Dexamethasone Implant (Into the eye)

dex-a-METH-a-sone

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

Drug classes

Corticosteroid, Weak (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Dexamethasone intravitreal implant is used to treat an eye disease called macular edema (swelling of the back of the eye). Macular edema occurs when a blood vessel in the eye is clogged. This causes vision changes that must be treated right away. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid (steroid medicine) that helps reduce the swelling in the eye.

Dexamethasone intravitreal implant is also used to treat an eye disease called uveitis (swelling in the middle part of the eye). This medicine is also used to treat diabetic macular edema in patients with artificial lens implant or are scheduled for cataract surgery.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

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.

When Not To Use

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.

Warnings

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

Summary More details

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.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Ozurdex

There may be other brand names for this medicine.