Uses
What is flurbiprofen ophthalmic (eye) used for?
Flurbiprofen ophthalmic is commonly used in the eye to prevent your pupil from constricting, or shrinking (miosis), during eye surgery.
Flurbiprofen ophthalmic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Flurbiprofen is also available as an oral tablet. See Flurbiprofen for more information.
How does flurbiprofen ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?
Flurbiprofen ophthalmic works to prevent miosis, which is when the pupil constricts, or shrinks. It works by blocking substances called prostaglandins in the eye that normally cause the pupil to shrink.
How is flurbiprofen ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?
Flurbiprofen ophthalmic is available in the following dosage form that is applied to the eye.
- 0.03% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)
How should I store flurbiprofen ophthalmic?
Flurbiprofen ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 77 F (15 C to 25 C).
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of flurbiprofen ophthalmic?
The most common side effects of flurbiprofen ophthalmic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Temporary burning and stinging after you put the drop in your eye
- Eye irritation, redness, or discomfort
There may be other side effects of flurbiprofen ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of flurbiprofen ophthalmic?
While less common, the most serious side effects of flurbiprofen ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Flurbiprofen ophthalmic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using flurbiprofen ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Bleeding. Flurbiprofen ophthalmic may raise the risk of bleeding in the eye, especially during eye surgery. Your risk may be higher if you have a bleeding disorder or take other medicines that increase the risk of bleeding. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice signs of bleeding including bruising or bleeding that takes a long time to stop.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use flurbiprofen ophthalmic?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use flurbiprofen ophthalmic.
- Flurbiprofen
- Ocufen
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific flurbiprofen ophthalmic products they stock.
What should I know about flurbiprofen ophthalmic before using it?
Do not use flurbiprofen ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share flurbiprofen ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep flurbiprofen ophthalmic out of the reach of children.
Flurbiprofen ophthalmic is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.
If you use more than one eye medicine, your healthcare provider may recommend using them at least 5 minutes apart. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure when to use your eye medicines.
Eye infections may occur if your eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an eye infection. Symptoms of an eye infection may include pink or itchy eye, blurry vision, eye discharge, swollen eyelids, and fever.
It is not recommended to use the same bottle of flurbiprofen ophthalmic for both eyes. If you have surgery on both eyes, use a separate bottle of flurbiprofen ophthalmic for each eye. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about this.
Flurbiprofen ophthalmic may cause slow or delayed healing, especially when used with corticosteroid eye drops. Keep all appointments following eye surgery so that your healthcare provider can check how well your eye is healing.
Your healthcare provider may recommend not to wear contact lenses during your treatment with flurbiprofen ophthalmic. If you usually wear contact lenses, ask when you can start using them again.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using flurbiprofen ophthalmic?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if flurbiprofen ophthalmic is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Bleeding disorder
Other Medicines and Supplements. Flurbiprofen ophthalmic may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using flurbiprofen ophthalmic, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how flurbiprofen ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if flurbiprofen ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use flurbiprofen ophthalmic while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does flurbiprofen ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between flurbiprofen ophthalmic and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect flurbiprofen ophthalmic.
Does flurbiprofen ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you take any other medicines that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or a blood thinner like warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto).
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with flurbiprofen ophthalmic. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much flurbiprofen ophthalmic?
If you or someone else has used too much flurbiprofen ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of flurbiprofen ophthalmic?
Flurbiprofen ophthalmic is a short-term treatment that is typically administered starting two hours before eye surgery. Missing doses of flurbiprofen ophthalmic can cause it to not work as well during your eye surgery. If you miss a dose, check with your healthcare provider to determine what to do next.
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