This medication is used before certain types of eye
surgery (such as cataract removal). It prevents the pupil of the eye from
narrowing. This effect makes it easier for the doctor to examine the inside
of the eye, to remove the cataract, and to replace it with a new lens.
Flurbiprofen belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
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 drug may also be used for pain, swelling, and
redness after eye surgery.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually every 30 minutes starting 2 hours before surgery
for a total of 4 drops. If you are directed to use this medication after
eye surgery, follow your doctor's instructions.
Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this
medicine. Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer's
directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them
again.
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.
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 1 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.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after
each use.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (for
example, other 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.
This medication is intended for short-term use only. Do
not use this medication more often or for longer than prescribed because
doing so may increase your risk of serious side effects.
Do not use this product if it becomes contaminated (for
example, drops turn cloudy or a dark color). Use of contaminated eye
medication can cause infection, serious damage to the eye, and loss of
vision. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more
information.
If you are instructed to use this medication after eye
surgery, tell your doctor if your symptoms last or get
worse.
Stinging/burning of the eyes for 1 to 2 minutes may
occur when you apply this medication. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor 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 right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- eye pain
- decreased vision
- bleeding in the eye (increased redness in the eye)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- 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.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using flurbiprofen, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (such
as ibuprofen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like thimerosal),
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- asthma (including a history of worsening breathing after
taking aspirin or other NSAIDs)
- growths in the nose (nasal polyps)
- bleeding or clotting problems
- other eye problems (such as cornea problems, dry eye
syndrome, past eye surgeries)
- diabetes
- rheumatoid arthritis
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred or unstable. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs clear vision until you can do it
safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
This medication may increase the risk of bleeding when
used with other drugs that also may cause bleeding. Examples include
anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as
dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, among others.
Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine
labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever
reducers (aspirin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen). These drugs are
similar to flurbiprofen and may increase your risk of side effects if taken
together. However, if your doctor has told you to take low-dose aspirin to
prevent heart attack or stroke (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you
should keep taking the aspirin unless your doctor tells you not to. Ask
your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another eye condition unless told
to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that
case.
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. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light. Keep all
medications 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.