Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) belongs to the class of medications called proteolytic enzymes. It is used to treat an eye condition called symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion or VMA. VMA is caused by the jelly-like material (vitreous gel) in the eye sticking to the inner surface at the back of the eye (the macula). This causes reduced vision. If the condition is not treated, it may result in a hole in the macula, causing permanent vision damage. Ocriplamsin works by separating the vitreous gel from the macula.

Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Jetrea (Ocriplasmin), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended dose is 0.125 mg (0.1 mL of the diluted solution) injected into the vitreous gel of the eye, by a qualified health care professional. It is always given under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation and injection.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive Jetrea (Ocriplasmin), contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

If you are to provide Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) for your doctor or ophthalmologist, keep the medication frozen, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Jetrea (Ocriplasmin). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Jetrea (Ocriplasmin). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• eye redness
• eye pain
• increased sensitivity to light

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• bleeding
• double vision
• halos around light
• nausea
• severe blurring or decrease in vision
• signs of eye infection, tear in the Retin A or increased eye pressure (e.g., worsening eye pain, redness, increased sensitivity to light, increased dark spots (floaters) floating in the field of vision)
• vision changes
• vomiting

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Jetrea (Ocriplasmin).

Each vial contains 0.5 mg of Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) in 0.2 mL of solution as a sterile, clear, colourless solution with no preservatives. Nonmedicinal ingredients: citric acid, mannitol, sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment) and water for injection.

Do not take Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) if you:

• are allergic to Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) or any ingredients of the medication
• have, or may have, an eye infection

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Tell your doctor if you have had an injection of any medicine into the eye recently. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Jetrea (Ocriplasmin).

Eye problems: Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) can cause eye problems such as infection of the inside part of the eye, pain or redness, detachment or tear of the retina, or increased pressure inside the eyes. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience eye pain, increased eye discomfort, worsening eye redness, blurred or reduced vision, increased sensitivity of the eyes to light, or an increase in the number of small particles in your vision.

Vision problems: Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) can cause temporary vision problems that may affect your ability to drive or operate machines. If you experience vision problems, do not drive or operate machines until your vision returns to normal.

Pregnancy: Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Jetrea (Ocriplasmin), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Jetrea (Ocriplasmin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) have not been established for children.