Q: Where and how are the products manufactured? And where do the ingredients come from?
A: The final product is manufactured and tested in Salt Lake City, UT and is an ISO 13485 certified manufacturer. ISO 13485 is a regulatory standard that certifies the company meets rigorous regulatory requirements and maintains the effectiveness of the QMS (Quality Management System). It demonstrates a commitment to the safety and quality of medical devices.
We purchase medical grade hyaluronic acid that is made by a fermentation process and is free of animal products. It is modified and purified prior to use in ocular formulations. Certificate of analysis for all raw materials are kept at our facility as part of our documentation procedure. Following the final purification, the solution of BioHAnce is sterile filtered and aseptically crosslinked to form the final HA gel product.
Q: Where are lot numbers and expiration dates found?
A: On the back of the carton or on the bottle label
Q: How long after expiration can the product be used?
A: It is not recommended to use any of the products after the expiration date even though there are no active drug ingredients in any of the products. Since there are no efficacy studies after expiration dates, the efficacy cannot be guaranteed. Open products should be discarded after 30 days.
Q: What is different about BioHAnce cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid?
A: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a large water-attracting molecule that is naturally occurring in the body of humans and animals – it’s naturally found in the skin, connective tissue, eyes, and joints and it’s used commercially in skin care products, dermal filler, and supplements. It plays a key role in hydration and tissue lubrication. Rapid degradation of naturally occurring, linear HA has limited its application and effectiveness.
The cross-linked HA in the BioHAnce products is formulated using a unique and patented bioengineering technology that takes linear HA and makes it into a molecular matrix or hydrogel. This cross-linked HA matrix has unique properties that promote prolonged hydration, provide a long-lasting, protective barrier on the eye surface, and provides a stable, protected microenvironment.
Q: Can the HA concentration in other products be directly compared to the concentration in the BioHAnce products?
A: No, HA concentration in other products cannot be directly compared to BioHAnce products. BioHAnce uses a patented, cross-linked HA technology that changes the rheology and viscosity of the formulation, allowing for enhanced hydration and retention. Other products typically use linear HA, which behaves very differently. Because performance depends on both HA structure and formulation characteristics—not just concentration—numerical comparisons are not meaningful.
Q: How long can a bottle of Ocunovis be used for after opening?
A: Ocunovis should be discarded one month after the date of opening since there are no preservatives.
Q: What sets the BioHAnce crosslinking apart from others? Are there any chemical residues?
A: BioHAnce is a patented, filtered product and there are no residual by-products that are toxic or harmful to the eyes.
Q: Can Ocunovis be used at the same time as an antibiotic, steroid, serum, or other treatments?
A: Yes, unless otherwise instructed by a veterinarian. It is recommended to wait at least 5 minutes between applications of eye drops/medications. If the owner struggles with compliance, starting with the highest priority medication/drop is recommended. There is no concern of Ocunovis binding to antibiotics like serum can.
Q: In what order should I apply Ocunovis?
A: Follow the viscosity rule – solutions/drops, gels (such as Ocunovis), then ointments last since they are thickest (unless otherwise instructed by a veterinarian).
Q: Can I use Ocunovis instead of Optimmune or tacrolimus?
A: Ocunovis is a long-lasting artificial tear shown to support pets with eye dryness but does not treat keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye disease) by stimulating tear production or the underlying etiology/cause. It should be used in addition to a tear stimulant such as Optimmune or tacrolimus if needed but may be used alone in cases that would benefit from a long-lasting lubricant as well.
In addition this technology creates a shear thin layer of protection that is less likely to interfere with a pet’s comfort when applied and thus a greater likelihood they will more readily allow future applications.
Q: Can Ocunovis be frozen?
A: No, Ocunovis should not be frozen. It may be refrigerated although this is not required. Allow to warm to room temperature prior to use if refrigerated.
Q: What’s the difference between Ocunovis and Oculenis?
A: Ocunovis is 0.4% cross–linked hyaluronic acid and Oculenis is 0.75% cross-linked hyaluronic acid. The higher concentration forms a hydrogel like matrix to help protect the corneal surface from further mechanical or environmental insult. Ocunovis is ideal for tear supplementation or when a long-lasting lubricant is recommended.
Q:What’s the difference between Oculenis and Oculenis XL?
A: They are both the same 0.75% cross-linked hyaluronic acid, just in two different sizes-Oculenis is 3 ml and Oculenis XL is 10 ml. The packaging may look different as well as we are making some updates.
Q: How long can a bottle of Oculenis be used for after opening?
A: Oculenis should be discarded one month after the date of opening since there are no preservatives.
Q: What sets your crosslinking apart from others? Are there any chemical residues?
A: BioHAnce is a patented, filtered product and there are no residual by-products that are toxic or harmful to the eyes.
Q: Can Oculenis be used at the same time as an antibiotic, steroid, serum, or other products?
A: Yes – it is recommended to wait at least 5 minutes between applications of eye drops/medications. If the owner struggles with compliance, starting with the highest priority medication/drop is recommended. There is no concern of Oculenis binding to antibiotics like serum can.
Q: What order should I apply medications and Oculenis in?
A: Follow the viscosity rule – solutions/drops, gels (such as Oculenis), then ointments last since they are thickest (unless otherwise instructed by a veterinarian).
Q: Can Oculenis be frozen?
A: No, Oculenis should not be frozen. It may be refrigerated although this is not required. Allow to warm to room temperature prior to use if refrigerated.
Q: What type of cases can Oculenis be used on?
