Ikervis

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ANNEX I 

 

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 



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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

IKERVIS 1 mg/mL eye drops, emulsion 

 

 

2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 

 

One mL of emulsion contains 1 mg of ciclosporin. 

 

Excipient with known effect: 

One mL of emulsion contains 0.05 mg cetalkonium chloride (see section 4.4). 

 

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 

 

 

3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 

 

Eye drops, emulsion. 

Milky white emulsion. 

 

 

4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 

 

4.1 Therapeutic indication 

 

Treatment of severe keratitis in adult patients with dry eye disease, which has not improved despite 

treatment with tear substitutes (see section 5.1). 

 

4.2 Posology and method of administration 

 

Treatment must be initiated by an ophthalmologist or a healthcare professional qualified in 

ophthalmology. 

 

Posology 

 

The recommended dose is one drop once daily to be applied to the affected eye(s) at bedtime. 

Response to treatment should be reassessed at least every 6 months. 

 

If a dose is missed, treatment should be continued on the next day as normal. Patients should be 

advised not to instil more than one drop in the affected eye(s). 

 

Special populations 

 

Elderly patients 

The elderly population has been studied in clinical studies. No dose adjustment is required. 

 

Patients with renal or hepatic impairment 

The effect of ciclosporin has not been studied in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. However, 

no special considerations are needed in these populations. 

 



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Paediatric population 

There is no relevant use of ciclosporin in children and adolescents aged below 18 in the treatment of 

severe keratitis in patients with dry eye disease, which has not improved despite treatment with tear 

substitutes. 

 

Method of administration 

 

Ocular use. 

 

Precautions to be taken before administering the medicinal product 

Patients should be instructed to first wash their hands. 

Prior to administration, the single-dose container should be gently shaken. 

 

For single use only. Each single-dose container is sufficient to treat both eyes. Any unused emulsion 

should be discarded immediately. 

 

Patients should be instructed to use nasolacrimal occlusion and to close the eyelids for 2 minutes after 

instillation, to reduce the systemic absorption. This may result in a decrease in systemic undesirable 

effects and an increase in local activity.  

 

If more than one topical ophthalmic medicinal product is being used, the medicinal products must be 

administered at least 15 minutes apart. IKERVIS should be administered last (see section 4.4). 

 

4.3 Contraindications 

 

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. 

Ocular or peri-ocular malignancies or premalignant conditions. 

Active or suspected ocular or peri-ocular infection. 

 

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 

 

IKERVIS has not been studied in patients with a history of ocular herpes and should therefore be used 

with caution in such patients. 

 

Contact lenses 

Patients wearing contact lenses have not been studied. Careful monitoring of patients with severe 

keratitis is recommended. Contact lenses should be removed before instillation of the eye drops at 

bedtime and may be reinserted at wake-up time. 

 

Concomitant therapy 

There is limited experience with ciclosporin in the treatment of patients with glaucoma. Regular 

clinical monitoring should be exercised when treating these patients concomitantly with IKERVIS, 

especially with beta-blockers which are known to decrease tear secretion. 

 

Effects on the immune system 

Ophthalmic medicinal products, which affect the immune system, including ciclosporin, may affect 

host defences against local infections and malignancies. Therefore, regular examination of the eye(s) is 

recommended, e.g. at least every 6 months, when IKERVIS is used for years. 

 

Cetalkonium chloride content 

IKERVIS contains cetalkonium chloride. Contact lenses should be removed prior to application and 

may be reinserted at wake-up time. Cetalkonium chloride may cause eye irritation. Patients should be 

monitored in case of prolonged use. 



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4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 

 

No interaction studies have been performed with IKERVIS. 

 

Combination with other medicinal products that affect the immune system 

 

Co-administration of IKERVIS with eye drops containing corticosteroids could potentiate the effects 

of ciclosporin on the immune system (see section 4.4). 

 

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 

 

Women of childbearing potential/contraception in females 

 

IKERVIS is not recommended in women of childbearing potential not using effective contraception.  

