Viroptic

Trifluridine is an antiviral medicine that helps fight infections caused by certain viruses.

Viroptic (for the eyes) is used to treat eye infections caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can result in swelling or ulcers in the eyelids or cornea (the surface of the eyeball).

Viroptic will not treat infections caused by bacteria or fungus.

Viroptic may also be used for other purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use Viroptic if you are allergic to trifluridine.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

It is not known whether trifluridine ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Viroptic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

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

Call your doctor right away if:

• you have new or ongoing vision problems;
• you have severe burning, stinging, or irritation after using Viroptic;
• you feel like something is in your eye; or
• your eyes are red, watery, and more sensitive to light.

Common side effects of Viroptic may include:

• mild eye irritation;
• dry eyes;
• eye redness; or
• puffy eyelids.

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.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

The initial dose of this medicine is 1 drop into the affected eye every 2 hours while you are awake. Once your condition improves, you may need to keep using the medication 4 times daily for another 7 days. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

You may need eye exams to help your doctor determine how long to treat you with trifluridine. In most cases, you should not use this medicine for longer than 21 days.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
• Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
• Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

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

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment with Viroptic.

Do not use trifluridine to treat any eye condition that has not been checked by your doctor. Trifluridine will not treat an infection caused by fungus or bacteria.

Store in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

An overdose of Viroptic is not expected to be harmful. Get emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Viroptic may cause blurred vision and may affect your thinking or reactions. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that needs you to be alert and see clearly.

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

It is not likely that other drugs you take by mouth or injection will affect trifluridine used in the eyes. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Inform all of your healthcare providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.