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flurbiprofen sodium

Generic Ocufen
Used for Pupil Dilation
Used for Pupil Dilation

Flurbiprofen sodium is an eye drop used to prevent changes in the eye, such as narrowing of the pupil, during eye surgery.

Last reviewed on August 30, 2021
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What is Flurbiprofen sodium?

What is Flurbiprofen sodium used for?

  • Prevent pupil narrowing (constriction) during eye surgery

How Flurbiprofen sodium works

Flurbiprofen sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) eye drop. It works directly on the eye to prevent the pupil from getting too small.

Are you looking for information on flurbiprofen oral tablet instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsOcufen (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassNSAID
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$44.43(save 61.31%)
GoodRx discount
$17.19
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What are the side effects of Flurbiprofen sodium?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Burning and stinging in the eyes
  • Eye scarring
  • Pooling of blood in the eye
  • Constricted or dilated pupils
  • Red eyes

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Bleeding in the eye

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Eye irritation or redness

increased sensitivity of the eyes to light

red or bloodshot eye

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Stinging or burning of the eye when medicine is applied

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Flurbiprofen sodium

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Pros

Stops pupillary constriction so that your provider can see your eyes better during surgery

Helps with pain and inflammation

Doesn't raise eye pressure like corticosteroid eye drops

Available as a generic, which can be more affordable

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Cons

Causes burning and stinging

Can slow the healing process, especially if used with steroid eye drops

Risk for bleeding during surgery

Not studied for use in children

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Flurbiprofen sodium

pharmacist
  • Always wash your hands before using flurbiprofen sodium drops to prevent spreading germs into the medication, which can lead to an eye infection. Don't let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface either. This can also put you at risk for an eye infection.

    • Flurbiprofen sodium should be started two hours before surgery. Make sure you know exactly what time your provider wants you to start using the eye drops and how often you should use them.

      • If you're having surgery on both of your eyes, you should have two bottles of medication, one for each eye. Label the medication bottles so you don't get them mixed up. This will help protect your eyes from infections.

        • Don't use flurbiprofen sodium after your surgery unless instructed by your provider

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Flurbiprofen sodium

          Is Ocufen still available?
          The brand name Ocufen has been discontinued and is no longer available. Generic versions of flurbiprofen sodium are still available.
          Is flurbiprofen sodium used for eye pain?
          Flurbiprofen sodium shouldn't be used for eye pain. It's typically used before and during eye surgery.
          Can flurbiprofen sodium ever be used after eye surgery?
          Yes, in some cases, flurbiprofen sodium and other NSAID eye drops are used after cataract surgery. Don't use flurbiprofen sodium unless directed by your provider.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Flurbiprofen sodium?

          Flurbiprofen sodium can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Greater risk of bleeding

          • Risk factors: Taking other medications that raise bleeding risk | History of bleeding problems

            NSAIDs, such as flurbiprofen sodium, can cause bleeding. Flurbiprofen sodium can raise the risk of bleeding during eye surgery, especially in people who have a high risk for bleeds. Before surgery, let your provider know about all the medications you're taking and if you've ever had a bleeding or clotting problem.

            risk-warning

            Slowed wound healing

            • Risk factors: Use with steroid medications

              NSAIDs and corticosteroid eye drops are commonly used during and after eye surgery to help with pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, they can slow down the body's ability to heal after surgery, especially when they're used together. Make sure you use flurbiprofen sodium exactly as directed and have follow-up appointments with your provider so they can monitor your healing process.

              dosage

              Flurbiprofen sodium dosage forms

              The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 2.5ml of 0.03% of Flurbiprofen sodium is $17.19 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 61.31% off the average retail price of $44.43.
              eye dropper
              Eye dropper
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              2.5ml of 0.03%1 eye dropper$17.19$17.19

              Typical dosing for Flurbiprofen sodium

              The typical dose is 1 drop in the appropriate eye every 30 minutes starting 2 hours before surgery.

              interactions

              Interactions between Flurbiprofen sodium and other drugs

              Flurbiprofen sodium may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Flurbiprofen sodium. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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              How much does Flurbiprofen sodium cost?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
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              Flurbiprofen sodium contraindications

              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Flurbiprofen sodium will not be safe for you to take.
              • Allergy to flurbiprofen sodium

              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Flurbiprofen sodium?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Flurbiprofen sodium. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Flurbiprofen sodium
              Used for:
              • Prevent pupil narrowing (constriction) during eye surgery

              $17.19 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              • Eye injury

              • Swelling or allergies in the eye

              $20.61 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Used for:
              • Relief of pain or inflammation after cornea refractive surgery in people ages 3 years and older - Ketorolac (Acular LS) 0.4% only

              • Relief of pain or inflammation after cataract removal in people ages 2 years and older- Ketorolac (Acuvail) 0.45% and ketorolac (Acular) 0.5% only

              • Itchy eyes due to allergies in people ages 2 years and older - Ketorolac (Acular) 0.5% only

              $10.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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