Dexamethasone (Into the eye)

Introduction:

Dexamethasone (dex-a-METH-a-sone)

Treats an eye disease called macular edema (swelling of the back of the eye). This medicine is a steroid.

Brand Name(s):

Ozurdex

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Implant

• This medicine is an implant that is placed in your eye. It will stay in your eye and does not need to be removed. An eye doctor will give you this medicine in a hospital or clinic setting.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any other eye problems (such as glaucoma or cataracts), or a history of herpes infection of the eye.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may cause serious eye problems. Tell your eye doctor right away if you have a change in vision or the eye becomes red, sensitive to light, or painful. Also, tell your doctor if you feel increased pressure in the eye.
• This medicine may cause temporary blurred vision. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not able to see well.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Bleeding in your eyes.
• Blindness or loss of vision.
• Blurred vision, seeing floating spots, or sensitivity to light.
• Redness of the white part of the eye or inside of the eyelid.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: