diclofenac ophthalmic

	What is the most important information I should know about diclofenac ophthalmic?
	What is diclofenac ophthalmic?
	What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I use diclofenac ophthalmic?
	How should I use diclofenac ophthalmic?
	What happens if I miss a dose?
	What happens if I overdose?
	What should I avoid while using diclofenac ophthalmic?
	What are the possible side effects of diclofenac ophthalmic?
	What other drugs will affect diclofenac ophthalmic?
	Where can I get more information?
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You should not use this medication if you are allergic to diclofenac or other NSAIDs.

Before using diclofenac ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, or if you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, diabetes, arthritis, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, or if you have had other recent eye surgeries.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Using the medication for longer than prescribed may increase the risk of serious side effects on your eyes.

For at least 3 days after your surgery, do not wear any contact lens that has not been approved by your doctor. Do not use any other eye medications unless your doctor has prescribed them.

Diclofenac is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Diclofenac works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Diclofenac ophthalmic (for the eye) is used to reduce swelling, pain, and light sensitivity after cataract surgery or corneal refractive surgery.

Diclofenac ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to diclofenac or other NSAIDs.

Before using diclofenac ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, or if you have:

• a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
• diabetes;
• arthritis;
• glaucoma;
• dry eye syndrome; or
• if you have had other recent eye surgeries.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether diclofenac ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use diclofenac ophthalmic without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Diclofenac ophthalmic is usually given 24 hours before cataract surgery, and continued for 3 to 14 days after surgery. Using the medication for longer than prescribed may increase the risk of serious side effects on your eyes.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper as you squeeze out a drop, then close your eye.
• Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near your nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop.
• Use the eye drops only in the eye you are having surgery on.
• Do not allow the dropper tip to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of diclofenac is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.

For at least 3 days after your surgery, do not wear any contact lens that has not been approved by your doctor.

Do not use any other eye medications unless your doctor has prescribed them.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes;
• eye pain, redness, or watering;
• vision changes, increased sensitivity to light;
• white patches on your eyes; or
• crusting or drainage of your eyes.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes;
• swollen or puffy eyelids;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• weakness, fever or chills;
• headache;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• runny nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with diclofenac ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about diclofenac ophthalmic.