Diclofenac ophthalmic

Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Diclofenac ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to reduce swelling, pain, and sensitivity to light after certain eye surgeries.

Diclofenac ophthalmic may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Diclofenac ophthalmic is usually given 24 hours before eye surgery and continued for 3 to 14 days. Do not use for longer than prescribed or you could have serious side effects.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the prescribed number of drops.

Do not touch the dropper tip or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye and lead to serious vision problems.

Your doctor may insert a special contact lens, to be left in your eye for 3 days after surgery. Do not use any other type of contact lens during this time.

You may need vision exams for up to a year after your eye surgery.

Store at room temperature, tightly closed and protected from light. Do not freeze.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

You should not use diclofenac ophthalmic if you are allergic to diclofenac.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergy to an NSAID (including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, celecoxib, indomethacin, and others);
• bleeding problems;
• diabetes;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• glaucoma; or
• dry eye syndrome.

Also tell your doctor about any other recent or planned eye surgeries.

May harm an unborn baby if used during late pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Diclofenac ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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

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

• severe burning, stinging, or itching in your eyes;
• worsening eye pain, redness, or excessive tearing;
• swollen or puffy eyelids;
• white discoloration over your pupil or iris (the colored part of your eye);
• crusting or drainage from your eyes; or
• headache, dizziness, stomach pain, vomiting, weakness, fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms (these can happen if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream).

Common side effects of diclofenac ophthalmic may include:

• eye pain or redness;
• watery eyes; or
• changes in vision.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Postoperative Ocular Inflammation:

1 drop in the affected eye, 4 times per day beginning 24 hours after cataract surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the post-operative periodUse: Treatment of post-operative inflammation in patients who have undergone cataract extraction

Usual Adult Dose for Inhibition of Intraoperative Miosis:

1 or 2 drops in the operative eye within the hour prior to corneal refractive surgery; within 15 minutes after surgery, 1 or 2 drops should be applied to the operative eye and continued 4 times per day for up to 3 daysUse: Temporary relief of pain and photophobia in patients undergoing corneal refractive surgery

Use the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

For at least 3 days after your surgery, do not wear any contact lens that has not been approved by your doctor.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with diclofenac ophthalmic unless your doctor tells you to.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially any steroid medicine you apply to your skin.

Other drugs may affect diclofenac ophthalmic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using.