 

Pregnancy 

 

There is no data from the use of IKERVIS in pregnant women.  

 

Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity following systemic administration of ciclosporin 

at exposure considered sufficiently in excess of the maximum human exposure indicating little 

relevance to the clinical use of IKERVIS. 

 

IKERVIS is not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefit to the mother outweighs 

the potential risk to the foetus. 

 

Breast-feeding 

 

Following oral administration, ciclosporin is excreted in breast milk. There is insufficient information 

on the effects of ciclosporin in newborns/infants. However, at therapeutic doses of ciclosporin in eye 

drops, it is unlikely that sufficient amounts would be present in breast milk. A decision must be made 

whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from IKERVIS therapy taking into 

account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.  

 

Fertility 

 

There is no data on the effects of IKERVIS on human fertility.  

No impairment of fertility has been reported in animals receiving intravenous ciclosporin (see 

section 5.3). 

 

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 

 

IKERVIS has moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. 

 

This medicinal product may induce temporary blurred vision or other visual disturbances which may 

affect the ability to drive or use machines (see section 4.8). Patients should be advised not to drive or 

use machines until their vision has cleared. 

 

  



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4.8 Undesirable effects 

 

Summary of the safety profile 

 

The most common adverse reactions are eye pain (19.0%), eye irritation (17.5%), ocular hyperaemia 

(5.5%), lacrimation increased (4.9%) and eyelid erythema (1.7%) which are usually transitory and 

occurred during instillation.These adverse reactions are consistent with those that have been reported 

during post-marketing experience. 

 

Tabulated list of adverse reactions 

 

The following adverse reactions listed below were observed in clinical studies or during post-

marketing experience. They are ranked according to system organ class and classified according to the 

following convention: very common (1/10), common (1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (1/1,000 to 
<1/100), rare (1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), or not known (cannot be estimated from 
the available data). 

 

System Organ Class Frequency Adverse reactions 

Infections and 

infestations 

Uncommon Keratitis bacterial, 

Herpes zoster ophthalmic. 

Eye disorders Very 

common 

Eye pain, 

Eye irritation 

Common Erythema of eyelid, 

Lacrimation increased, 

Ocular hyperaemia, 

Vision blurred, 

Eyelid oedema, 

Conjunctival hyperaemia, 

Eye pruritus 

Uncommon Conjunctival oedema, 

Lacrimal disorder, 

Eye discharge, 

Conjunctival irritation, 

Conjunctivitis, 

Foreign body sensation in eyes, 

Deposit eye, 

Keratitis, 

Blepharitis, 

Chalazion, 

Corneal infiltrates, 

Corneal scar, 

Eyelid pruritus, 

Iridocyclitis. 

Ocular discomfort 

General disorders and 

administration site 

conditions 

Uncommon Instillation site reaction 

Nervous system 

disorders 

Uncommon Headache 

 

  



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Description of selected adverse reactions 

 

Eye pain 

A frequently reported local adverse reaction associated with the use of IKERVIS during clinical trials. 

It is likely to be attributable to ciclosporin. 

 

Generalised and localised infections 

Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies, including ciclosporin, are at increased risk of 

infections. Both generalised and localised infections can occur. Pre-existing infections may also be 

aggravated (see section 4.3). Cases of infections have been reported uncommonly in association with 

the use of IKERVIS. 

As precautionary measure, action should be taken to reduce the systemic absorption (see section 4.2). 

 

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 

 

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 

allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 

professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 

listed in Appendix V. 

 

4.9 Overdose 

 

A topical overdose is not likely to occur after ocular administration. If overdose with IKERVIS occurs, 

treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. 

 

 

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 

 

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties 

 

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Ophthalmologicals, other ophthalmologicals, ATC code: S01XA18. 

 

Mechanism of action and pharmacodynamic effects 

 

Ciclosporin (also known as ciclosporin A) is a cyclic polypeptide immunomodulator with 

immunosuppressant properties. It has been shown to prolong survival of allogeneic transplants in 

animals and significantly improved graft survival in all types of solid organ transplantation in man. 

