Ozurdex

Generic name: Dexamethasone (intraocular)
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids

Usage of Ozurdex

Ozurdex implants contain dexamethasone, a corticosteroid used to treat inflammation. Intraocular dexamethasone is injected into the eye.

Ozurdex is a dissolving implant that is injected into the eye by a healthcare professional to treat swelling that may occur when there is a blockage of certain blood vessels in your eyes.

Ozurdex is also used to treat posterior uveitis (inflammation that affects the back part of the eye).

Ozurdex side effects

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

eye pain or redness;

blurred vision, tunnel vision, or seeing halos around lights;

cloudy or hazy vision;

eyebrow pain;

changes in the shape of your pupil;

increased sensitivity of your eyes to light; or

signs of eye infection--swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.

Repeat treatments with Ozurdex may cause you to develop cataracts, which can affect your vision and may require surgical treatment. Your doctor will determine how often to treat you with this medicine.

Common Ozurdex side effects may include:

vision problems;

seeing "floaters" in your vision;

eye pain, redness, or itching;

feeling like something is in your eye;

eyelid swelling;

dry eyes;

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.

Before taking Ozurdex

You should not be treated with Ozurdex if you are allergic to dexamethasone, or if you have:

an infection in or around your eye;

glaucoma; or

a history of eye ulcer, surgery, or trauma that has injured or ruptured the lens in your eye.

Ozurdex can worsen or reactivate an eye infection you already have or have recently had (including herpes infection of the eyes).

To make sure Ozurdex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

glaucoma;

a detached retina;

cataracts (unless you are receiving this medicine as part of cataract surgery); or

herpes infection of the eyes.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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How to use Ozurdex

Ozurdex will be given into your eye by a healthcare professional in a clinic setting. The doctor will use a medicine to numb your eye before giving you the injection.

After this medicine has been given, you will be watched closely for any swelling, inflammation, or increased pressure in your eye.

You may need medication or other treatments to keep the increased pressure in your eye from getting too high. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Warnings

You should not be treated with Ozurdex if you have an eye infection, advanced glaucoma, or a history of eye ulcer, surgery, or trauma that has injured or ruptured the lens in your eye.

Ozurdex can increase your risk of certain eye problems. Call your doctor at once if you have vision changes, eye pain or redness, increased sensitivity to light, or seeing halos around lights.

What other drugs will affect Ozurdex

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

Disclaimer

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