Flurbiprofen, Ophthalmic

Type of medicine: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)

Generic and brand names: flurbiprofen, ophthalmic; Ocufen Ophthalmic

This medicine is used in the eyes before surgery to keep the pupil from contracting.

This medicine may be used for other eye conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• a bleeding disorder
• a viral infection in your eye
• diabetes
• rheumatoid arthritis.

Tell your health care provider if you are taking medicine to prevent blood clots. Also talk with your provider if you wear contact lenses.

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider. If you are using it before surgery, follow your health care provider's instructions carefully so that your eye is properly prepared for surgery.

Wash your hands thoroughly before putting medicine in your eyes. Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.

To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. Do not rinse the dropper. After use, put the cap on tightly. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored.

If more than one drop is needed in the same eye, wait 5 minutes between drops.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

Do not use these eyedrops while wearing contact lenses. This medicine may cause redness and burning if you wear soft contact lenses during treatment. Talk with your health care provider about this.

This medicine may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wearing dark glasses will help lessen your discomfort.

If your symptoms do not improve in a few days or if they get worse, contact your health care provider.

Do not use this medicine for other eye problems unless your health care provider approves.

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Severe swelling, redness, burning, or itching; skin rash around the eye; blurry vision that lasts more than a few minutes.

Other: Temporary stinging, burning, itching, or discomfort when you use the medicine; headache.

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Motrin IB, Advil, Nuprin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve, Naprelan), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), nabumetone (Relafen), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), sulindac (Clinoril), piroxicam (Feldene), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), and oxaprozin (Daypro)
• warfarin (Coumadin).

Other eyedrops may not be effective while you are using this medicine. Tell your health care provider if you are using any other medicines in your eyes.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.