difluprednate ophthalmic
What is the most important information I should know about difluprednate ophthalmic?
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You should not use this medication if you are allergic to difluprednate, or if you have any type of viral or fungal eye infection, ocular herpes, or an untreated infection in your eye or elsewhere, including chickenpox. |
Before using difluprednate ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have herpes. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use difluprednate.
Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Do not stop using difluprednate suddenly without first talking to your doctor. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment with difluprednate ophthalmic.
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Do not wear any contact lens that has not been approved by your doctor. |
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Do not use difluprednate ophthalmic while you are wearing regular contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause discoloration. Wait at least 15 minutes after using difluprednate before putting your contact lenses in. |
Do not use any other eye medications unless your doctor has prescribed them.
What is difluprednate ophthalmic?
Difluprednate is a steroid medicine. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
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Difluprednate ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to treat eye swelling caused by surgery. |
Difluprednate ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive difluprednate ophthalmic?
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You should not use this medication if you are allergic to difluprednate, or if you have any type of infection, especially: |
- a fungal or bacterial eye infection;
- any type of viral eye infection, such as ocular herpes; or
- an untreated infection in your eye or elsewhere, including chickenpox.
Before using difluprednate ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have herpes. You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use difluprednate.
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FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. |
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It is not known whether difluprednate ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
How should I use difluprednate ophthalmic?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Difluprednate ophthalmic is usually given 4 times per day beginning 24 hours after your surgery and continuing for 2 weeks. After the first 2 weeks, your dose may be decreased to 2 times per day for 1 week or longer. Follow your doctor's instructions.
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Wash your hands before using the eye drops. |
To apply the eye drops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
- Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
- Use the eye drops only in the eye you are having surgery on.
- Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
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Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 days of treatment with difluprednate ophthalmic. |
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Do not stop using difluprednate suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. |
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your eyes may need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
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Store this medication at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. |
What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. |
An overdose of difluprednate is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid after I receive difluprednate ophthalmic?
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Do not wear any contact lens that has not been approved by your doctor. |
Do not use difluprednate ophthalmic while you are wearing regular contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause discoloration. Wait at least 15 minutes after using difluprednate before putting your contact lenses in.
Do not use any other eye medications unless your doctor has prescribed them.
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Difluprednate can cause side effects that may impair your vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to see clearly. |
What are the possible side effects of difluprednate ophthalmic?
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Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
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Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as: |
- pain behind your eyes, sudden vision changes, severe headache;
- sudden eye irritation;
- blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; or
- signs of new eye infection, such as swelling, draining, or crusting of your eyes.
Less serious side effects may include mild burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes.
- feeling like something is in your eye;
- eyes being more sensitive to light;
- eye pain, itching, or redness; or
- itchy or watery eyes.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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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