fluocinolone ophthalmic implant Health Article

Generic name(s):

fluocinolone ophthalmic implant

Brand name(s):

fluocinolone ophthalmic, Retisert

What is the most important information I should know about fluocinolone ophthalmic implant?

The fluocinolone ophthalmic implant is surgically placed into the eye. If both eyes will be treated, the implants will most likely be placed at two separate times, to decrease your risk of infection in both eyes at the same time.

Before receiving the implant, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have glaucoma, herpes simplex or other eye infection, or if you have recently had cataract surgery.

Do not use any eye medications that your doctor has not prescribed. Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant can cause dizziness or blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

For the first 1 to 4 weeks after receiving the implant, you may have a temporary decrease in vision. Call your doctor if your vision does not return to normal after 4 weeks. Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant will not correct vision problems (such as near-sightedness or far-sightedness) that you had before receiving the implant.

The placement of the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant may increase your risk of developing cataracts and eventually needing cataract surgery. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

What is fluocinolone ophthalmic implant?

Fluocinolone is in a group of drugs called corticosteroids. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant is used to treat inflammation within the eye that may be caused by a variety of diseases or infections. The implant slowly releases fluocinolone into the eye over a period of approximately 30 months. Fluocinolone will not treat an eye infection.

Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving a fluocinolone ophthalmic implant?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to fluocinolone, or if you have:

• a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection of your eye; or

• a history of allergy to a steroid medicine.

Before receiving the implant, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• glaucoma;

• herpes simplex or other eye infection; or

• if you have recently had cataract surgery.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant, or you may need special tests or other medications.

The placement of the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant may increase your risk of developing cataracts and eventually needing cataract surgery. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

FDA pregnancy category C. The fluocinolone ophthalmic implant may be harmful to an unborn baby if you receive the implant while you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the 30 months after you receive the implant. It is not known whether fluocinolone from the ophthalmic implant passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this implant without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.