Dexamethasone (intraocular)

Dexamethasone (intraocular) is a steroid medicine that helps treat or prevent eye inflammation from disease, injury, eye surgery, or blocked blood vessels.

Dexycu or Ozurdex is a liquid that is injected directly into the eye.

Dextenza is also used to relieve eye itching caused by allergies. Dextenza is an insert placed in the tear duct of the lower eyelid.

Dexamethasone (intraocular) may also be used for other purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

You should not use Ozurdex if you have an eye infection, advanced glaucoma, or a history of eye ulcer, surgery, or trauma that has hurt or broken the lens in your eye.

You should not use Ozurdex if you are allergic to dexamethasone, or if you have:

• an infection in or around your eye;
• glaucoma; or
• a history of eye ulcer, surgery, or trauma that has injured or ruptured the lens in your eye.

Dexamethasone can worsen or reactivate an eye infection you already have or have recently had (including herpes infection of the eyes).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma;
• a detached retina;
• cataracts (unless you are receiving this medicine as part of cataract surgery); or
• herpes infection of the eyes.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dexamethasone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• eye pain, redness, or itching;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, or seeing halos around lights;
• cloudy or hazy vision;
• eyebrow pain;
• changes in the shape of your pupil;
• increased sensitivity of your eyes to light; or
• signs of eye infection--swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.

Repeat treatments with Ozurdex may lead to cataracts, which can impact your vision and may need surgical treatment. Your doctor will decide how often you should be treated with dexamethasone.

Common side effects of dexamethasone may include:

• vision problems;
• seeing "floaters" in your vision;
• eye pain or redness;
• feeling like something is in your eye;
• eyelid swelling;
• dry eyes;
• headache; or
• your eyes may be more sensitive to light.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dextenza, Dexycu, and Ozurdex will be given into your eye by a healthcare professional in a clinic setting. The doctor will use a medicine to numb your eye before giving you the injection.

After this medicine has been given, you will be watched closely for any swelling, inflammation, or increased pressure in your eye.

You may need medication or other treatments to keep the increased pressure in your eye from getting too high. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Dexamethasone (intraocular) does not have a daily dosing schedule.

Since the dexamethasone (intraocular) implant has a set amount of the medicine, it is unlikely that you will receive too much.

Dexamethasone (intraocular) may cause blurred vision and may affect your reactions. Do not drive or engage in risky activities until your vision is clear.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. However, many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.