Flurbiprofen eye drops

About flurbiprofen eye drops

Flurbiprofen belongs to a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are prescribed for two reasons:

• During eye surgery, the drops are used to prevent the pupil of your eye from becoming smaller during the procedure.

• The drops relieve pain and swelling which can be caused by eye surgery. So, for example, if you have had cataract surgery or laser surgery, you could be asked to use the drops regularly for 1-3 weeks following the procedure.

Before using flurbiprofen eye drops

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using flurbiprofen drops it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you know you are allergic to an NSAID such as naproxen or ibuprofen, or if you have ever had a bad reaction to aspirin.

• If you have a tendency to bleed easily.

• If you think you may have an eye infection.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you are taking any other medicines or using any other eye drops. This includes any medicines or creams which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use flurbiprofen eye drops

Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about the eye drops, and it will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from using them.

1. First wash your hands.

2. Twist off the tip of one of the units to open it.

3. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket.

4. Hold the unit upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.

5. Gently apply enough pressure to the unit to release one drop into your eye.

6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.

7. If you have been told to use the drops in both eyes, repeat the process in your other eye.

8. Throw the used unit away.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you have been prescribed the drops to prepare your eye for surgery, a nurse will put the drops in for you, every half an hour, during the two hours before the procedure.

• The usual dose after eye surgery or laser treatment is one drop into the affected eye four times daily. You will be asked to use the drops for 1-3 weeks, depending upon the type of procedure you have had. Use the drops exactly as your doctor tells you to.

• Remember to use the drops at regular intervals and try not to miss any doses. If you do forget, use them as soon as you remember (unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case just use the drops when they are next due).

• If your doctor has recommended that you use another eye preparation as well as these drops then wait at least five minutes after putting in the flurbiprofen drops before you use the other drops. This is to prevent more liquid going into your eye than it can handle; otherwise the drops will overflow from your eye and not have the intended effect.

• Flurbiprofen drops (Ocufen®) are single-dose units. They do not contain any preservative, so you should not open the units until they are required. Do not keep any opened units to use at a later time, as this will increase the risk of an infection.

• When first put in, eye drops can make your eyes water and can sometimes cause blurred vision. If this happens, it should quickly clear. Make sure you can see clearly again before you drive or before you use tools or machines.

• Try to keep any appointments which have been booked for you with the eye clinic. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

Can flurbiprofen eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with flurbiprofen eye drops. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with the drops, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with them. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the drops, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store flurbiprofen eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. Keep the units in the pouch that they come in.

• Do not use after the expiry date which is printed on the unit. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

Important information about all medicines