How well does Ozurdex (dexamethasone) work?

In clinical studies, Ozurdex (dexamethasone) improved the vision in [around 20% to 30% of people with swelling in the eye due to a blocked vein](https://www.ozurdex.com/Content/pdf/RVO_Patient_Brochure.pdf). This improvement occurred within the first 2 months after having Ozurdex (dexamethasone) implanted. The improved vision lasted about 1 to 3 months. In addition, [about 20% of people with diabetic macular edema](https://www.ozurdex.com/Content/pdf/DME_Patient_Brochure.pdf) had clearer vision lasting at least 3 years after having Ozurdex (dexamethasone) implanted compared to 11% of those who didn't receive medication. In [people with inflammation in the back of their eye](https://www.ozurdex.com/Content/pdf/OZU112517_Uveitis_Patient_Brochure.PDF), Ozurdex (dexamethasone) cleared up the inflammation in about half of people at 2 months after their injection. For more details about how Ozurdex (dexamethasone) can improve your specific condition, speak to your provider.

Does Ozurdex (dexamethasone) have any serious risks?

Ozurdex (dexamethasone) can cause severe eye inflammation and a serious condition known as [retinal detachment](https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinal-detachment). This occurs when the retina pulls away from important blood vessels in the back of the eye. This requires immediate medical attention. If you notice small dark spots, squiggly lines, flashes of light, or a shadow across your field of vision, contact your provider right away. Ozurdex (dexamethasone) can also cause [cataracts](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/eye/what-causes-cataracts) and [glaucoma](https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma), two conditions that can result in problems with your vision. If you notice that your vision is getting worse after receiving the Ozurdex (dexamethasone) implant, contact your provider. You should also look out for signs of an infection in your eye, like redness, pain, or discharge coming from your eye. Call your provider if you notice any of these symptoms.

Ozurdex

Q: What is Ozurdex (dexamethasone)?

Ozurdex (dexamethasone) is a [corticosteroid](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/corticosteroids) medication. Corticosteroids treat swelling by slowing down the release of proteins involved in [inflammation](https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/autoimmune/what-is-inflammation). Ozurdex (dexamethasone) is used to treat adults with macular edema due to diabetes or [a blocked vein in the retina](https://www.ozurdex.com/Content/pdf/RVO_Patient_Brochure.pdf) (the tissue at the back of your eye). [Macular edema](https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/macular-edema) is the buildup of fluid in a specific area of the retina responsible for sharp vision called the [macula](https://www.aao.org/eye-health/anatomy/macula-6). This medication can also be used to treat inflammation in the back of the eye that's not caused by an infection ([non-infectious uveitis](https://www.ozurdex.com/Content/pdf/OZU112517_Uveitis_Patient_Brochure.PDF)). Ozurdex (dexamethasone) is a small implant that's placed in the eye by a healthcare provider. It slowly releases medication into the eye over the course of [several months](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5426136/#:~:text=Concentration%20of%20the%20drug%20becomes,implantation%20is%20rare%20but%20known.).

Q: What should I expect during the Ozurdex (dexamethasone) implantation procedure?

The [procedure](https://www.ozurdex.com/WhatToExpect) for getting the Ozurdex (dexamethasone) implant doesn't take long, and you'll be awake during it. Your provider will clean and numb your eye first so you don't feel as much discomfort during the procedure. Then, they'll implant Ozurdex (dexamethasone) into your eye using a small device that's about the size of a pen. You might feel pressure and hear a click when your provider places the implant into your eye. After the procedure, your provider will check your eye before you go home. Your vision should start to get better over time after the procedure. Ozurdex (dexamethasone) will dissolve naturally over the course of several months, so you don't have to go back to the provider to have it removed.

Q: What are the side effects of Ozurdex (dexamethasone)?

Some common side effects of Ozurdex (dexamethasone) include higher than normal pressure inside the eye and red spots on your eye (broken small blood vessels underneath the surface of the eye). Other side effects can include eye pain, eye redness, dry eye, eye inflammation, vision changes, and headache.

dexamethasone

Used for Eye Inflammation

Ozurdex (dexamethasone) is a medication that's injected into the eye to treat certain eye conditions, including diabetic macular edema (DME). It comes as a small implant that must be placed in the eye by a healthcare provider. The implant slowly releases medication over time and dissolves on its own. Ozurdex (dexamethasone) is only available as a brand-name medication.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on May 30, 2022

What is Ozurdex (dexamethasone)?

What is Ozurdex (dexamethasone) used for?

Diabetic macular edema (DME)
Macular edema due to a blocked vein in the retina
Inflammation in the back of the eye not caused by an infection

Are you looking for information on dexamethasone eye drops (Maxidex) or dexamethasone tablets, oral solution, or injection instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Ozurdex
Drug Class	Corticosteroid
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Ozurdex

Drug Class

Corticosteroid

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Ozurdex

Ozurdex is a corticosteroid medication. Corticosteroids treat swelling by slowing down the release of proteins involved in inflammation. Ozurdex is used to treat adults with macular edema due to diabetes or a blocked vein in the retina (the tissue at the back of your eye). Macular edema is the buildup of fluid in a specific area of the retina responsible for sharp vision called the macula. This medication can also be used to treat inflammation in the back of the eye that's not caused by an infection (non-infectious uveitis). Ozurdex is a small implant that's placed in the eye by a healthcare provider. It slowly releases medication into the eye over the course of several months.

