Bromfenac Ophthalmic

Bromfenac ophthalmic is used to treat 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 a day beginning one day before cataract surgery, on the day of the surgery, and for 14 days after the surgery. 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:

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.

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, or 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. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Midol), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail), ketorolac (Toradol), meclofenamate, mefenamic (Ponstel), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), and tolmetin (Tolectin).
• 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, rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by swelling of the lining of the joints), dry eye disease or any eye problem other than cataracts, or any condition that causes you to bleed easily.
• tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses. You should not instill bromfenac eye drops while wearing your contact lenses.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• 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

• itchy eyes

• headache

• feeling that something is in the eye

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

• skin rash, hives, or skin changes

• difficulty breathing or swallowing

• bleeding within the eye

• sensitivity 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 [at http://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). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

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. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

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.

Last Revised - 05/16/2012