Optimmune® Ophthalmic Ointment for Dogs

What Optimmune Is and How It Works

This ophthalmic ointment is a veterinary cyclosporine treatment for dogs with immune-mediated dry eye. It helps stimulate tear production and calm the ocular surface. Here you will find clear use guidance and access options.

Optimmune® eye ointment is a cyclosporine 0.2% preparation indicated for canine keratoconjunctivitis sicca. CanadianInsulin.com is a prescription referral platform. We verify prescriptions with your prescriber when required, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order. We provide US delivery from Canada, with transparent options that can help when buying without insurance.

This medicine reduces T‑cell–mediated inflammation in the lacrimal glands. By reducing local immune activity, it may restore baseline tear production and protect the corneal surface. For an overview of symptoms and diagnosis, see our guide to Canine Dry Eye.

Who It’s For

This treatment is for dogs diagnosed with keratoconjunctivitis sicca or chronic superficial keratitis, when a veterinarian recommends a topical calcineurin inhibitor. It is not approved for cats or other species. Do not use it in dogs with known hypersensitivity to cyclosporine or any ointment component.

Veterinarians may prescribe optimmune for dogs with tear deficiency confirmed by testing and compatible clinical signs. Avoid use in eyes with active viral, bacterial, or fungal infection unless infection is controlled. For immune-mediated corneal disease, see Chronic Superficial Keratitis.

Dosage and Usage

Use exactly as directed by your veterinarian and the label. Wash and dry your hands. Gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Apply a small ribbon of ointment to the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s). Avoid touching the eye or any surface with the tube tip.

Standard schedules commonly involve twice-daily application. Your veterinarian may adjust frequency based on response and tolerance. If other eye medicines are used, separate products by several minutes and apply ointments after solutions unless otherwise directed. Keep the cap tightly closed between uses and do not share tubes between pets.

Consistent dosing supports tear film recovery and surface comfort. If eyelid crusts or discharge are present, gently clean with a vet-approved eyewash before dosing. For general eye-care reminders in your household, our overview of Healthy Vision Month offers practical routines.

Strengths and Forms

This product is supplied as a sterile ophthalmic ointment in a multi-dose tube. The labeled strength is 0.2% cyclosporine.

Each tube contains 3.5 g of ointment. Availability and packaging may vary by pharmacy. Many pet owners search for Optimmune eye ointment 3.5 g when seeking this presentation.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, apply it when remembered the same day. If it is close to the next scheduled time, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double doses in the same eye. Maintain a consistent routine to support effectiveness and comfort.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store at room temperature, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the cap closed tightly to prevent contamination. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and other pets.

When traveling, keep the tube in the original carton with the prescription label. Pack it in your hand luggage to avoid extreme temperatures. Carry a copy of your prescription and your veterinarian’s contact details for security checkpoints. Pharmacies use temperature-controlled handling when required; follow your veterinarian’s advice for handling during trips.

Place the tube on a clean surface when dosing, then recap promptly. Discard the tube if the tip is damaged, cracked, or contacts unclean surfaces.

Benefits

This immunomodulating therapy targets the cause of reduced tear production in many cases of immune-mediated dry eye. It can help restore baseline tear volume and reduce redness, mucoid discharge, and squinting. Ointment dosing twice daily can be convenient for many caregivers and dogs.

By promoting a stable tear film, the treatment supports corneal protection and clearer vision. Long-term maintenance may be required to sustain benefits in chronic disease.

Side Effects and Safety

Most dogs tolerate therapy well. Mild, short-lived eye irritation can occur when starting treatment. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your veterinarian promptly.

• Eye redness or mild burning sensation
• Tearing or watery discharge
• Mucoid discharge during early use
• Eyelid irritation at application site
• Transient blurred vision after dosing

Serious reactions are uncommon. Stop use and seek veterinary care if there are signs of hypersensitivity, corneal ulceration, severe pain, marked swelling, or vision changes. Avoid use in eyes with active infection until treated. Dogs on other immunosuppressants may need closer monitoring.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Tell your veterinarian about all eye medicines, supplements, and systemic therapies your dog receives. Topical steroids, other calcineurin inhibitors, or systemic cyclosporine may require coordination. If your dog also receives glaucoma therapy such as Dorzolamide Ophthalmic Solution, separate products by several minutes and follow the dosing order recommended by your veterinarian.

Do not allow the tube tip to touch the eye, eyelashes, or hands. Discontinue and contact the clinic if a corneal ulcer is diagnosed. Use caution in pregnant or breeding animals; your veterinarian will assess risk and benefit.

What to Expect Over Time

Response tends to be gradual as surface inflammation decreases and tear production improves. Many dogs show steadier tear film and less mucoid discharge with regular use. If improvement plateaus or signs recur, your veterinarian may adjust the regimen.

Adherence is crucial. Build dosing into a daily routine and use reminders. For persistent cases, supportive tear lubricants may be continued. Discuss the plan at follow-up visits. Some pet owners refer to the product as Optimmune ointment, although consistent use and veterinary guidance are the key factors driving outcomes.

Compare With Alternatives

Some dogs benefit from compounded calcineurin inhibitors when an ointment texture is not ideal. Your veterinarian may consider a tacrolimus preparation or compounded cyclosporine drops in select cases. Learn more about potential options such as Tacrolimus HGC® and Cyclosporine. These choices must be guided by clinical response and tolerability.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacy pricing can help reduce out-of-pocket costs while maintaining veterinarian oversight. We offer transparent checkout, clear order status, and support if your clinic prefers direct fax verification. For those comparing online options, many search to Buy Optimmune ointment for dogs online when reviewing total costs. We provide US shipping from Canada with prescription validation.

View current pricing on the product page after sign-in. You can upload your valid prescription during checkout or have your clinic send it. Savings vary by pharmacy and formulation.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by pharmacy and distributor. If this item is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a clinically appropriate alternative or an interim supportive lubricant. We cannot guarantee restock dates.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This therapy suits dogs with immune-mediated dry eye diagnosed by a veterinarian. It is not intended for cats. Avoid use in eyes with untreated infection or corneal ulcers. Report any history of drug hypersensitivity.

To manage costs, ask your veterinarian about multi-month quantities if appropriate. Set refill reminders to avoid gaps, especially during travel. Compare total costs, including dispensing fees and taxes, and consider using one pharmacy to consolidate refills. If paying without insurance, review options and stay with a consistent formulation unless your veterinarian advises a change.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Diagnosis details and tear test results
• Expected duration of therapy
• Dosing frequency and technique
• How to layer other eye medicines
• What to monitor between rechecks
• When to report side effects
• Plan if a dose is missed
• Travel and storage precautions

Authoritative Sources

For official information and labeling, consult the manufacturer and regulatory databases below.

• Merck Animal Health product information for Optimmune ophthalmic ointment
• FDA Animal Drugs database search for veterinary ophthalmic products
• Health Canada Drug Product Database search portal

Order from CanadianInsulin for prompt, express shipping with temperature-controlled handling when required. Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.