This medication is used to treat swelling and pain after
eye surgery. It may also be used to treat a certain serious eye problem
(endogenous anterior uveitis). This medication belongs to a class of drugs
known as corticosteroids.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually 4 times a day.
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.
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before
using eye drops. Wait at least 10 minutes before replacing your contact
lenses.
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. Repeat these steps for your
other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1
drop.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after
each use.
Use this medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Your doctor may direct you to use this medication more often at the
beginning of treatment and then reduce your dose gradually. Do not stop
using this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may
become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly 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.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (for
example, 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.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or does not get
better.
Temporary blurred vision may occur. If this effect lasts
or gets 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.
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods
may result in a new fungal infection. Do not use this medication for longer
than prescribed.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- new or increased eye pain/swelling/discharge/redness
- eye pain/discomfort in bright light
- vision changes
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 difluprednate, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, 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:
- current or past eye infection (including viral infections
such as herpes simplex keratitis)
- cataracts
- glaucoma
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.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if difluprednate 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.
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.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as intraocular pressure)
may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
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.