Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Durezol (Difluprednate-opht).
Cataracts: Using corticosteroids in the eye over a long period of time may cause cataracts to form and may cause healing after cataract surgery to take longer than it would otherwise. If you have cataracts, discuss with your doctor how Durezol (Difluprednate-opht) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Durezol (Difluprednate-opht), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Contact lenses: Using contact lenses with corticosteroid eye drops increases the risk of infection. You should avoid wearing contact lenses while using corticosteroid eye drops. Difluprednate can also cause discolouration of soft contact lenses. If you do need to wear contact lenses, wait at least 10 minutes after using Durezol (Difluprednate-opht) before putting your contact lenses in.
Delayed healing: The use of medications such as difluprednate may cause delayed healing after eye surgery and may increase the occurrence of bleb (blister) formation on the eye. After 14 days of treatment your doctor should reassess the need for continued use of Durezol (Difluprednate-opht).
Glaucoma: The use of corticosteroids in the eyes may cause an increase in the pressure in the eye. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Durezol (Difluprednate-opht) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Durezol (Difluprednate-opht), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infection: Corticosteroids such as difluprednate reduce symptoms of inflammation by reducing the effect of the immune system. As a result, the use of Durezol (Difluprednate-opht) may hide the signs of new infections or worsening of existing infections. If you notice any new eye symptoms such as pain, redness, sensitivity to sunlight, or vision changes, contact your doctor immediately. If the condition you are treating does not seem to improve in several days, contact your doctor.
Vision changes: Difluprednate may cause blurred vision or discomfort in bright light, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these and other hazardous tasks until your vision has cleared.
Pregnancy: Durezol (Difluprednate-opht) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Durezol (Difluprednate-opht), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if difluprednate passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Durezol (Difluprednate-opht), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Durezol (Difluprednate-opht) have not been established for children less than 28 days old. For children aged 28 days to 3 years, difluprednate may be used to treat inflammation and pain after cataract surgery.
The safety and effectiveness of using Durezol (Difluprednate-opht) to treat endogenous anterior uveitis have not been established for children. Difluprednate is not recommended to treat this condition in children.
