Dexamethasone implant (Into the eye)

Dexamethasone (dex-a-METH-a-sone)

Treats macular edema and uveitis. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Ozurdex

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to dexamethasone, or if you have an eye infection, eye lens problems, or advanced glaucoma.

How to Use This Medicine:

Implant

An eye doctor will give you this medicine in a hospital or clinic. This medicine is an implant that is placed in your eye. It will stay in your eye and does not need to be removed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any other eye problems (such as glaucoma or cataracts) or a history of herpes infection of the eye.
This medicine may cause serious eye problems such as infection, inflammation, glaucoma, a detached retina, or cataracts.
This medicine may cause temporary blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you or if you cannot see well.
This implant could move into a different part of your eye if the back part of your lens is missing or torn. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Bleeding in your eyes, redness in the whites of your eyes
Blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, sensitivity to light
Eye pain
Vision changes or loss of vision

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017