Trifluridine (Ophthalmic)

Trifluridine (Ophthalmic) preparations are used to treat virus infections of the eye.

Trifluridine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

It is very important that you keep your appointment with your doctor. If your symptoms get worse, contact your doctor before your scheduled visit.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks and benefits. Here are important points to think about for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever experienced any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

There is no specific information comparing the use of trifluridine in children to its use in other age groups. However, it is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way in older people as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or issues. There is no specific information comparing the use of trifluridine in the elderly to its use in other age groups.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others may be used together even if an interaction could happen. In these cases, your doctor may need to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be needed. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken at or around mealtime or with specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Along with its necessary effects, this medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may occur, but if they do, they may require medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects happen:

Rare

• Blurred vision or any change in vision
• Dryness of the eye
• Irritation of the eye
• Itching, redness, swelling, or other signs of irritation that were not present before using this medicine

Some side effects may occur that usually do not require medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Additionally, your health care professional may be able to provide ways to prevent or lessen some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Burning or stinging

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, consult your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Viroptic

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antiviral

Pharmacologic Class: Viral DNA Thymidylate Synthetase Inhibitor

Chemical Class: Pyrimidine Nucleoside Analog

The bottle is only partially full to provide proper drop control.

To use:

• First, wash your hands. Then tilt the head back and pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
• If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

Do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause problems in the eyes. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

To help clear up your infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not miss any doses.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For ophthalmic solution dosage forms: For viral eye infection: Adults and children 6 years of age and older—One drop every two hours while you are awake. After healing has occurred, the dose may be reduced for seven more days to one drop every four hours (at least 5 doses a day) while you are awake. Children up to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.