Voltaren Eye Drops

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

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 Voltaren eye drops. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Voltaren eye drops:

1. Any other eye drops or ointments should be applied at least ten minutes before this one.

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. You can use a clean tissue to wipe the residue on your face.

6. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying these eye drops, and put them back in 15 minutes after use.

7. If you use more than one eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes between administrations.

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

• Eye irritation or itchiness.
• Eye redness.
• Teary eyes.

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

• Vision changes or severe eye pain could indicate a problem with your cornea called keratitis.
• Serious life-threatening allergic reactions, which may present as skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, and/ or trouble breathing (anaphylaxis).

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Voltaren eye drops. 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 Voltaren eye drops, 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.
• Previous sensitivity to NSAIDs.
• History of asthma with sensitivity to NSAIDs.
• Known bleeding risk or being on a blood thinner.
• Increased risk of corneal reactions such as keratitis, including diabetes mellitus, dry eye syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or problems with your cornea.

Hypersensitivity or allergy to diclofenac sodium.

You should notice a benefit with Voltaren eye drops within a few days.

When Voltaren eye drops are 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.

• Using Voltaren eye drops with anticoagulants such as rivaroxaban, apixaban, warfarin, or dalteparin can increase your risk of bleeding.
• Concomitant use of topical corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, clobetasol, or hydrocortisone with diclofenac eye drops can cause delayed healing in your eyes and put you at risk of eye infections such as keratitis.
• Topical prostaglandins such as bimatoprost or latanoprost can reduce the efficacy of diclofenac when used together.

Brand-name Voltaren eye drops are supplied as 5mL bottles containing 0.1% (1mg/mL) diclofenac sodium ophthalmic solution.

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

It is manufactured by Alcon.

No, there is no generic version.

Barring any serious side effects as listed above, or as directed by a physician, you should not use this medication for longer than 14 days.

Though the blood levels of diclofenac 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 diclofenac 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.