Ocubronac

Indications

Bromfenac eye drops are used to reduce pain and inflammation (swelling, redness) in the eye after cataract surgery. Eye surgeons may also use them around other eye operations as part of their treatment plan.

How It Works

Bromfenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks the enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) that make prostaglandins, the natural substances that cause pain and inflammation in the eye after surgery.

Dosage and Administration

As prescribed by the eye surgeon. Usually 1 drop into the operated eye once or twice a day, depending on the strength of the product, starting the day before cataract surgery and continuing on the day of surgery and for about 2 weeks afterwards. Wash your hands first, avoid touching the tip of the bottle to the eye, and if you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between them.

Interactions

Using bromfenac together with steroid eye drops (such as Prednisolone or Dexamethasone eye drops) may slow healing of the eye surface; your surgeon will plan this. Tell your doctor if you take blood thinners such as Warfarin, Clopidogrel or Aspirin, as NSAID eye drops may slightly increase bleeding in the eye.

Contraindications

Do not use if you are allergic to bromfenac or any ingredient of the drops. Use with care, and only on a doctor's advice, if Aspirin or other NSAID painkillers have caused asthma, hives or other allergic reactions in the past, as reactions can occur with bromfenac too.

Side Effects

Common: brief stinging or burning, eye redness, itching, a feeling that something is in the eye, headache and sensitivity to light.

Get urgent medical help, or contact your eye surgeon the same day, if you have increasing eye pain, worsening vision, a lot of redness or discharge, bleeding in the eye, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips or throat or difficulty breathing. Rarely, NSAID eye drops can damage the surface of the eye (cornea), especially with long use.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if the doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk; NSAIDs should be avoided in the last 3 months of pregnancy. It is not known if bromfenac passes into breast milk, though very little reaches the blood from eye drops; use while breastfeeding only on medical advice.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not use for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, dry eye, repeated eye surgery, or a bleeding tendency, as these increase the risk of eye surface problems. Some products contain sulphite, which can trigger reactions in people with asthma. Do not wear contact lenses during treatment unless the surgeon says so. Do not drive if your vision is blurred.

Overdose

Using extra drops is unlikely to be harmful; rinse the eye with clean water if needed. If drops are swallowed, especially by a child, seek medical advice.

Therapeutic Class

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ophthalmic NSAID).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the bottle tightly closed and throw it away 4 weeks after first opening, or as stated on the pack.