What is Retisert?
Retisert contains fluocinolone. It is a steroid. It stops the release of substances that cause inflammation in the body.Retisert is an ophthalmic device used to treat noninfectious posterior uveitis. This inflammation affects the rear of the eye.Retisert releases fluocinolone slowly into the eye for a period of 30 months.
Warnings
Retisert should not be used if you suffer from glaucoma or any other type of infection around or in your eye, including herpes.Retisert is implanted into the eye surgically. The implants are likely to be placed twice if both eyes need treatment. By doing this, the risk of infection will decrease considerably.Retisert can cause dizziness or blurred vision. Retisert may cause dizziness and blurred vision. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness and the ability to see clearly.You may experience a temporary loss of vision for the first one to four weeks following the implant. If your vision has not returned to normal within 4 weeks, call your doctor. Retisert does not correct any vision problems you may have had prior to receiving the implant (such as nearsightedness or longsightedness).Placement of the implant can increase your chances of developing cataracts and ultimately needing to undergo cataract surgery. Speak to your doctor if this is a concern.
Before you take this drug
Retisert should not be used if:
- Glaucoma;
- Any type of infection around or in your eye
Retisert can increase the risk of cataracts, ultimately necessitating cataract surgery. Discuss any concerns that you have with your doctor.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that you are safe to receive retisert.
- Glaucoma;
- Herpes simplex
- Cataract, surgical,
- A detached retina.
Inform your doctor that you are pregnant. Fluocinolone in the implant may harm an unborn child if used while pregnant. Inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant within 30 months of receiving the implant.
Fluocinolone may cause problems if breast-feeding is attempted. Consult your doctor if there are any risks.
How to take Retisert?
Retisert is implanted in your eye by a healthcare provider. Your implants will likely be placed twice if both eyes are being treated.Reduce risk of infectionOther 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.You may experience a temporary loss of vision for 1 to 4 weeks following the implant. If your vision has not returned to normal after 4 weeks, call your doctor.You will need to check your eyes on a regular basis.Retisert does not correct vision problems that 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 dosages since the implant has been surgically placed.
What happens if I overdose?
You are unlikely to experience an overdose since the implant only contains a certain amount of medication.
What should be avoided?
Retisert can cause blurred vision or affect your reaction. Do not drive or engage in any hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you.You should only use eye drops prescribed by your doctor.Before wearing contact lenses after receiving Retisert, seek advice from your healthcare provider first.
Side effects of Retisert
Retisert can cause symptoms of an allergic reaction. These include itching, difficulty breathing, and swelling on your face, lips, or tongue.
If you experience:
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, or problems with peripheral vision (side vision);
- Red eye, pain or swelling in the eyes, seeing halos when lights are on;
- 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 in the pupil or iris of your eye (colored part)
Retisert may cause side effects such as:
- Mild eye pain or redness
- Do You Believe Something Is Wrong with Your Eyes? If this sounds familiar then there may be something amiss with the lens in question - possibly due to dust particles being trapped therein.
- Headache
- Your eyes may be more sensitive.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
As long as other drugs don't interfere, taking any other medicines should have little to no impact on eye medicine prescribed to you. While interactions are sometimes possible between medications, always inform your healthcare provider of all drugs you take including prescription and over-the-counter remedies, vitamins or herbal products you use.