Ciclosporin has also been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Studies in animals suggest that 

ciclosporin inhibits the development of cell-mediated reactions. Ciclosporin has been shown to inhibit 

the production and/or release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 2 (IL-2) or T-cell 

growth factor (TCGF). It is also known to up-regulate the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. 

Ciclosporin appears to block the resting lymphocytes in the G0 or G1 phase of the cell cycle. All 

available evidence suggests that ciclosporin acts specifically and reversibly on lymphocytes and does 

not depress haematopoiesis or has any effect on the function of phagocytic cells. 

In patients with dry eye disease, a condition that may be considered to have an inflammatory 

immunological mechanism, following ocular administration, ciclosporin is passively absorbed into T-

lymphocyte infiltrates in the cornea and conjunctiva and inactivates calcineurin phosphatase. 

Ciclosporin-induced inactivation of calcineurin inhibits the dephosphorylation of the transcription 

factor NF-AT and prevents NF-AT translocation into the nucleus, thus blocking the release of pro-

inflammatory cytokines such as IL-2. 

 

  

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


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Clinical efficacy and safety 

 

The efficacy and safety of IKERVIS were evaluated in two randomised, double-masked, vehicle-

controlled clinical studies in adult patients with dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) who met 

the International Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) criteria. 

 

In the 12 month, double-masked, vehicle controlled, pivotal clinical trial (SANSIKA study), 246 Dry 

Eye Disease (DED) patients with severe keratitis (defined as a corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) 

score of 4 on the modified Oxford scale) were randomised to one drop of IKERVIS or vehicle daily at 

bedtime for 6 months. Patients randomised to the vehicle group were switched to IKERVIS after 

6 months. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving by month 6 at least a two-

grade improvement in keratitis (CFS) and a 30% improvement in symptoms, measured with the 

Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). The proportion of responders in the IKERVIS group was 

28.6%, compared to 23.1% in the vehicle group. The difference was not statistically significant 

(p=0.326). 

The severity of keratitis, assessed using CFS, improved significantly from baseline at month 6 with 

IKERVIS compared to vehicle (mean change from baseline was -1.764 with IKERVIS vs. -1.418 with 

vehicle, p=0.037). The proportion of IKERVIS-treated patients with a 3-grade improvement in CFS 

score at month 6 (from 4 to 1) was 28.8%, compared to 9.6% of vehicle-treated subjects, but this was a 

post-hoc analysis, which limits the robustness of this outcome. The beneficial effect on keratitis was 

maintained in the open phase of the study, from month  6 and up to month 12. 

The mean change from baseline in the 100-point OSDI score was -13.6 with IKERVIS and -14.1 with 

vehicle at month 6 (p=0.858). In addition, no improvement was observed for IKERVIS compared to 

vehicle at month 6 for other secondary endpoints, including ocular discomfort score, Schirmer test, use 

of concomitant artificial tears, investigator’s global evaluation of efficacy, tear break-up time, 
lissamine green staining, quality of life score, and tear osmolarity. 

A reduction in the ocular surface inflammation assessed with Human Leukocyte Antigen-DR (HLA-

DR) expression (an exploratory endpoint), was observed at month 6 in favour of IKERVIS (p=0.021). 

 

In the 6 month, double-masked, vehicle controlled, supportive clinical trial (SICCANOVE study), 

492 DED patients with moderate to severe keratitis (defined as a CFS score of 2 to 4) were also 

randomised to IKERVIS or vehicle daily at bedtime for 6 months. The co-primary endpoints were the 

change in CFS score, and the change in global score of ocular discomfort unrelated to study 

medication instillation, both measured at month 6. A small but statistically significant difference in 

CFS improvement was observed between the treatment groups at month 6 in favour of IKERVIS 

(mean change from baseline in CFS -1.05 with IKERVIS and -0.82 with vehicle, p=0.009).  

