learn more about CIPRODEX® Otic dosage.

Help keep track of your doses with the CIPRODEX® Otic Dosing Card.

Download Coming Soon

CIPRODEX® Otic, the #1 prescribed branded antibiotic ear drop of ear, nose and throat specialists and pediatricians is ready to help1.

Terms and Conditions:

A patient is eligible for this promotion if their commercial health plan co­pay for CIPRODEX® Otic is more than $40. This offer is not valid for patients who are enrolled in Medicare Part D, Medicaid, Medigap, VA, DOD, Tricare, or any other government-­run or government sponsored health care program pharmacy benefit. Patients without private insurance are ineligible for this program.

Offer applies only to CIPRODEX® Otic prescriptions filled on or before 9/30/16.

Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $40 in out-of-pocket expenses for each 7.5mL bottle of CIPRODEX® Otic with a maximum benefit per bottle of $135. Offer good for up to three (3) 7.5mL bottles of CIPRODEX® Otic for a single patient. Patient must be six (6) months or older to be eligible. No other purchase is necessary.

This offer may not be combined with any other savings, discount, free trial, or other similar offer for the same prescription. The savings card is not transferable, is void if reproduced, and has no cash value. The savings card is not health insurance. Alcon reserves the right to rescind, revoke or amend this offer without notice at any time. Use of this card is subject to applicable state and federal laws and is void where prohibited.

Patient Instructions:
Present your card to your pharmacist along with an eligible prescription for Ciprodex® Otic each time you fill your prescription. The prescriber ID# must be identified on the prescription. This offer is not valid for patients who are enrolled in Medicare Part D, Medicaid, Medigap, VA, DOD, Tricare, or any other government-run or government-sponsored health care program with a pharmacy benefit. When you use this card, you are certifying that you understand the program rules, regulations, and terms and conditions and that you will comply with them. You may not use this card if prohibited by your insurer. You are responsible for any reporting of the use of this card required by your insurer. If you have any questions, please call 1-844-236-8027 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm ET, Monday-Friday).

Pharmacist Instructions:
When you use this card, you are certifying that you have not submitted and will not submit a claim for reimbursement under any federal, state, government-run or government sponsored health care program with a pharmacy benefit. If primary coverage exists, input card information as secondary coverage (not to exceed the copay amount or $135, whichever is less) and transmit using the COB segment of the NCPDP transaction. Submit transaction to McKesson Corporation using BIN #610524. Acceptable discounts will be displayed in the transaction response. Acceptance of this card and your submission of claims are also subject to the Terms and Conditions posted at www.mckesson.com/mprstnc. If you have any questions, please call McKesson Help Desk at 1-844-236-8027 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm ET, Monday-Friday).

References:

  1. IMS Health. National prescription audit. USC 61110 OPHTH BROAD/MED SPEC. November 2016.
  2. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Plain language summary: acute otitis externa (swimmer’s ear). http://www.entnet.org/sites/default/files/AOEGuidelinePLSFinal.pdf. Accessed June 13, 2016.
  3. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. Earaches and otitis media. http://www.entnet.org/content/earaches-and-otitis-media. Accessed March 17, 2016.

 

*Terms and Conditions: Limitations apply. For commercially insured patients. Up to a $135 cap per bottle. Patient will be responsible for any co-pay once limit per bottle is reached. This offer is not valid under Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal or state program. Not valid for cash-paying patients. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this program without notice. Offer expires [9/30/2017].

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What is CIPRODEX® Otic?

CIPRODEX® Otic is a prescription ear drop used to treat certain types of infections caused by certain germs called bacteria:

  • middle ear infection (known as acute otitis media) in children at least 6 months of age who have a tube in their eardrum known as a tympanostomy tube
  • outer ear canal infection (known as acute otitis externa) in adults and in children at least 6 months of age.

It is not known if CIPRODEX® Otic is safe and effective in children under 6 months of age.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Who should not use CIPRODEX® Otic?

Do not use CIPRODEX® Otic if you:

  • are allergic to ciprofloxacin (the active ingredient in CIPRODEX® Otic), other quinolone antibiotics, or any of the ingredients in CIPRODEX® Otic. See the Patient Information leaflet in the full prescribing information for a complete list of ingredients.
  • have an outer ear canal infection caused by certain viruses including the herpes simplex virus
  • have an ear infection caused by a fungus
What should I tell my doctor before using CIPRODEX® Otic?

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if CIPRODEX® Otic will harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. CIPRODEX® Otic can pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby. You and your doctor should decide if you will use CIPRODEX® Otic or breastfeed. You should not do both.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over‐the‐counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

How should I use CIPRODEX® Otic?
  • Read the detailed  Instructions for Use that come with CIPRODEX® Otic.
  • Use CIPRODEX® Otic exactly as your doctor tells you to.
  • CIPRODEX® Otic is for use in the ear only. Do not inject CIPRODEX® Otic or use CIPRODEX® Otic in the eye.
  • Apply 4 drops of CIPRODEX® Otic into the affected ear 2 times a day for 7 days.
  • Do not stop using CIPRODEX® Otic unless your doctor tells you to, even if your symptoms improve. If your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment with CIPRODEX® Otic, call your doctor.
  • Call your doctor right away if:
    • you have fluid that continues to drain from your ear after you have finished your treatment with CIPRODEX® Otic
    • you have fluid that drains from your ear  2 or more times within 6 months after you stop treatment with CIPRODEX® Otic
What are the possible side effects of CIPRODEX® Otic?

CIPRODEX® Otic may cause serious side effects, including:

  • allergic reactions. Stop using CIPRODEX® Otic and call your doctor if you have any of the following signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction:
    • hives
    • trouble breathing 
    • swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue 
    • rash 
    • itching 
    • dizziness, fast heartbeat, or pounding in your chest

The most common side effects of CIPRODEX® Otic include ear discomfort, ear pain, and ear itching.

These are not all the possible side effects of CIPRODEX® Otic. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch , or call 1‐800‐FDA‐1088.

Keep CIPRODEX® Otic and all medicines out of the reach of children.

For additional information on CIPRODEX® Otic, click here for the full Prescribing Information.

References:

  1. Data on file.

 

CIPRODEX® is a registered trademark of Bayer, used with permission.

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