Flurbiprofen, Ophthalmic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Generic and brand names: flurbiprofen, ophthalmic; Ocufen Ophthalmic

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used in the eyes before surgery to keep the pupil from contracting.

This medicine may be used for other eye conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• a bleeding disorder
• a viral infection in your eye
• asthma
• nasal polyps
• diabetes
• rheumatoid arthritis
• severe dry eyes

Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking medicine to prevent blood clots. Also talk with your provider if you wear contact lenses.

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless it has been ordered by your healthcare provider. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. If you are using it before surgery, follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully so that your eye is properly prepared for surgery.

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Wash your hands thoroughly before putting medicine in your eyes. Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.

To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. Do not rinse the dropper. After use, put the cap on tightly. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored.

If more than one drop is needed in the same eye, wait 5 minutes between drops.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

Do not use these eyedrops while wearing contact lenses. This medicine may cause redness and burning if you wear soft contact lenses during treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

This medicine may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wearing dark glasses will help lessen your discomfort.

If your symptoms do not improve in a few days or if they get worse, contact your healthcare provider.

Do not use this medicine for other eye problems unless your healthcare provider approves.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe swelling, redness, burning, or itching; skin rash around the eye; blurry vision that lasts more than a few minutes.

Other: Temporary stinging, burning, itching, or discomfort when you use the medicine; headache.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• corticosteroids used in the eyes such as dexamethasone (AK-Dex, Decadron), fluorometholone (Flarex, FML Forte), and prednisolone (AK-Pred. Pred Forte)
• latanoprost (Xalatan)

Other eyedrops may not be effective while you are using this medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you are using any other medicines in your eyes.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.