Prolensa ophthalmic

Name: Prolensa ophthalmic

What is Prolensa (bromfenac ophthalmic)?

Bromfenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Bromfenac ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat swelling and pain caused by cataract surgery.

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

What is the most important information I should know about Prolensa (bromfenac ophthalmic)

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Prolensa (bromfenac ophthalmic)?

You should not use bromfenac ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • asthma or sulfite allergy;

  • diabetes;

  • rheumatoid arthritis;

  • dry eye syndrome;

  • an allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs;

  • a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; or

  • more than one eye surgery in a short period of time.

Using bromfenac ophthalmic during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby.

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss your first dose, which should be given 1 day before surgery.

Uses

This medication is used to treat swelling (inflammation) and pain in the eye after a certain type of eye surgery (cataract surgery). Bromfenac belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the effects of certain natural substances (prostaglandins) that cause pain and inflammation.

How to use Prolensa Drops

Your doctor may direct you to start using this medication the day before or the day after your surgery. Place 1 drop into the affected eye as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day for 2 weeks. Carefully follow your doctor's specific directions.

To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

This medication should not be used while wearing contact lenses. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed.

Do not apply this medication more often than prescribed or continue using it for longer than directed by your doctor. Prolonged use of bromfenac eye drops may increase the risk of very serious side effects of the eye.

Precautions

Before using bromfenac, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sulfites), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: aspirin-sensitive asthma (a history of worsening breathing with runny/stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding disorders, other eye problems (e.g., dry eye syndrome, corneal problems), diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps).

After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Before using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the benefits and risks (such as miscarriage, trouble getting pregnant). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby and interference with normal labor/delivery.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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