The mean change from baseline in ocular discomfort score (assessed using a Visual Analogic Scale) 

was -12.82 with IKERVIS and -11.21 with vehicle (p=0.808). 

 

In both studies, no significant improvement of symptoms was observed for IKERVIS compared to 

vehicle after 6 months of treatment, whether using a visual analogue scale or the OSDI.  

 

In both studies one third of the patients in average had Sjögren’s syndrome; as for the overall 
population, a statistically significant improvement in CFS in favour of IKERVIS was observed in this 

subgroup of patients. 

 

At completion of the SANSIKA study (12 month study), patients were asked to enter the Post 

SANSIKA study. This study was an open-label, non-randomised, one-arm, 24-month study extension 

of the Sansika Study. In Post SANSIKA study patients alternatively received IKERVIS treatment or 

no treatment depending on CFS score (patients received IKERVIS when there was a worsening of 

keratitis). 

This study was designed to monitor the long-term efficacy and relapse rates in patients who have 

previously received IKERVIS. 



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The primary objective of the study was to assess the duration of the improvement following IKERVIS 

treatment discontinuation once the patient was improved with respect to the baseline of the SANSIKA 

study (i.e. at least 2 grade improvement on the modified Oxford scale). 

67 patients were enrolled (37.9% of the 177 patients having ended Sansika). After the 24-month 

period, 61.3% of 62 patients included in the primary efficacy population did not experience a relapse 

based on CFS scores. Percentage of patients who experienced a severe keratitis recurrence was 35% 

and 48% in patients treated 12 months and 6 months with IKERVIS respectively in the SANSIKA 

study. 

Based on the first quartile (the median could not be estimated due to the small number of relapses), 

time to relapse (back to CFS grade 4) was ≤224 days and ≤175 days in patients previously treated 
12 months and 6 months with IKERVIS, respectively. Patients spent more time on CFS grade 2 

(Median 12.7 weeks/year) and grade 1 (Median 6.6 weeks/year) than CFS grade 3 (Median 2.4 

weeks/year), CFS grades 4 and 5 (Median time 0 week/year).  

Assessment of DED symptoms by VAS showed a worsening of patient’s discomfort from the time 
treatment was first stopped to the time it was restarted except pain which remained relatively low and 

stable. The median global VAS score increased from the time treatment was first stopped (23.3%) to 

the time treatment was restarted (45.1%). 

No significant changes have been observed in the other secondary endpoints (TBUT, lissamine green 

staining and Schirmer test, NEI-VFQ and EQ-5D) over the course of the extension study. 

 

Paediatric population 

 

The European Medicines Agency has waived the obligation to submit the results of studies with 

IKERVIS in all subsets of the paediatric population in dry eye disease (see section 4.2 for information 

on paediatric use). 

 

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 

 

Formal pharmacokinetic studies have not been conducted in humans with IKERVIS. 

 

Blood concentrations of IKERVIS were measured using a specific high-pressure liquid 

chromatography-mass spectrometry assay. In 374 patients from the two efficacy studies, plasma 

concentrations of ciclosporin were measured before administration and after 6 months (SICCANOVE 

study and SANSIKA study) and 12 months of treatment (SANSIKA study). After 6 months of ocular 

instillation of IKERVIS once per day, 327 patients had values below the lower limit of detection 

(0.050 ng/mL) and 35 patients were below the lower limit of quantification (0.100 ng/mL). 

Measurable values not exceeding 0.206 ng/mL were measured in eight patients, values considered to 

be negligible. Three patients had values above the upper limit of quantification (5 ng/mL) however 

they were already taking oral ciclosporin at a stable dose, which was allowed by the studies’ protocol. 
After 12 months of treatment, values were below the low limit of detection for 56 patients and below 

the low limit of quantification in 19 patients. Seven patients had measurable values (from 0.105 to 

1.27 ng/mL), all considered to be negligible values. Two patients had values above the upper limit of 

quantification, however they were also on oral ciclosporin at a stable dose since their inclusion in the 

study. 

