Prolensa

What is PROLENSA?

(PROLENSA) This medication is used to treat swelling (inflammation) and pain in the eye after a certain type of eye surgery (cataract surgery). Bromfenac belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the effects of certain natural substances (prostaglandins) that cause pain and inflammation.

How should I use PROLENSA?

Read the Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using bromfenac and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day for 2 weeks. Your doctor may direct you to start using this medication the day before or the day after your surgery. Place 1 drop into the affected eye. Carefully follow your doctor's specific directions. To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. This medication should not be used while wearing contact lenses. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye. Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Keep using it for the full time prescribed. Do not apply this medication more often than prescribed or keep using it for longer than directed by your doctor. Prolonged use of bromfenac eye drops may increase the risk of very serious side effects of the eye.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take PROLENSA?

Before using bromfenac, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (such as naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as sulfites), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma (including a history of worsening breathing after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), bleeding disorders, other eye problems (such as dry eye syndrome, corneal problems), diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, growths in the nose (nasal polyps). After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs clear vision until you can do it safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What may interact with PROLENSA?

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: anti-platelet medications (such as clopidogrel), other NSAID medications (such as aspirin, ibuprofen), blood thinners (such as warfarin, heparin). If your doctor has directed you to take low doses of aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should continue to take the aspirin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

What if I miss a dose of PROLENSA?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What side effects may I notice from receiving PROLENSA?

Temporary irritation/burning/stinging of the eye, temporary blurred vision, watery eyes, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe pain/redness in the eye, sensitivity of the eyes to light (photophobia), eye discharge, blurry/abnormal vision, feeling as if something is in the eye, itching/redness/pain around the eyes. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Where should I keep PROLENSA?

Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.