A: Oculenis does not contain active pharmaceutical ingredients, there are no preservatives, and there are no components that are typically contraindicated for a majority of ocular conditions. Oculenis’ barrier gel may be useful in the following cases:*
-Superficial ocular injuries such as cuts, abrasions, or scratches
-Traumatic ocular wounds such as lacerations or punctures
-Foreign objects that have perforated or damaged the cornea
-Corneal surgical incisions
-Corneal ulcers
*This is not intended to be used as a comprehensive guide. Oculenis does not contain an antibiotic or anti-collagenase, so each ocular condition/disease should be treated appropriately per veterinarian recommendations.
Q: Is Oculenis a replacement for serum?
A: This depends – if serum is being used for every single ulcer, Oculenis may be a good replacement for uncomplicated ulcers, however in the presence of keratomalacia/melting, an anti-collagenase such as serum, EDTA, or tetracycline (clinician preference) is warranted. Oculenis may still be used in combination with appropriate treatments in melting ulcers.
Q: What’s the difference between Ocunovis and Oculenis?
A: Ocunovis is 0.4% cross–linked hyaluronic acid and Oculenis is 0.75% cross-linked hyaluronic acid. The higher concentration forms a hydrogel like matrix to help protect the corneal surface from further mechanical or environmental insult. Ocunovis is ideal for tear supplementation or when a long-lasting lubricant is recommended.
Q: Can Oculenis be used as a long-term lubricant instead of Ocunovis?
A: Although there is no formal study on this, Oculenis does not contain any preservatives or an active drug ingredient and should not be detrimental or toxic to the eye. Always follow veterinarian recommendations.
Q: How often should Oculenis be applied?
A: Oculenis should be applied at least twice daily to but can be applied more frequently as directed by a veterinarian.
Q: Can Oculenis be used in animal species other than cats, dogs, and horses?
A:The preliminary safety study was done in rabbits, but no other studies were done in other species. Use at veterinarian’s recommendation.
Q: Can Oculenis go through a subpalpebral lavage (SPL) for horses?
A: This has not been directly studied, but Domes Pharma has successfully put Oculenis though a SPL (see video here) and anecdotally multiple ophthalmologists have reported success.
Q: How often does Episanis need to be applied?
A: A single daily application may be sufficient to help enhance healing and closure in fresh, uncomplicated wounds. More complex injuries, irritations or incisions may require further treatment to accelerate closure. Consult your veterinarian.
Q: Do I need to use an antimicrobial with Episanis?
A: It does not contain an antimicrobial, so if infection is a risk or is suspected, appropriate therapy should be initiated alongside Episanis. Episanis should follow the application of other topical medications, and at least 5 minutes should be left between the application of other products and Episanis.
Q: What makes Episanis help to achieve rapid healing?
A: The main component in Episanis is hyaluronic acid (HA), a non-immunogenic molecule found widely throughout human and animal tissues, HA fulfills many biological functions including: promoting wound healing and helping to reduce scarring3, cushioning and lubrication3, maintaining tissue hydration3.
However the rapid degradation of naturally occurring HA in vivo has traditionally limited is clinical applications4. Through advanced technology used in Episanis (BioHAnce) it has become possible to modify HA by crosslinking the molecules. The cross-linked HA in Episanis is more resistant to degradation 4 and thus can last longer while maintaining greater HA availability. It creates a cellular matrix that naturally enhances the animal’s own healing process by optimizing the epithelial cell activity. It also provides a thin coating on the surface of the skin that helps protect the affected area.
3 Chen JWY, Abatangelo G. Functions of hyaluronan in wound repair. Wound Repair and Regeneration 1999; 7:79-89.
4 Yang G, Espandar L, Mamalis N, Prestwich GD. A cross-linked hyaluronan gel accelerates healing of corneal epithelial abrasion and alkali burn injuries in rabbits. Vet Ophthalmol. 2010;13(3) :144–150.
Q: Is Episanis safe?
A: Episanis formulation is based on substances naturally occurring in the body and does not contain preservatives or ingredients that would cause pain or stinging.
Q: How fast does Episanis work or how fast should I see results?
A: This is variable based on the species, type of wound, size and location of the wound being treated. A study was conducted where observations were made every 7 days.1 In this study, the animals had experienced a significant wound or surgery. In a control study that used the gel spray, improvement in wound quality and reduction in size vs control was observed during the first observation. Overall we anticipate Episanis to start supporting rapid healing and improved dermal condition within the first week of application
Q: Can Episanis be used for other skin conditions?
A: Episanis is formulated to promote rapid wound closure. It also supports an enhanced healing process of skin from acute injuries, surgical procedures and common skin irritations in dogs and cats, including: superficial wounds (cuts, scratches and abrasions), traumatic injuries (bites, lacerations and punctures), surgical incisions and hot spots: caused by a condition called acute moist dermatitis. They are itchy, painful skin lesions that result from constant licking, biting, and scratching.
Q: Does Eye Lube Pro contain hyaluronic acid?
A: Yes, Eye Lube Pro contains 0.3% Hyaluronic Acid and carbomer. See product insert for complete list of ingredients.
Q: What is the difference between Eye Lube Pro and other lubricants?
A: Eye Lube Pro contains 20% more hyaluronic acid than OptixCare. It is available in a 20 gram tube, which is larger than many other lubricant options and comes with a precise tip for more accurate dosing.
Q: How often should Eye Lube Pro be applied?
A: For Dry Eyes, Eye Lube Pro should be applied 2-4 times daily or as often as recommended by your veterinarian. For surgery or when the blink reflex is diminished, applied every 30 minutes.
Additional for Eye Lube pro on our Learn More page.
In situations where the blink reflex is reduced, Eye Lube Pro should be applied every thirty minutes.
