IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
FLURBIPROFEN - OPHTHALMIC
(flewr-BIH-pro-fen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ocufen
USES: This medication is used to stop the pupil of the eye from narrowing during eye surgery. Flurbiprofen belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by stopping the release and effects of certain natural substances (prostaglandins) that cause narrowing of the pupil.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used to treat swelling and redness caused by certain eye conditions.
HOW TO USE: For use in surgery, one drop is placed into the eye every 30 minutes beginning 2 hours before surgery (4 drops total) or as directed by your doctor.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Discuss with your doctor when to replace your contact lenses.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.
SIDE EFFECTS: Temporary irritation/burning/stinging of the eye or temporary blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. (See also Precautions section.) Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: severe eye pain.
Tell your doctor immediately if this rare but very serious side effect occurs: bleeding in the eye.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking flurbiprofen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding disorders, a certain virus infection of the eye (herpes simplex keratitis), certain eye problems (corneal erosion, corneal ulceration), asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps).
Vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying eye drops. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires clear vision. Limit alcoholic beverages.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to possible harm to an unborn baby and interference with normal labor/delivery. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: cidofovir.
If you are currently using this medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting flurbiprofen.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other NSAID medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, heparin), other eye medications.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If overdose or swallowing is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from heat and light. Discard this medication if it turns brown or cloudy or contains particles. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.