dexamethasone intravitreal implant

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Pronunciation: DEX a METH a sone IN tra VIT ree al IM plant

Brand: Ozurdex

What is the most important information I should know about dexamethasone intravitreal implant?

You should not receive this implant if you have an eye infection, advanced glaucoma, an artificial lens implanted in your eye, or a history of eye ulcer, surgery, or wound that has injured or removed the lens in your eye.

What is dexamethasone intravitreal implant?

Dexamethasone is a steroid used to treat inflammation.

Dexamethasone intravitreal is an implant injected into the eye to treat swelling that may occur when there is a blockage of certain blood vessels in your eyes.

Dexamethasone intravitreal implant is also used to treat posterior uveitis, inflammation that affects the back part of the eye.

Dexamethasone intravitreal implant may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving dexamethasone intravitreal implant?

You should not receive this implant if you are allergic to dexamethasone, or if you have:

  • an eye infection;
  • advanced glaucoma;
  • an artificial lens implanted in your eye; or
  • a history of eye ulcer, surgery, or wound that has injured or removed the lens in your eye.

To make sure dexamethasone intravitreal is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had herpes infection of the eyes.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Dexamethasone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is dexamethasone intravitreal implant given?

Dexamethasone intravitreal implant will be injected into your eye by healthcare professional in a clinic setting.

After the implant is put in place, you will be watched closely for any swelling, inflammation, or increased pressure in your eye.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since dexamethasone intravitreal is a surgical implant, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since the dexamethasone intravitreal implant contains a specific amount of the medicine, you are not likely to receive an overdose.

What should I avoid after receiving dexamethasone intravitreal implant?

This medicine may cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

What are the possible side effects of dexamethasone intravitreal implant?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • vision problems, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
  • eye redness, increased sensitivity of your eyes to light; or
  • vision changes.

Common side effects may include blurred vision.

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 dexamethasone intravitreal implant?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on dexamethasone used 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 or pharmacist can provide more information about dexamethasone intravitreal 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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