Optimmune® Eye Ointment for Dogs

Optimmune is a veterinary eye medicine used to manage canine dry eye. It helps reduce inflammation and supports natural tear production. Ships from Canada to US, so you can access Canadian pricing without insurance.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

What Optimmune Is and How It Works

Optimmune for dogs® contains cyclosporine, an ophthalmic immunomodulator. It targets immune-mediated inflammation of the lacrimal glands. By reducing local immune activity, the ointment can help restore baseline tear flow. Better lubrication may protect the cornea and reduce discharge. This treatment is typically used long term for maintenance.

The formula is designed for the eye surface. It spreads with body heat and stays in contact with the conjunctiva. That residence time supports consistent exposure. Avoid touching the tip to the eye or any surface to keep the tube clean.

For condition education and broader pet care, you may find these helpful: What Is Clavamox and Insulin For Dogs.

Who It’s For

This medicine is intended for dogs diagnosed with immune-mediated keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It may also be used for chronic inflammatory eyelid margins when directed by a veterinarian. Dogs with active eye infections, untreated corneal ulcers, or hypersensitivity to any component should not begin therapy until cleared by a prescriber. Safety in breeding, pregnant, or nursing dogs has not been firmly established. Generic for Optimmune may be suitable when recommended by your veterinarian.

Use only under veterinary supervision. Cats or other animals should not receive this canine-labeled product unless a veterinarian specifically directs otherwise.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your veterinarian’s instructions and the package insert. Typical label guidance uses a small strip of ointment placed into the lower eyelid sac, often twice daily. Wash hands before use. Gently pull down the lower lid to create a pocket. Apply the ribbon of ointment without touching the tip to the eye. Release the lid and allow your dog to blink to spread the film. Wipe excess from fur with a clean tissue.

If your dog uses multiple eye products, separate them. Apply watery solutions first, gels next, and ointments last. Leave several minutes between products so each layer has time to settle. Do not change frequency or stop suddenly without consulting the prescriber, as dryness can return.

If irritation seems to worsen, pause and contact the clinic for guidance. Never share tubes between pets.

Strengths and Forms

This treatment is supplied as an ophthalmic ointment in a small tube. The commonly available tube size is Optimmune 3.5 g. The labeled concentration is 0.2% cyclosporine in an ointment base. Availability may vary by supplier and region.

For broader shopping across pet therapies, see our Pet Medications collection and items sourced from Canada.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, give it when remembered. If it is close to the next planned time, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not apply extra to make up for a missed application. Consistency supports stable tear production.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the tube at room temperature away from direct heat and light. Keep the cap tightly closed and the tip clean. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, place the tube in a protective pouch and pack it in your carry-on. Keep your prescription details with you in case security asks for documentation. Our parcels use temperature-controlled handling when required.

Do not decant the ointment into other containers. Discard if the contents change color or texture. If the tip becomes contaminated, ask your veterinarian whether to replace the tube.

Benefits

As part of chronic dry eye care, this medicine can:

• Support natural tears and surface moisture
• Calm immune-driven inflammation of the lacrimal glands
• Help protect the cornea from dryness-related damage
• Reduce mucus discharge and staining
• Improve comfort and blinking over time

The ointment base adheres to the eye surface. That can reduce application frequency compared with some watery lubricants.

Dogs with multiple conditions may also need other therapies. For example, if your pet has motion sickness issues, your veterinarian might discuss Cerenia®. For orthopedic pain, they may consider options such as Rimadyl®. These are separate conditions and require separate prescriptions.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects may include mild eye redness, temporary stinging, eyelid irritation, watery tearing, or a small increase in discharge when starting. These are usually transient. If swelling of the eyelids, worsening redness, corneal cloudiness, or signs of infection occur, contact the prescriber promptly.

Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible. Dogs with existing eye infections or ulcers need appropriate antimicrobial or ulcer therapy first. Use only as directed by a veterinarian who can monitor the cornea and tear production periodically.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Topical cyclosporine can be used with certain lubricants and, when prescribed, with other ophthalmic agents. If your dog is using topical steroids or antifungals, coordination by the veterinarian is important. Avoid contact with contaminated surfaces. Do not let the tip touch the eye, skin, or hair. If your dog wears a protective collar, confirm it will not interfere with dosing. Report any other medicines, supplements, or eye products your dog uses to the prescriber.

What to Expect Over Time

Dry eye is often a lifelong condition. With steady use, moisture balance may improve, and eyelid comfort can stabilize. The treatment helps maintain tear film quality rather than providing quick, temporary wetting. Your veterinarian may check tear production at follow-up visits. Adherence is key. Setting reminders and pairing dosing with routines can help maintain consistency.

Compare With Alternatives

Veterinarians may consider other prescription immunomodulators when appropriate. Compounded cyclosporine ointment or tacrolimus solutions can be options if a dog does not tolerate the base. Artificial tear gels and lubricating ointments may provide adjunct comfort but do not address immune-mediated tear gland issues alone. Generic for Optimmune may be available from certain suppliers subject to your prescriber’s guidance.

Pricing and Access

See current pricing, upload your prescription, and add this item to your cart. Many pet owners look for Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada to help manage ongoing costs. If you use coupons, check our Promotions page for any current offers. Exact costs depend on supplier availability and your order quantity.

You can complete checkout online and select your preferred fulfilment option at payment. If your veterinarian updates directions, keep the label aligned with that plan.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If the product is not available, your prescriber may recommend a compounded cyclosporine ointment or another immunomodulatory option. We cannot guarantee restock dates. Follow your veterinarian’s advice before switching ophthalmic therapies.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are dogs with confirmed immune-mediated dry eye and intact corneas. Dogs with active infections or ulcers need targeted care before resuming this therapy. Pets with a history of severe ocular allergy or sensitivity to any ingredient may require a different base or a compounded alternative.

To manage costs, consider multi-month refills when your prescription allows. Larger orders can reduce per-shipment fees. Set refill reminders so you do not run out between checkups. Keep your veterinary records handy when you travel, and store the tube properly so you do not waste product.

For additional pet health reading, see Enalapril For Dogs and Pet Diabetes Basics.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Diagnosis details: Is my dog’s dry eye immune-mediated or mixed?
• Application plan: How many times per day should we apply?
• Adjunct care: Which lubricants or antibiotics should we use with this?
• Monitoring: How often should tear tests and corneal checks be done?
• Comfort: What signs suggest irritation or infection that need a visit?
• Alternatives: If intolerance occurs, what other options are reasonable?
• Travel: What storage steps should I follow on trips?

Authoritative Sources

Merck Animal HealthFDA Center for Veterinary MedicineHealth Canada Drug Product Database

Ready to proceed? Add to cart and complete checkout for prompt, express shipping. Always use as directed by your veterinarian. This information is educational and not a substitute for professional advice.