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Sandoz Recalls Eye Drug in Canada

July 28, 2008

Health Canada is warning consumers not to use Sandoz Canada’s timolol ophthalmic solution in 0.25 percent and 0.5 percent strengths because some bottles may contain more of the active ingredient than indicated on the label.

The health regulator said it will monitor the effectiveness of Sandoz’s recall, and the company will send a separate communication to doctors and pharmacists. The eyedrops are the generic equivalent of Merck’s Timoptic (timolol maleate) and are used to treat increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma.

Potential adverse events may include red eye, eye irritation, inflammation of the eyelids or cornea, drooping of the upper eyelid, double vision, dizziness, headache, abnormally slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and cardiac failure.

To date, there have been no cases of adverse reactions linked to the use of this product reported in Canada, Health Canada said.