bromfenac

Generic Name: bromfenac (ophthalmic) (BROM fen ak)Brand Names: Xibrom

What is bromfenac ophthalmic?

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

Bromfenac ophthalmic is used to treat swelling and pain caused by cataract surgery.

Bromfenac ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed here.

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

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Before using bromfenac tell your doctor if you are using a steroid such as prednisone, dexamethasone, or others. You may not be able to use bromfenac ophthalmic or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using bromfenac ophthalmic?You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to bromfenac.

Before using bromfenac ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• asthma;

• diabetes;

• rheumatoid arthritis;

• dry eye syndrome;

• a drug allergy;

• a bleeding disorder; or

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

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use bromfenac ophthalmic.

FDA pregnancy category C: This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use bromfenac without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known if bromfenac ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use bromfenac ophthalmic?

Use bromfenac ophthalmic exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying bromfenac ophthalmic. Ask your doctor if contact lenses can be reinserted after putting in the eye drops. Bromfenac ophthalmic may contain a preservative (benzalkonium chloride) that can cause discoloration of contact lenses.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.

Bromfenac ophthalmic is usually used two times a day for 14 days. Follow your doctor's directions.

Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye. Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it. An overdose of this medication is unlikely to be harmful.

What should I avoid while taking bromfenac ophthalmic?

Bromfenac ophthalmic can cause side effects that may impair your vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly. Avoid using other medications in your eyes during treatment with bromfenac ophthalmic unless your doctor has told you to.

Bromfenac ophthalmic side effects

Stop using bromfenac ophthalmic and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using bromfenac ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have any change in your vision.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• feeling like something is in your eye;

• eye pain, itching, or redness; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Bromfenac Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Postoperative Ocular Inflammation:

Instill 1 drop in affected eye(s) 2 times a day beginning 24 hours after cataract surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period.Bromfenac ophthalmic, like most topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents may increase the risk for the occurrence and severity of corneal adverse events if instilled more than 24 hours prior to and longer than 2 weeks following cataract surgery.

What other drugs will affect bromfenac ophthalmic?

Before using bromfenac tell your doctor if you are using a steroid such as prednisone, dexamethasone, and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with bromfenac ophthalmic Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about bromfenac ophthalmic.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.04. Revision Date: 4/12/2009 4:45:47 PM.