Ozurdex
Generic name:dexamethasone (intraocular) [ DEX-a-METH-a-sone ]
Drug class:Ophthalmic steroids
What is Ozurdex?
Ozurdex implants contain dexamethasone, a corticosteroid used to treat inflammation. Intraocular dexamethasone is injected into the eye.
Ozurdex is a dissolving implant that is injected into the eye by a healthcare professional to treat swelling that may occur when there is a blockage of certain blood vessels in your eyes.
Ozurdex is also used to treat posterior uveitis (inflammation that affects the back part of the eye).
Warnings
You should not be treated with Ozurdex if you have an eye infection, advanced glaucoma, or a history of eye ulcer, surgery, or trauma that has injured or ruptured the lens in your eye.
Ozurdex can increase your risk of certain eye problems. Call your doctor at once if you have vision changes, eye pain or redness, increased sensitivity to light, or seeing halos around lights.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with Ozurdex if you are allergic to dexamethasone, or if you have:
an infection in or around your eye;
glaucoma; or
a history of eye ulcer, surgery, or trauma that has injured or ruptured the lens in your eye.
Ozurdex can worsen or reactivate an eye infection you already have or have recently had (including herpes infection of the eyes).
To make sure Ozurdex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
glaucoma;
a detached retina;
cataracts (unless you are receiving this medicine as part of cataract surgery); or
herpes infection of the eyes.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How is Ozurdex given?
Ozurdex will be given into your eye by a healthcare professional in a clinic setting. The doctor will use a medicine to numb your eye before giving you the injection.
After this medicine has been given, you will be watched closely for any swelling, inflammation, or increased pressure in your eye.
You may need medication or other treatments to keep the increased pressure in your eye from getting too high. Follow your doctor's instructions.