Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant

Fluocinolone ophthalmic (for the eye) implant is a steroid medicine used to treat diabetic macular edema, which is a build-up of fluid in the retina due to leaking blood vessels.

Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant is also used to treat posterior uveitis, which is inflammation that affects the back of the eye.

This implant slowly releases fluocinolone into the eye over about 30 to 36 months.

Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not be treated with fluocinolone ophthalmic implant if you have glaucoma or any type of infection in or around your eye (including herpes).

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to fluocinolone, or if you have:

• glaucoma; or
• any type of infection in or around your eye.

Using the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant may increase your risk of developing cataracts and possibly needing cataract surgery in the future. Discuss this risk with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Inform your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma;
• herpes simplex;
• cataract surgery; or
• a detached retina.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant. It is unclear if the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant is harmful to an unborn baby if you get the implant while pregnant. Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant within 36 months after receiving the implant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

A healthcare provider will surgically insert the implant in your eye. If both eyes require treatment, your implants will likely be placed at two different times to reduce your risk of infection in both eyes at once.

Your doctor may prescribe additional medications to help control the pressure inside your eyes. High pressure inside the eye (known as ocular hypertension) can harm the optic nerve and result in permanent blindness. You may need to keep using these additional medications for several weeks.

Take all medications as your doctor directs. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or stop taking your medications without your doctor's approval.

You may experience a temporary reduction in vision. Contact your doctor if your vision does not return to normal within 4 weeks after the implant is placed.

Your eyes will need regular check-ups.

The fluocinolone ophthalmic implant will not fix any vision problems you had before receiving the implant, such as near-sightedness or far-sightedness.

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

Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, problems with peripheral (side) vision;
• eye redness, eye pain or swelling, seeing halos around lights;
• bleeding, oozing, or crusting of your eyes;
• flashes of light or "floaters" in your vision; or
• cloudiness in your pupil or iris (colored part of your eyes).

Common side effects of fluocinolone ophthalmic implant may include:

• mild eye redness or pain;
• feeling like something is in your eye;
• headache; or
• your eyes may be more sensitive to light.

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.

Since the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant is surgically placed, you will not have a dosing schedule.

Since the fluocinolone implant contains a specific amount of the medication, you are not likely to receive an overdose.

fluocinolone ophthalmic implant may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Ask your doctor before wearing contact lenses after receiving the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant.

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

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