 

5.3 Preclinical safety data 

 

Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety 

pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, phototoxicity and photoallergy, genotoxicity, carcinogenic 

potential, toxicity to reproduction and development. 

 



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Effects in non-clinical studies were observed only with systemic administration or at exposures 

considered sufficiently in excess of the maximum human exposure indicating little relevance to 

clinical use. 

 

 

6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 

 

6.1 List of excipients 

 

Medium-chain triglycerides 

Cetalkonium chloride 

Glycerol 

Tyloxapol 

Poloxamer 188 

Sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment) 

Water for injections 

 

6.2 Incompatibilities 

 

Not applicable. 

 

6.3 Shelf life 

 

3 years. 

 

6.4 Special precautions for storage 

 

Do not freeze. 

After opening of the aluminium pouches, the single-dose containers should be kept in the pouches in 

order to protect from light and avoid evaporation. 

Any opened individual single-dose container with any remaining emulsion should be discarded 

immediately after use. 

 

6.5 Nature and contents of container 

 

IKERVIS is supplied in 0.3 mL single-dose, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containers presented in 

a sealed laminate aluminium pouch. 

One pouch contains five single-dose containers.  

 

Pack sizes: 30 and 90 single-dose containers. 

Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 

 

6.6 Special precautions for disposal 

 

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 

requirements. 

 

 

7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

SANTEN Oy 

Niittyhaankatu 20 

33720 Tampere 



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Finland 

 

 

8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBERS  

 

EU/1/15/990/001 

EU/1/15/990/002 

 

 

9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 

 

Date of first authorisation: 19 March 2015 

Date of latest renewal: 09 March 2020 

 

 

10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 

 

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 

Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu. 

 

  

http://www.ema.europa.eu/


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ANNEX II 

 

A. MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH 

RELEASE 

 

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY 

AND USE 

 

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 

MARKETING AUTHORISATION 

 

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO 

THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL 

PRODUCT 

  



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A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 

 

Name and address of the manufacturer(s) responsible for batch release 

 

EXCELVISION 

27 RUE DE LA LOMBARDIERE, ZI LA LOMBARDIERE 

07100 ANNONAY 

France 

 

SANTEN Oy 

Kelloportinkatu 1 

33100 Tampere 

Finland 

 

The printed package leaflet of the medicinal product must state the name and address of the 

manufacturer responsible for the release of the concerned batch. 

 

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE  

 

Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (see Annex I: Summary of Product 

Characteristics, section 4.2). 

 

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 

AUTHORISATION 

 

 Periodic safety update reports (PSURs) 
 

The requirements for submission of PSURs for this medicinal product are set out in the list of 

Union reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 2001/83/EC 

and any subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal. 

 

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

 Risk management plan (RMP) 
 

The marketing authorisation holder (MAH) shall perform the required pharmacovigilance 

activities and interventions detailed in the agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the 

marketing authorisation and any agreed subsequent updates of the RMP. 

 

An updated RMP should be submitted: 

 At the request of the European Medicines Agency; 
 Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new information 

being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or as the result of 

an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being reached. 

 

 

 

 

 



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ANNEX III 

 

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 

  



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A. LABELLING 

  



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PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING 

 

OUTER CARTON 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

IKERVIS 1 mg/mL eye drops, emulsion 

ciclosporin  

 

2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE 

 

1 mL of emulsion contains 1 mg of ciclosporin. 

 

3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 

 

Excipients: medium-chain triglycerides, cetalkonium chloride, glycerol, tyloxapol, poloxamer 188, 

sodium hydroxide and water for injections. 

See leaflet for further information. 

 

4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 

 

Eye drops, emulsion. 

30 single-dose containers 

90 single-dose containers 

 

5. METHOD AND ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

Read the package leaflet before use. 

Ocular use. 

Single use only. 

 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 

 

Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 

 

Remove contact lenses before use. 

 

8. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

Discard any opened individual single-dose container with any remaining emulsion immediately after 

use. 

