Difluprednate (Into the eye)

Introduction:

Difluprednate (dye-floo-PRED-nate)

Treats eye redness, swelling, and pain caused by eye surgery. This medicine is a corticosteroid (steroid).

Brand Name(s):

Durezol

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• Do not touch the eye dropper tip to any surface. This will help keep the medicine as germ-free as possible.
• Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

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 problem (such as glaucoma or an infection), or if you have recently had cataract surgery.
• This medicine may increase the pressure inside your eye (glaucoma) or cause posterior subcapsular cataracts (a rare type of cataract). You will need to have regular eye exams with your doctor to check for these problems.
• If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

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.
• Blurred vision or other changes in vision.
• Burning, itching, or soreness of the eye.
• Sensitivity of the eyes to light.
• Throbbing eye pain.

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

• Feeling of having something in the eye.
• Watering of the eyes.

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