5 mins read

Overview: Ryzumvi is an eye drop used to improve near vision to see close objects. It is also used to shrink the pupils after dilation for an eye exam or procedure. The most common side effects are eye redness or irritation after using it. If you use other eye medicines, talk to your health care provider about how to space their doses apart.

Uses

What is Ryzumvi used for?

Ryzumvi (phentolamine ophthalmic) is commonly used for the following reasons.

  • To treat presbyopia, which is the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on close objects
  • To shrink or constrict the size of the pupil (miosis) after dilation for an eye exam or procedure

Ryzumvi may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Ryzumvi work (mechanism of action)?

Ryzumvi blocks the muscle that opens the pupil, which lets the pupil get smaller. A smaller pupil increases the eye’s depth of focus, which can help with close-up vision. When it is used after dilation for an eye exam or procedure, it helps return the pupil to its normal size.

How is Ryzumvi supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ryzumvi

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.75% ophthalmic solution in single-dose vials

How should I store Ryzumvi?

Ryzumvi should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). It can be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C), for up to 35 days, as long as this does not go past the expiration date on the container. Do not freeze it. 

Keep Ryzumvi in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it. Throw away opened containers right after using them. Each container is for one use. You can use the same vial for both eyes. Any liquid leftover in the container should not be saved for future use.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Ryzumvi?

The most common side effects of Ryzumvi are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Short-term eye irritation
  • Eye redness
  • Change in how things taste

There may be other side effects of Ryzumvi that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Ryzumvi?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Ryzumvi are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ryzumvi may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Ryzumvi and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Ryzumvi?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Ryzumvi.

  • Phentolamine
  • Ryzumvi
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Ryzumvi.

What should I know about Ryzumvi before using it?

Do not use Ryzumvi unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Ryzumvi with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Ryzumvi out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Ryzumvi is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

If you use more than one eye medicine, separate them by at least 5 minutes. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure about when to use your eye medicines.

Eye infections may occur if your eye drops get contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye injury or infections, be careful not to let the tip of the container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use.

Remove contact lenses before using Ryzumvi. Then wait at least 10 minutes before you put your contacts back in.

Ryzumvi comes in single-use containers. These products are preservative-free, which means they can go bad quickly after the container is opened. Use the medicine as prescribed as soon as you open it, then throw away the container. Do not save any leftover medicine.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Ryzumvi?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Ryzumvi is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Eye Problems. Ryzumvi should not be used if you have active eye inflammation, such as uveitis or iritis. Using Ryzumvi with active eye inflammation can lead to eye problems. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Ryzumvi could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Ryzumvi passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Ryzumvi while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Ryzumvi?

For more information about Ryzumvi, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.viatris.com or call them at 800-796-9526.

Interactions

Interactions

Does Ryzumvi interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Ryzumvi and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Ryzumvi.

Does Ryzumvi interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Ryzumvi may interact with other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Ryzumvi?

If you or someone else has used too much Ryzumvi, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Ryzumvi?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.