What is Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic?
Flurbiprofen is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Flurbiprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Flurbiprofen ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to prevent your pupil from constricting, or narrowing, during eye surgery.
Flurbiprofen ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to flurbiprofen.
Before you receive flurbiprofen ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, or if you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder or take a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin). If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.
Do not wear any contact lens that has not been approved by your doctor.
Do not use any other eye medications unless your doctor has prescribed them.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to flurbiprofen.
If you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use flurbiprofen ophthalmic.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether flurbiprofen ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether flurbiprofen ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- eye pain or redness
- vision changes; or
- severe burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes
Less serious side effects may include mild burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic Interactions
What other drugs affect Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with flurbiprofen ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic?
Do not wear any contact lens that has not been approved by your doctor.
Do not use any other eye medications unless your doctor has prescribed them.
Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic Dosage
How should I take Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Flurbiprofen ophthalmic is usually given every 30 minutes beginning 2 hours before your surgery. If you receive this medication at the surgery center, the eye drops will be given by a healthcare professional.
If you have been given the medication to start using your drops at home on the day of your surgery, follow the instructions below.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye
- Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct
- Use the eye drops only in the eye you are having surgery on
- Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye
If you use this medication at home, try not to miss any doses.
If you store the drops at home, keep them at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I overdose on Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.
An overdose of flurbiprofen is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
What happens if I miss a dose of Flurbiprofen Ophthalmic?
Call your doctor if you miss a dose of this medication. The timing of your doses in relation to your surgery is very important for the medication to be effective.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com