Why is this medication prescribed?

Prolensa is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is primarily prescribed for the treatment of postoperative inflammation and reduction of ocular pain in patients who have undergone cataract surgery.

The active ingredient in Prolensa is bromfenac, which works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and pain. By reducing inflammation in the eye, Prolensa helps in the healing process after cataract surgery and alleviates discomfort.

How should this medicine be used?

Here are general guidelines on how Prolensa should be used:

• Dosage: The typical dosage is one drop of Prolensa applied to the affected eye(s) once daily, starting the day before cataract surgery, and continuing for 14 days post-surgery.
• Administration: Prolensa is an eye drop and should be applied directly into the eye. It is important to wash your hands before using the eye drops.
• Timing: The first dose is usually instilled one day before the cataract surgery, and the treatment is continued for two weeks after the surgery. The exact duration and frequency may vary based on your doctor’s instructions.
• Administration Technique: Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes gently and apply slight pressure to the corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1-2 minutes. This helps to prevent the medication from draining into the tear duct and being absorbed systemically.
• Avoid Contamination: Do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the surface of the eye, as it may contaminate the eye drops.

It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the use of Prolensa and to attend all follow-up appointments during and after the treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about the medication, its use, or potential side effects, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Other uses for this medicine

Prolensa is specifically approved for the treatment of postoperative inflammation and reduction of ocular pain following cataract surgery. It is not typically prescribed for other conditions or uses. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and use the medication only for the purpose it has been prescribed.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be taken when using Prolensa. Here are some key considerations:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have a known allergy to bromfenac or any other NSAIDs. If you have had an allergic reaction to similar medications in the past, your doctor may need to explore alternative treatments.
• Medical Conditions: Before using Prolensa, inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, especially if you have a history of asthma, bleeding disorders, or other eye conditions.
• Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before using Prolensa. The lenses can be reinserted 10 minutes after administering the eye drops.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The safety of Prolensa during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well-studied, and your doctor will weigh the potential benefits against potential risks.
• Systemic Absorption: Although Prolensa is an eye drop and is applied locally to the eye, some systemic absorption may occur. Inform your healthcare provider of any other medications you are taking, especially other NSAIDs or blood thinners, as they may interact with Prolensa.
• Eye Disorders: If you have certain eye conditions, such as dry eye syndrome or corneal defects, inform your healthcare provider. Prolensa may not be suitable for all eye conditions.
• Use in Children: The safety and effectiveness of Prolensa in pediatric patients have not been established, and it is generally not recommended for use in children.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and prescription instructions. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, keep all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure the proper healing of your eyes after cataract surgery.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are typically no specific dietary instructions associated with Prolensa. However, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support overall well-being, including eye health. If you have any concerns or questions related to your diet and medication, discuss them with your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of Prolensa, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

If you are unsure about what to do or if you have missed multiple doses, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. It’s important to stay on schedule to ensure the effectiveness of the medication.

What side effects can this medication cause?

As with any medication, Prolensa (bromfenac ophthalmic solution) may cause side effects. It’s important to be aware of potential adverse reactions and promptly inform your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual or severe symptoms. Common side effects of Prolensa may include:

• Eye Irritation: Mild irritation, burning, or stinging sensation in the eyes is a common side effect.
• Increased Sensitivity to Light: Some individuals may experience increased sensitivity to light.
• Blurred Vision: Vision may be temporarily blurred after using the eye drops.
• Eye Itching or Discomfort: Itching or discomfort in the eyes may occur.
• Foreign Body Sensation: You may feel as though there is a foreign body in the eye.
• Headache: Some people may experience headaches.
• Conjunctival Hyperemia: This refers to redness of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye.
• Eye Swelling: Swelling of the eye or eyelid may occur in some cases.

Serious side effects are rare, but they can occur. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider immediately:

• Allergic Reactions: Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Severe Eye Pain: If you experience intense eye pain, this could indicate a serious issue and requires immediate medical attention.
• Changes in Vision: Any significant changes in vision, such as sudden vision loss, should be reported to your healthcare provider promptly.
• Persistent Redness or Irritation: If redness, irritation, or other symptoms persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider.

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and individual responses to medication can vary. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice, report any concerns promptly, and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. If you have specific questions or concerns about Prolensa, discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Tacrolimus Injection:

• Storage:
  • Store Tacrolimus injection at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
  • Keep it out of the reach of children.
  • Do not freeze the medication.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of unused or expired Tacrolimus according to local regulations or guidelines.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into drains unless instructed to do so. Consult your healthcare provider or local waste disposal facility for guidance on safe disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

In the case of an emergency or suspected overdose, contact your local emergency services (911 in the United States) or the nearest poison control center immediately. Overdose symptoms may include severe eye pain, redness, swelling, or changes in vision. Do not attempt to self-treat an overdose without professional medical guidance.

What other information should I know?

• Follow-up Appointments: Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
• Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before applying Prolensa and wait at least 10 minutes before reinserting them.
• Systemic Effects: Although Prolensa is an eye drop, some systemic absorption may occur. Inform your healthcare provider of any other medications you are taking, especially other NSAIDs or blood thinners.
• Allergic Reactions: If you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
• Inform Healthcare Providers: Make sure to inform all healthcare providers, including eye care specialists and surgeons, about your use of Prolensa.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Regular Eye Exams: Continue with regular eye examinations, even if you are not experiencing symptoms. Prolensa is typically prescribed for a specific postoperative period, and your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate duration.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and read the patient information leaflet provided with the medication for comprehensive information. If you have specific questions or concerns about Prolensa, discuss them with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.