Durezol

Durezol eye drops are used to treat eye pain, redness, and swelling caused by eye surgery. It is also used to treat an eye condition called endogenous anterior uveitis (eye inflammation).

This medication belongs to a group of medications called corticosteroids. This medication is only available with your doctor’s prescription. This medication is available in the following forms:

• Emulsion

Before using Durezol, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.

For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:

Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.

Pediatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric: Up-to-date studies have not shown any problems specific to the elderly that would limit the use of this medication in the elderly population.

Pregnancy: This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category C. This means that animal studies have shown an adverse effect and no studies have been performed on pregnant women OR there are no adequate studies on pregnant animals and pregnant women.

Breastfeeding: There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over the counter medications.

Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems: Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Cataract surgery - Use with caution. May cause delayed healing.
• Eye infection (fungus, mycobacterial)
• Eye infection, virus (i.e. herpes simplex) - Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
• Glaucoma - Use with caution. May make this condition worse.

To use Durezol properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Dosing: Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication.

The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.

Wash your hands. Tilt your head back and press your lower finger gently just beneath the lower eyelid. Pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medication into this space.

Let go of the eyelid and close your eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1-2 minutes to allow your eye to absorb the medication.

Do not touch the applicator tip to any surface. Keep the container tightly closed. This will help prevent infection of the eye.

For eye pain, redness and swelling caused by eye surgery:

• Adults - Use 1 drop in the affected eye 4 times per day. Begin using the medication 24 hours after surgery and keep using it until your doctor tells you to stop. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed.
• Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For endogenous anterior uveitis:

• Adults - Use 1 drop in the affected eye 4 times per day for 14 days. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
• Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.

Storage: Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

Keep our of the reach of children. Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.

Before using Durezol, there are some precautions you must take. It is very important that your doctor checks in with you often while you are receiving this medication to make sure that it is working properly.

Do not take other prescription or over-the-counter medications without asking your doctor. This medication is not for long-term use. Steroid eye drops may cause glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye) or posterior subcapsular cataracts if used for too long.

Slow or delayed healing may also occur while using this medication after cataract surgery. You will need regular eye exams to check for these problems.

If you hurt your eye or begin developing an eye infection, inform your doctor immediately. You may need to change the medication or stop using it. If your symptoms do not improve or if your condition becomes worse, inform your doctor.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Durezol. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:

More common:

• Blurred vision
• Change in color vision
• Decreased vision or other changes in vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Eye discomfort
• Eye pain
• Eye redness
• Increase in blood flows to the whites of the eyes
• Increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
• Painful irritation of the front clear part of the eye
• Sensitivity of the eyes to light
• Swelling or redness of the eye and lining of the eyelid

Less common:

• Eyelid irritation and crusting
• Tearing
• Throbbing eye pain
• Watering of the eyes

Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:

Less common:

• Dry eyes

Rare:

• Burning, itching, or soreness of the eye
• Feeling of having something in the eye

Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any other side effects. Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.