Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant
Generic name: fluocinolone ophthalmic implant [ FLOO-oh-SIN-oh-lone-off-THAL-mik-IM-plant ]
Brand names: Iluvien, Retisert, Yutiq
Dosage form: intravitreal implant (0.18 mg; 0.19 mg; 0.59 mg)
Drug class:Ophthalmic steroids
What is fluocinolone ophthalmic implant?
Fluocinolone ophthalmic (for the eye) implant is a steroid medicine that is used to treat diabetic macular edema, a build-up of fluid in the retina that is caused by leaking blood vessels.
Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant is also used to treat posterior uveitis, inflammation that affects the back of the eye.
This implant slowly releases fluocinolone into the eye over a period of approximately 30 to 36 months.
Fluocinolone ophthalmic implant may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not be treated with fluocinolone ophthalmic implant if you have glaucoma, or any type of infection in or around your eye (including herpes).
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with this medicine if you are allergic to fluocinolone, or if you have:
glaucoma; or
any type of infection in or around your eye.
The use of fluocinolone ophthalmic implant may increase your risk of developing cataracts and eventually needing cataract surgery. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
glaucoma;
herpes simplex;
cataract surgery; or
a detached retina.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant is harmful to an unborn baby if you receive the implant while you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during the 36 months after you receive the implant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How is the fluocinolone ophthalmic implant put into place?
A healthcare provider will surgically place the implant in your eye. If both eyes will be treated, your implants will most likely be placed at two separate times, to decrease your risk of infection in both eyes at the same time.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications to help control the pressure inside your eyes. Increased pressure inside the eye (also called ocular hypertension) can damage the optic nerve and lead to permanent blindness. You may need to continue ...
