Flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic (Rx)

Trade Names:

Ocufen®

General Description:

This drug is an eye medication that is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eye medications are commonly used when there are concerns regarding the use of steroids in an animal. This medication is available in the form of drops.

What is this drug?

• A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent

Reasons for prescribing:

• To treat or prevent inflammatory conditions involving the eye, conjunctiva, and eyelids

What dogs/cats should not take this medication?

• Animals with clotting disorders
• Animals with bleeding in the eye
• Animals with corneal ulcers as healing can be delayed
• Animals with bacterial infections should not be treated with only Flurbiprofen sodium
• Animals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to this drug should not take this medication

Directions:

Read and follow the prescription label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed.

Give this medication for as long as your veterinarian directs.

Do not skip doses or stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian.

Dose adjustments may be made based upon an assessment of how your dog or cat is responding clinically.

If your pet requires more than one medication in the same eye, administer the medications 5 minutes apart.

If your pet requires more than one medication, discuss with your veterinarian if it is preferable to administer drops before ointments.

If you are having difficulty applying the medication, contact your veterinarian.

Call ahead for refills.

Ideally, give this medication at the same time(s) daily.

Administration of eye drops

• Wash your hands before applying any eye medication
• Check label directions and shake bottle if necessary
• Remove excess discharge from around the eye with a moistened cloth
• Remove the cap and avoid contaminating the tip of the medication bottle with the environment or your fingers
• Tilt your pet's head back so that they are looking up towards the ceiling
• Gently hold the eyelids open and with the other hand holding the medication bottle, rest your hand above the eye
• Be sure that the tip of the medication bottle is not pointed towards the eye in case of any sudden movements
• Ensure that the tip of the medication bottle does not touch your pet's eye, eyelids, or lashes
• Apply the correct amount of drops into the eye
• Continue to hold your pet's head up and allow them to blink to distribute the drops over the entire eye
• Place the cap back on the medication bottle and avoid contaminating the inside of the cap with your fingers
• Wash your hands after applying any eye medication
• Always praise and reward your pet to encourage cooperation

What if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask a veterinarian before giving medication?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

• When your pet will need to be rechecked
• What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
• What are the risks and benefits of using this drug

Tell your veterinarian about:

• If your pet has experienced previous eye problems
• If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
• If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
• If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
• If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
• All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet's medications can be given together.
• If your pet is pregnant, nursing or if you plan to breed your pet

Storage and Warnings:

Flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic should be stored in a childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.

Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Potential side effects:

• This medication may cause the eye to sting for a short period after application
• This medication can affect and delay wound healing
• This medication may cause the pupil to become smaller
• This medication may cause an increase in eye pressure
• This medication can affect platelets causing an inability to clot blood
• This medication can cause local irritation resulting in redness and irritation of the tissues surrounding the eye
• If these symptoms persist or you notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian

Can this drug be given with other drugs?

• Do not give new food or medications without first talking to your veterinarian
• If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian

Overdosing?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you pet has accidentally ingested this medication or has received more than the prescribed amount.

What else should I know?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal's condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, Flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed.

It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Never use skin or ear medications in the eye.

This is just a summary of information about Flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic. If you have any questions or concerns about Flurbiprofen sodium ophthalmic or the condition it was prescribed for, please contact your veterinarian.