 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 

 

Do not freeze. 

 



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10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 

APPROPRIATE 

 

 

11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

SANTEN Oy 

Niittyhaankatu 20 

33720 Tampere 

Finland 

 

12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBERS  

 

EU/1/15/990/001 30 single-dose containers 

EU/1/15/990/002 90 single-dose containers 

 

13. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 

 

 

15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 

 

 

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 

 

ikervis 

 

 

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 

2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 

 

 

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 

 

PC 

SN 

NN 

 

 

  



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MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 

 

POUCH LABEL 

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 

IKERVIS 1 mg/mL eye drops, emulsion 

ciclosporin 

 

2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 

 

SANTEN Oy 

 

3. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

4. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

5. OTHER 

 

Ocular use. 

5 single-dose containers. 

Single use only. 

Do not freeze. 

See leaflet for further information. 

After opening of the aluminium pouches, the single-dose containers should be kept in the pouches in 

order to protect from light and avoid evaporation. 

Discard any opened individual single-dose container with any remaining emulsion immediately after 

use. 

 



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MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS 

 

SINGLE-DOSE CONTAINER LABEL  

 

 

1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

IKERVIS 1 mg/mL eye drops, emulsion 

ciclosporin 

Ocular use 

 

2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION 

 

 

3. EXPIRY DATE 

 

EXP 

 

4. BATCH NUMBER 

 

Lot 

 

 

5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT 

 

0.3 mL 

 

6. OTHER 

 

 

 

  



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B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 



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Package leaflet: Information for the patient 

 

IKERVIS 1 mg/mL, eye drops, emulsion 

ciclosporin 

 

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains 

important information for you. 

- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.  

- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 

- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours. 

- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side 

effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4. 

 

What is in this leaflet 

 

1. What IKERVIS is and what it is used for 

2. What you need to know before you use IKERVIS 

3. How to use IKERVIS 

4. Possible side effects 

5. How to store IKERVIS 

6. Contents of the pack and other information 

 

 

1. What IKERVIS is and what it is used for 

 

IKERVIS contains the active substance, ciclosporin. Ciclosporin belongs to a group of medicines 

known as immunosuppressive agents that are used to reduce inflammation. 

 

IKERVIS is used to treat adults with severe keratitis (inflammation of the cornea, the transparent layer 

in the front part of the eye). It is used in those patients who have dry eye disease, which has not 

improved despite treatment with tear substitutes (artificial tears). 

 

Talk to a doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse. 

 

You should visit your doctor at least every 6 months to assess the effect of IKERVIS. 

 

 

2. What you need to know before you use IKERVIS 

 

Do NOT use IKERVIS 

- if you are allergic to ciclosporin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in 

section 6). 

- if you have had or have a cancer in or around your eye. 

- if you have an eye infection. 

 

Warnings and precautions 

Only use IKERVIS for dropping in your eye(s). 

 

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using IKERVIS 

- if you have previously had an eye infection by the herpes virus that might have damaged the 

transparent front part of the eye (cornea). 

- if you are taking any medicines containing steroids. 

- if you are taking any medicines to treat glaucoma. 

 



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Contact lenses can further damage the transparent front part of the eye (cornea). Therefore, you should 

remove your contact lenses at bedtime before using IKERVIS; you can reinsert them when you wake 

up. 

 

Children and adolescents 

IKERVIS should not be used in children and adolescents below 18 years old. 

 

Other medicines and IKERVIS 

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines. 

 

Talk to your doctor if you are using eye drops containing steroids with IKERVIS as these might 

increase the risk of side effects. 

 

IKERVIS eye drops should be used at least 15 minutes after any other eye drops are used. 

 

Pregnancy and breast-feeding 

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask 

your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine. 

 

IKERVIS should not be used if you are pregnant. 

 

If you could become pregnant you must use contraception while using this medicine. 

 

IKERVIS is likely to be present in breast milk in very small amounts. If you are breast feeding talk to 

your doctor before using this medicine. 

