Fluorometholone eye suspension or ointment

What are fluorometholone eye suspension or ointment?

FLUOROMETHOLONE (Flarex®, FML®Liquifilm®, FML Forte®, FML®S.O.P.®) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, itching, redness, and allergic reactions affecting the eye. Some generic fluorometholone eye products are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They should know if you have any of these conditions:

• cataracts or glaucoma

• contact lens wearer

• diabetes

• fungal eye infection

• herpes eye infection

• measles or chickenpox

• tuberculosis

• an unusual allergic reaction to fluorometholone, other corticosteroids, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Fluorometholone eye suspension and eye ointment are only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper or the ointment tube to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Doing so might contaminate the product. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch: or, if using the ointment, squeeze the end of the tube and apply a thin layer of the ointment to the inside of the lower eyelid. Close the eye gently to spread the drops or ointment. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed. Also, do not stop using this medicine unless your health care professional tells you to do so.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with fluorometholone?

If you use other eye drops or ointments, you should use one product, then wait 5—10 minutes before using the next product. Eye ointments should be applied last when several eye medicines are used together.

Tell your prescriber, pharmacist, or other health care professional about all other medications you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products; if you are a frequent user of caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking fluorometholone?

Check with your health care provider if your condition does not improve after 2 days, or if it gets worse. A full course of treatment is usually 10 days. Any serious side effect should be reported as soon as possible. Check with your health care provider before using this medicine for any future eye problems. If you get any sign of an allergic reaction, stop using your eye product and call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your health care provider before you use this medicine when you can wear your lenses again. If you can continue wearing your lenses during treatment, wait 15 minutes after application of the product before inserting your lenses. Some eye conditions may not allow you to wear your lenses during treatment.

To prevent infection of the eyes, do not share any eye products, towels, washcloths or other personal care items with anyone else.

What side effects may I notice from fluorometholone?

Most people do not have serious side effects. If used for long periods of time, serious side effects, like infection or increased eye pressure, may develop.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions, like eyelid swelling, severe itching or redness

• eye pain, decreased or blurred vision that does not go away

• headache

• infection

• sore throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision for a few moments after application

• change in taste

• runny nose

• temporary watering of eyes

• temporary redness or stinging for a few moments after application

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Avoid temperatures above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.