TheraTears Nutrition and Tramadol Hydrochloride

• Generic Name: omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Baciguent, Probiotic Formula, Proferrin-ES

TheraTears Nutrition is an oral omega 3 supplement that supports eye comfort and healthy tears. The ingredients in TheraTears Nutrition include fish oil and organic flaxseed oil for their omega 3 content, and vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are lipids that cannot be made by our body and have to be obtained from our diet and include fats such as omega 3. EFAs are used by the oil glands in our eyelids to make the oily layer of tear film. TheraTears Nutrition provides omega 3 EFAs that may be used by our oil glands to make good quality tears.

Tear film is made up of three layers – an oil layer, a water layer and a mucin layer (helps the tears to stick to the surface of the eye and provides the underlying cornea with nourishment). Tears are vital for the health of our eye and our vision, without sufficient good quality tears, our eyes are at increased risk for infection and damage from foreign particles. Dry eye is a condition that results from poor quality tears. TheraTears Nutrition is recommended for eye conditions such as dry eye.

TheraTears Nutrition also supports oral health, because the salivary gland and tear glands work in a similar way. The omega 3’s in TheraTears Nutrition help with the production of healthy saliva and help with the maintenance of good oral health.

• Generic Name: tramadol
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: ConZip, Ultram, Ultram ER, Rybix ODT, Ryzolt

Conventional tablets: Management of pain that is severe enough to require an opiate analgesic and for which alternative treatment options (e.g., nonopiate analgesics) have not been, or are not expected to be, adequate or tolerated. Efficacy established in patients with moderately severe acute or chronic pain, including postoperative, gynecologic, obstetric, and cancer pain.

Extended-release tablets or capsules: Management of pain that is severe enough to require long-term, daily, around-the-clock use of an opiate analgesic and for which alternative treatment options (e.g., nonopiate analgesics, immediate-release opiates) are inadequate or not tolerated; not indicated for as-needed (“prn”) use. Efficacy established in 2 studies in patients with moderate to moderately severe chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis; several other studies failed to provide adequate evidence of efficacy.

Tramadol/acetaminophen tablets: Short-term (≤5 days) management of acute pain that is severe enough to require an opiate analgesic and for which alternative treatment options (e.g., nonopiate analgesics) have not been, or are not expected to be, adequate or tolerated.

American College of Rheumatology (ACR) states tramadol can be considered in patients with osteoarthritis in whom NSAIAs are contraindicated (e.g., those with renal impairment) or in whom acetaminophen or NSAIAs have not produced an adequate response.

In symptomatic treatment of acute pain, reserve opiate analgesics for pain resulting from severe injuries, severe medical conditions, or surgical procedures, or when nonopiate alternatives for relieving pain and restoring function are expected to be ineffective or are contraindicated. Use smallest effective dosage for shortest possible duration since long-term opiate use often begins with treatment of acute pain. Optimize concomitant use of other appropriate therapies. (See Managing Opiate Therapy for Acute Pain under Dosage and Administration.)

Generally use opiates for management of chronic pain (i.e., pain lasting >3 months or past the time of normal tissue healing ) that is not associated with active cancer treatment, palliative care, or end-of-life care only if other appropriate nonpharmacologic and nonopiate pharmacologic strategies have been ineffective and expected benefits for both pain relief and functional improvement are anticipated to outweigh risks.

If used for chronic pain, opiate analgesics should be part of an integrated approach that also includes appropriate nonpharmacologic modalities (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, functional restoration, exercise therapy, certain interventional procedures) and other appropriate pharmacologic therapies (e.g., nonopiate analgesics, analgesic adjuncts such as selected anticonvulsants and antidepressants for certain neuropathic pain conditions).

Available evidence insufficient to determine whether long-term opiate therapy for chronic pain results in sustained pain relief or improvements in function and quality of life or is superior to other pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic treatments. Use is associated with serious risks (e.g., opiate use disorder, overdose). (See Managing Opiate Therapy for Chronic Noncancer Pain under Dosage and Administration.)