Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

FLURBIPROFEN - OPHTHALMIC

(flewr-BIH-pro-fen, off-THAL-mick)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ocufen

Uses

Flurbiprofen is used to stop the pupil of the eye from narrowing during eye surgery.

OTHER

Uses

This medication may also be used to treat the swelling and redness caused by certain eye conditions.

How To Use

This medication is used in the eye only. For use in surgery, one drop is usually instilled into the eye every one-half hour beginning two hours before surgery. To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the dropper or let it touch your eye. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place dropper directly over eye and administer the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 or 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply pressure. This will prevent medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye or blink. Do not rinse dropper.

Side Effects

This medication may temporarily sting your eyes for a minute or two when you first use it. If stinging persists or becomes bothersome, inform your doctor. Vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying eye drops. Use caution if driving or performing duties requiring clear vision. Notify your doctor if you develop: skin rash, eye pain, vision problems. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, bleeding disorders, ulcers, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, certain eye diseases (cornea-related), diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, contact lens use, asthma, nasal polyps, any allergies - especially aspirin/NSAID allergy (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib). Do not take aspirin without consulting your doctor. Check the ingredients of any nonprescription medication you may be taking since many cough-and-cold formulas contain aspirin. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use, both prescription and nonprescription, including: other eye medications, other NSAID medications (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen), "blood thinners" (e.g. warfarin, heparin). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

Use the missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.

Storage

Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not freeze. Throw this medication away if the solution turns brown, cloudy or contains particulate.