 

Driving and using machines 

Your vision may be blurred immediately after using IKERVIS eye drops. If this happens, wait until 

your vision clears before you drive or use machines. 

 

IKERVIS contains cetalkonium chloride 

This medicine contains 0.05 mg cetalkonium chloride in 1 mL. You should remove contact lenses 

before using this medicine and you can reinsert them when you wake up. Cetalkonium chloride may 

cause eye irritation. If you feel abnormal eye sensation, stinging or pain in the eye after using this 

medicine, talk to your doctor. 

 

 

3. How to use IKERVIS 

 

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor 

or pharmacist if you are not sure.  

 

The recommended dose is one drop in each affected eye, once daily at bedtime. 

 

Instructions for use 

Follow these instructions carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is anything you do not 

understand. 

 



22 

    

 1 2 3 

 

 Wash your hands. 
 If you wear contact lenses, take them out at bedtime before using the drops; you can reinsert 

them when you wake up. 

 Open the aluminium pouch, which contains 5 single-dose containers. 
 Take one single-dose container from the aluminium pouch. 
 Gently shake the single dose container prior to use. 
 Twist off the cap (picture 1). 
 Pull down your lower eyelid (picture 2). 
 Tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling. 
 Gently squeeze one drop of the medicine onto your eye. Make sure you do not touch your eye 

with the tip of the single-dose container. 

 Blink a few times so that the medicine covers your eye. 
 After using IKERVIS, press a finger into the corner of your eye by the nose and close gently 

the eyelids for 2 minutes (picture 3). This helps to stop IKERVIS getting into the rest of the 

body. 

 If you use drops in both eyes, repeat the steps for your other eye. 
 Discard the single dose container as soon as you have used it, even if there is still some liquid 

left in it. 

 The remaining single-dose containers should be kept in the aluminium pouch. 
 

If a drop misses your eye, try again. 

 

If you use more IKERVIS than you should, rinse your eye with water. Do not put in any more drops 

until it is time for your next regular dose. 

 

If you forget to use IKERVIS, continue with the next dose as planned. Do not use a double dose to 

make up for the forgotten dose. Do not use more than one drop each day in the affected eye(s). 

 

If you stop using IKERVIS without speaking to your doctor, the inflammation of the transparent 

front part of your eye (known as keratitis) will not be controlled and could lead to impaired vision. 

 

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 

 

 

4. Possible side effects 

 

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 

 

The following side effects have been reported: 

 

The most common side effects are in and around the eyes. 

 

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) 

- Eye pain, 



23 

- Eye irritation 

 

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) 

- Redness of the eyelid, 

- Watery eyes, 

- Eye redness, 

- Blurred vision, 

- Swelling of the eyelid, 

- Redness of the conjunctiva (thin membrane covering the front part of the eye), 

- Itching in the eye 

 

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) 

- Discomfort in or around the eye when the drops are put into the eye, including feeling that there 

is something in the eye, 

- Irritation or swelling of the conjunctiva (thin membrane covering the front part of the eye), 

- Tear disorder, 

- Eye discharge, 

- Irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva (thin membrane covering the front part of the eye), 

- Inflammation of the iris (coloured part of the eye) or eyelid, 

- Deposits in the eye, 

- Abrasion to the outer layer of the cornea, 

- Red or swollen eyelids, 

- Cyst in the eyelid, 

- Immune response or scarring in the cornea, 

- Itching in the eyelid, 

- Bacterial infection or inflammation of the cornea (transparent front part of the eye), 

- Painful rash around the eye caused by the herpes zoster virus, 

- Headache 

 

Reporting of side effects 

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects 

not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system 

listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of 

this medicine. 

 

 

5. How to store IKERVIS 

 

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 

 

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the outer carton, the aluminium pouch 

and on the single-dose containers after “EXP”. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 
 

Do not freeze. 

After opening of the aluminium pouches, the single-dose containers should be kept in the pouches in 

order to protect from light and avoid evaporation. Discard any opened individual single-dose container 

with any remaining emulsion immediately after use. 

