Retisert (Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Implant) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Retisert

Uveitis »

Introduction

Uveitis (pronounced you-vee-EYE-tis) is basically an inflammation of the eye. The condition involves all inflammatory processes of the middle layers of the eye, also called the uveal tract or uvea. The uvea includes the iris (colored part of the eye), choroid (a thin membrane containing many blood vessels) and ciliary body (the part of the eye that joins these together).

The uvea is very important because its many veins and arteries transport blood to the parts of the eye that are critical for vision.

Learn more about the structures that make up the eye in the article titled " The Amazing Human Eye ."

What Are the Symptoms of Uveitis?

Symptoms of uveitis may include:

Eye redness and irritation
Blurred vision
Eye pain
Increased sensitivity to light ...

Read the Uveitis article »

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Retisert

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Retisert Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving a fluocinolone ophthalmic implant (Retisert)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to fluocinolone, or if you have:

a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of your eye; or
a history of allergy to a steroid medicine.

If you have certain conditions, you may need special tests or other medications after receiving a fluocinolone implant. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

glaucoma;
herpes simplex or other eye infection; or
if you have recently had cataract surgery.

The placement of the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant may increase your risk of developing cataracts and eventually needing cataract surgery. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant is harmful to an unborn baby if you receive the implant while you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the 30 months after you receive the implant.

It is not known whether fluocinolone from the ophthalmic implant passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this implant without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant put into place (Retisert)?

This implant is surgically placed into the eye. If both eyes will be treated, the implants will most likely be placed at two separate times, to decrease your risk of infection in both eyes at the same time.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to help control the pressure inside your eyes. Increased pressure inside the eye (also called ocular hypertension) can damage the optic nerve and lead to permanent blindness.

You may need to use the medications to control pressure inside your eyes for several weeks after receiving the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant. Be sure to use this medication as directed by your doctor to avoid complications or needing further surgical procedures to control ocular hypertension.

To be sure the implant is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your eyes will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

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