mitomycin ophthalmic

What is the most important information I should know about mitomycin ophthalmic?

What is mitomycin ophthalmic?

Mitomycin is an antimetabolite medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of certain cells in the body.

Mitomycin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used during glaucoma surgery.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving mitomycin ophthalmic?

Before you receive mitomycin ophthalmic, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, and all the medicines you are using. Also make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How is mitomycin ophthalmic used?

A healthcare provider will apply this medicine to your eye(s) during glaucoma surgery.

Glaucoma surgery is usually performed while you are awake. You will be given medicine to numb your eyes and reduce pain or discomfort during your surgery.

If general anesthesia is used for your surgery, you will not be awake during the operation.

Mitomycin ophthalmic is a liquid medicine that is applied first to a tray of tiny sponges. The sponges will soak in the mitomycin for at least 60 minutes.

Once the sponges are saturated with mitomycin, your surgeon will place the sponges directly onto your eye.

The sponges will be left in place for 2 minutes and then removed.

After the sponges are removed, your eye will be rinsed thoroughly.

Your doctor may prescribe other eye medications for you to use after surgery. Use all medications as directed. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive mitomycin ophthalmic in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving mitomycin ophthalmic?

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of mitomycin ophthalmic?

• blurred vision, vision loss;
• tunnel vision, eye pain, seeing halos around lights; or
• eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection).

Common side effects may include:

• eye redness; or
• vision changes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect mitomycin ophthalmic?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on mitomycin used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about mitomycin ophthalmic.