Ocufen

The active ingredient in Ocufen is flurbiprofen ophthalmic solution, a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Its mechanism of action as a cyclooxygenase inhibitor helps reduce ocular pain and ocular inflammation.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Ocufen. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Ocufen:

1. Apply the first drop about two hours before surgery, and subsequent drops every thirty minutes until surgery.

2. Wash your hands before and after each use. Shake the bottle well.

3. Do not allow the dropper tip to touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface to avoid contamination.

4. To apply the drops, tilt your head up and pull down on your lower eyelid of the affected eye while looking up. Then squeeze the bottle to release one drop of the solution into your eye.

5. Following administration, close your eyes gently and hold pressure on your tear duct (inner corner of your eye, by your nose) for one minute. Then repeat for the other eye if needed with a new bottle. You can use a clean tissue to wipe the residue on your face.

6. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using this product.

Some mild and common possible side effects of flurbiprofen eye drops seen in clinical trials over placebo include:

• Eye irritation.
• Blurry vision.
• Eye redness (conjunctival hyperemia).

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Ocufen. These adverse events may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious life-threatening allergic reactions, which may present as skin rash, hives, swelling around the eyes, mouth, or tongue, and/ or trouble breathing (anaphylaxis).

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Ocufen. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Ocufen, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, such as:

• Use with topical steroids or prostaglandins.
• Previous sensitivity to NSAIDs.
• History of asthma with sensitivity to NSAIDs.

Hypersensitivity or allergy to flurbiprofen sodium or the preservative thimerosal.

You should notice a benefit with Ocufen within a few hours.

When Ocufen is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions.

Topical prostaglandins such as bimatoprost or latanoprost can reduce the efficacy of flurbiprofen when used together.

Brand-name Ocufen is supplied as a 2.5mL solution containing 0.03% flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic solution.

It should be stored at room temperature, away from the reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by Allergan.

Yes, it is available from several manufacturers of generic drugs.

Barring any serious side effects as listed above, or as directed by a physician, you should not use this medication for longer than 2 hours before surgery.

Though the blood levels of flurbiprofen following ophthalmic administration are expected to be low, it can cause problems during labour, and should be avoided in late pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

The level of flurbiprofen in the blood after ophthalmic administration is thought to be low according to clinical studies, but the decision to use it during lactation requires a careful risk vs benefit assessment.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.