fluocinolone ophthalmic implant

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Pronunciation: FLOO oh SIN oh lone off THAL mik IM plant

Brand: Iluvien, Retisert

What is the most important information I should know about fluocinolone ophthalmic implant?

You should not be treated with this medicine if you have glaucoma or any type of infection in or around your eye, or if you are allergic to steroid medicine.

What is fluocinolone ophthalmic implant?

Fluocinolone is a steroid medicine. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Fluocinolone ophthalmic (for the eye) implant is used to treat inflammation within the eye that is caused by disease or infection. The implant slowly releases fluocinolone into the eye over a period of approximately 30 months.

Fluocinolone is not an antibiotic and will not treat an eye infection.

Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

You should not be treated with this medicine if you are allergic to fluocinolone, or if you have:

  • glaucoma;
  • any type of infection in or around your eye; or
  • a history of allergy to a steroid medicine.

The use of 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.

To make sure the fluocinolone implant is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • herpes simplex;
  • cataract surgery; or
  • a detached retina.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. 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 right away if you become pregnant during the 30 months after you receive the implant.

It is not known whether fluocinolone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant put into place?

A healthcare provider will surgically place the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant in your eye. If both eyes will be treated, your 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.

Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

You may need to continue using these other medications for several weeks after receiving the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant, to avoid complications or further surgeries.

For 1 to 4 weeks after receiving the implant, you may have a temporary decrease in vision. Call your doctor if your vision does not return to normal with 4 weeks after your implant was put in place.

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.

Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant will not correct vision problems you had before receiving the implant, such as near-sightedness or far-sightedness.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant is surgically put into place, you will not be on a dosing schedule.

If you miss a dose of any medication you take to control pressure inside your eyes, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since the fluocinolone implant contains a specific amount of the medication, you are not likely to receive an overdose.

What should I avoid after receiving a fluocinolone ophthalmic implant?

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Ask your doctor before wearing contact lenses after receiving the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant.

This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

What are the possible side effects of fluocinolone ophthalmic implant?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • blurred vision, tunnel vision, problems with peripheral (side) vision;
  • eye redness, eye pain or swelling;
  • bleeding, oozing, or crusting of your eyes;
  • cloudiness in your pupil or iris (colored part of your eyes);
  • seeing flashes of light or "floaters" in your vision;
  • seeing halos around lights; or
  • pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

  • mild eye redness, dryness, itching, or irritation;
  • the feeling that something is in your eye;
  • headache, dizziness; or
  • your eyes being more sensitive to light.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect fluocinolone ophthalmic implant?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on fluocinolone implanted in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor can provide more information about fluocinolone ophthalmic implant.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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