What is Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant?
Fluocinolone is a steroid medication that is used to treat diabetic macular edema. This is fluid buildup in the retina caused by leaky blood vessels. Fluocinolone is also used for the treatment of posterior ureitis. This inflammation affects the rear of the eye. The implant releases fluocinolone slowly into the eye for a period between 30 and 36 months. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of fluocinolone.
Side effects of fluocinolone ophthalmic implant
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
The fluocinolone implant can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, or problems with peripheral vision (side vision);
- Redness of the eye; eye pain or swelling; seeing halos around light
- If you notice that your eyes are bleeding, oozing, or crusting, then it is time to seek medical attention.
- Flashes of light, or "floaters", in your vision
- Cloudiness of the pupil or iris
Fluocinolone Ophthalmic Implant Side Effects:
- Mild eye pain or redness
- Feeling like there is something in your eye
- Headache;
- Your eyes may be more sensitive.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
If you have glaucoma or any other type of infection around or in your eye, including herpes, then fluocinolone should not be used.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- Glaucoma;
- Any type of infection around or in your eye
Use of fluocinolone may increase the risk of cataracts, ultimately necessitating surgery. If you are concerned about this, talk to your doctor.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Glaucoma;
- Herpes simplex
- Cataract surgery;
- A detached retina.
Inform your doctor that you are pregnant. The fluocinolone implant may harm an unborn child if it is received while pregnant. Inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant within 36 months of receiving the implant. Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.
How to take Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant?
The implant will be surgically placed in your eye by a healthcare provider. Your implants will likely be placed twice if both eyes are being treated. This will reduce the risk of infection. Other medications may be prescribed by your doctor to control the pressure in your eyes. The optic nerve can be permanently damaged by increased pressure in the eye, also known as ocular hypertension. These other medications may be needed for several weeks. Follow the instructions of your doctor when taking any medication. Each medication comes with a patient instruction guide or medication guide. You should not stop taking your medication or change the dose without consulting your doctor. It is possible that your vision will temporarily decrease. If your vision has not returned to normal within 4 weeks of the implant being placed, call your doctor. You will need to check your eyes on a regular schedule. Fluocinolone implants will not correct vision issues you may have had prior to receiving the implant.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You will not have to follow a schedule of dosing since the fluocinolone implant is placed surgically.
What happens if I overdose?
You are unlikely to experience an overdose since the fluocinolone implants contain a certain amount of medication.
What should be avoided?
Fluocinolone ophthalmic implants may cause blurred or impaired vision and can also affect your reaction. Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You should only use eye drops prescribed by your doctor. Consult your doctor prior to wearing contact lenses if you have received a fluocinolone implant.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you take are unlikely to affect the medicine used on your eyes. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare provider about the medicines you take, including prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
