Fluorometholone eye suspension

What is this medication?

FLUOROMETHOLONE (flure oh METH oh lone) is a corticosteroid. It is used to treat swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions in the eye.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Eflone, Flarex, Fluor-Op, FML, FML Forte

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They should know if you have any of these conditions:

• any active infection
• cataracts or glaucoma
• contact lens wearer
• eye surgery
• an unusual allergic reaction to fluorometholone, other corticosteroids, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Shake well before use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Your vision may blur for a few minutes. Use your medicine at regular intervals. Do not use it more often than directed. Do not stop using except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years of age, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other eye products without asking your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better after 2 days or if they get worse.

A burning or stinging reaction that does not go away may mean you are allergic to this product. Stop using and call your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine can make certain eye conditions worse. Only use it for conditions for which your doctor or health care professional has prescribed.

To prevent the spread of infection, do not share eye products, towels, and washcloths with anyone else.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor or health care professional when you can wear your lenses again. If you can continue wearing your lenses during treatment, wait 15 minutes after application of the product before inserting your lenses. Some eye conditions may not allow you to wear your lenses during treatment.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• eye pain, decreased or blurred vision that does not go away
• infection

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision for a few moments after application
• change in taste
• temporary watering of eyes
• temporary redness or stinging for a few moments after application

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.