This medication is used to treat swelling (inflammation)
and pain in the eye after a certain type of eye surgery (cataract surgery).
Bromfenac belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the effects of
certain natural substances (prostaglandins) that cause pain and
inflammation.
Read the Instructions for Use if available from your
pharmacist before you start using bromfenac and each time you get a refill.
If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually once or twice a day for 2 weeks.
Your doctor may direct you to start using this
medication the day before or the day after your surgery. Place 1 drop into
the affected eye. Carefully follow your doctor's specific
directions.
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.
This medication should not be used while wearing contact
lenses. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before
using eye drops. 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 (such as
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.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
Keep using it for the full time prescribed.
Do not apply this medication more often than prescribed
or keep using it for longer than directed by your doctor. Prolonged use of
bromfenac eye drops may increase the risk of very serious side effects of
the eye.
Temporary irritation/burning/stinging of the eye,
temporary blurred vision, watery eyes, or headache may occur. 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:
- severe pain/redness in the eye
- sensitivity of the eyes to light (photophobia)
- eye discharge
- blurry/abnormal vision
- feeling as if something is in the eye
- itching/redness/pain around the eyes
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
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 bromfenac, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (such as naproxen,
celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients (such as sulfites), 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)
- bleeding disorders
- other eye problems (such as dry eye syndrome, corneal
problems)
- diabetes
- rheumatoid arthritis
- growths in the nose (nasal polyps)
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred. 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
are:
- anti-platelet medications (such as clopidogrel)
- other NSAID medications (such as aspirin, ibuprofen)
- blood thinners (such as warfarin, heparin)
If your doctor has directed you to take low doses of
aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually 81-162 milligrams a
day), you should continue to take the aspirin. Consult 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.
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. 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.