 

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 

throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 

 

 

  

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


24 

6. Contents of the pack and other information 

 

What IKERVIS contains  

- The active substance is ciclosporin. One millilitre of IKERVIS contains 1 mg of ciclosporin. 

- The other ingredients are medium-chain triglycerides, cetalkonium chloride, glycerol, tyloxapol, 

poloxamer 188, sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment) and water for injections. 

 

What IKERVIS looks like and contents of the pack 

IKERVIS is a milky white eye drops emulsion. 

 

It is supplied in single-dose containers made of a low-density polyethylene (LDPE). 

Each single-dose container contains 0.3 mL eye drops, emulsion. 

The single-dose containers are wrapped in a sealed aluminium pouch. 

 

Pack sizes: 30 and 90 single-dose containers. 

Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 

 

Marketing Authorisation Holder 

SANTEN Oy 

Niittyhaankatu 20 

33720 Tampere 

Finland 

 

Manufacturer 

EXCELVISION 

Rue de la Lombardière 

ZI la Lombardière 

F-07100 Annonay 

France 

 

SANTEN Oy 

Kelloportinkatu 1 

33100 Tampere 

Finland 

 

For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 

Authorisation Holder: 

 

België/Belgique/Belgien 

Santen Oy 

Tél/Tel : +32 (0) 24019172 

Lietuva 

Santen Oy 

Tel: +370 37 366628 

 

България 
Santen Oy 

Teл.: +359 (0) 888 755 393 
 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 

Santen Oy 

Tél/Tel: +352 (0) 27862006 

 

Česká republika 
Santen Oy 

Tel: +420 234 102 170 

Magyarország 

Santen Oy 

Tel.: +36 (06) 16777305 

 

Danmark 

Santen Oy 

Tlf: +45 78737843 

 

Malta 

Santen Oy  

Tel: + 358 (0) 3 284 8111 

 

  



25 

Deutschland 

Santen GmbH 

Tel: +49 (0) 3030809610 

Nederland 

Santen Oy  

Tel: +31 (0) 207139206 

 

Eesti 

Santen Oy  

Tel: +372 5067559 

 

Norge 

Santen Oy 

Tlf: +47 21939612 

 

Ελλάδα 
Santen Oy  

Τηλ: + 358 (0) 3 284 8111 
 

Österreich 

Santen Oy 

Tel: +43 (0) 720116199 

 

España 

Santen Pharmaceutical Spain S.L. 

Tel: + 34 914 142 485 

 

Polska 

Santen Oy 

Tel.: +48 (0) 221168608 

 

France 

Santen 

Tél: +33 (0) 1 70 75 26 84 

 

Portugal 

Santen Oy 

Tel: + 351 308 805 912 

 

Hrvatska 

Santen Oy 

Tel: + 358 (0) 3 284 8111 

 

România 

Santen Oy 

Tel: +40 (0) 316300603 

 

Ireland 

Santen Oy 

Tel: + 353 (0) 16950008 

 

Slovenija 

Santen Oy 

Tel: + 358 (0) 3 284 8111 

 

Ísland 

Santen Oy 

Sími: + 358 (0) 3 284 8111 

 

Slovenská republika 

Santen Oy  

Tel: +421 (01) 23 332 5519 

 

Italia 

Santen Italy S.r.l. 

Tel: +39 0236009983 

 

Suomi/Finland 

Santen Oy 

Puh/Tel: +358 (0) 974790211 

 

Κύπρος 
Santen Oy  

Τηλ: + 358 (0) 3 284 8111 
 

Sverige 

Santen Oy 

Tel: +46 (0) 850598833 

 

Latvija 

Santen Oy  

Tel: +371 677 917 80 

United Kingdom 

Santen UK Limited 

Tel: + 44 (0) 345 075 4863 

 

 

This leaflet was last revised in  

 

 

Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 

http://www.ema.europa.eu. 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/

	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET