Bromfenac Ophthalmic

Bromfenac ophthalmic is used to treat eye swelling and redness (inflammation) and pain that can occur after cataract surgery. Bromfenac ophthalmic is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by stopping the release of certain natural substances that cause pain and swelling.

Bromfenac ophthalmic comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eyes. It is usually instilled in the affected eye(s) once or twice a day for 14 days after cataract surgery. Your doctor may also tell you to use bromfenac the day before and on the day of the surgery, depending on the brand of bromfenac ophthalmic your doctor has prescribed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use bromfenac ophthalmic exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To instill the eye drops, follow these steps or the information the manufacturer has provided with the product:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.
3. Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else; eye drops and droppers must be kept clean.
4. While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
5. Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.
6. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.
7. While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
8. Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.
9. Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure.
10. Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a tissue.
11. Replace and tighten the cap on the dropper bottle. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.
12. Wash your hands to remove any medication.

Each bottle of eye drop solution should be used for one eye only. If both of your eyes need to have treatment, you should have a separate bottle for each eye.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using bromfenac eye drops,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bromfenac, aspirin other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), any other medications, sulfite or any of the ingredients in bromfenac eye drops. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while using bromfenac eye drops. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• the following nonprescription products may interact with bromfenac eye drops: aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol) and naproxen (Aleve). Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start using bromfenac eye drops. Do not start any of these medications while using bromfenac eye drops without discussing with your healthcare provider.
• if you are using another eye drop medication, use the eye medications at least 5 minutes apart.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints), dry eye disease or any eye problem other than cataracts, any condition that causes you to bleed easily, or if you recently had an eye surgery on the same eye that is being operated on .
• tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses. You should remove your contact lenses before instilling bromfenac eye drops and wait at least 10 minutes after using the medication to replace your lenses.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• You should know that bromfenac eye drops may slow healing of the eye after surgery. Call your doctor right away if your pain and swelling do not improve.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Instill the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Bromfenac eye drops may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• stinging or burning of the eyes
• red or itchy eyes
• feeling that something is in the eye
• headache

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using bromfenac eye drops and call your doctor immediately:

• redness or swelling of eyes, lips, tongue, or skin
• rash, hives, or other skin changes
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• bleeding within the eye
• sensitivity of your eyes to light
• eye pain
• blurry, cloudy, or blocked areas of vision

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

If someone swallows bromfenac eye drops, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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