In clinical studies, Ozurdex improved the vision in around 20% to 30% of people with swelling in the eye due to a blocked vein. This improvement occurred within the first 2 months after having Ozurdex implanted. The improved vision lasted about 1 to 3 months. In addition, about 20% of people with diabetic macular edema had clearer vision lasting at least 3 years after having Ozurdex implanted compared to 11% of those who didn't receive medication. In people with inflammation in the back of their eye, Ozurdex cleared up the inflammation in about half of people at 2 months after their injection. For more details about how Ozurdex can improve your specific condition, speak to your provider.

The procedure for getting the Ozurdex implant doesn't take long, and you'll be awake during it. Your provider will clean and numb your eye first so you don't feel as much discomfort during the procedure. Then, they'll implant Ozurdex into your eye using a small device that's about the size of a pen. You might feel pressure and hear a click when your provider places the implant into your eye. After the procedure, your provider will check your eye before you go home. Your vision should start to get better over time after the procedure. Ozurdex will dissolve naturally over the course of several months, so you don't have to go back to the provider to have it removed.

You might experience blurry vision for a short time after getting your eye injection. Don't drive or use machines until your normal vision comes back. Ask a family member or friend to drive you home after your appointment in case your vision is too poor to drive safely.

Some common side effects of Ozurdex include higher than normal pressure inside the eye and red spots on your eye (broken small blood vessels underneath the surface of the eye). Other side effects can include eye pain, eye redness, dry eye, eye inflammation, vision changes, and headache.

Ozurdex can cause severe eye inflammation and a serious condition known as retinal detachment. This occurs when the retina pulls away from important blood vessels in the back of the eye. This requires immediate medical attention. If you notice small dark spots, squiggly lines, flashes of light, or a shadow across your field of vision, contact your provider right away. Ozurdex can also cause cataracts and glaucoma, two conditions that can result in problems with your vision. If you notice that your vision is getting worse after receiving the Ozurdex implant, contact your provider. You should also look out for signs of an infection in your eye, like redness, pain, or discharge coming from your eye. Call your provider if you notice any of these symptoms.

Ozurdex (dexamethasone) dosage

Typical dosage for Ozurdex (dexamethasone)

Interactions between Ozurdex (dexamethasone) and other drugs

Ozurdex (dexamethasone) 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 Ozurdex (dexamethasone). 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. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Abametapir
Aceclofenac
Acemetacin
Aldesleukin
Alfentanil
Amiodarone
Amtolmetin Guacil
Apalutamide
Balofloxacin
Bemiparin
Benzhydrocodone
Besifloxacin
Boceprevir
Bromfenac
Bufexamac
Buprenorphine
Bupropion
Carbamazepine
Celecoxib
Ceritinib
Cholestyramine
Choline Salicylate
Ciprofloxacin
Clarithromycin
Clonixin
Cobicistat
Codeine
Conivaptan
Daclatasvir
Darunavir
Desogestrel
Dexibuprofen
Dexketoprofen
Diclofenac
Dienogest
Diflunisal
Dihydrocodeine
Dipyrone
Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome
Dronedarone
Drospirenone
Droxicam
Efavirenz
Elvitegravir
Enoxacin
Enzalutamide
Estradiol
Ethinyl Estradiol
Ethynodiol
Etodolac
Etofenamate
Etonogestrel
Etoricoxib
Etravirine
Felbinac
Fenoprofen
Fentanyl
Fepradinol
Feprazone
Fleroxacin
Floctafenine
Flufenamic Acid
Flumequine
Flurbiprofen
Fosamprenavir
Fosphenytoin
Gatifloxacin
Gemifloxacin
Gestodene
Hemin
Hydrocodone
Ibuprofen
Idelalisib
Indinavir
Indomethacin
Itraconazole
Ixabepilone
Ketoconazole
Ketoprofen
Ketorolac
Lapatinib
Levofloxacin
Levonorgestrel
Lomefloxacin
Lopinavir
Lornoxicam
Loxoprofen
Lumacaftor
Lumateperone
Lumiracoxib
Lutetium Lu 177 Dotatate
Macimorelin
Meclofenamate
Medroxyprogesterone
Mefenamic Acid
Meloxicam
Meperidine
Mestranol
Methadone
Mitotane
Morniflumate
Moxifloxacin
Nabumetone
Nadifloxacin
Nadroparin
Naproxen
Nefazodone
Nelfinavir
Nepafenac
Nevirapine
Nifedipine
Niflumic Acid
Nilotinib
Nimesulide
Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
Nimodipine
Nomegestrol
Norelgestromin
Norethindrone
Norfloxacin
Norgestimate
Norgestrel
Ofloxacin
Oxaprozin
Oxycodone
Oxyphenbutazone
Parecoxib
Pazufloxacin
Pefloxacin
Pentazocine
Phenylbutazone
Phenytoin
Piketoprofen
Piperaquine
Piroxicam
Posaconazole
Pranoprofen
Proglumetacin
Propyphenazone
Proquazone
Prulifloxacin
Rifampin
Ritonavir
Rofecoxib
Rufloxacin
Salicylic Acid
Salsalate
Saquinavir
Sargramostim
Segesterone
Sodium Salicylate
Sparfloxacin
St John's Wort
Sufentanil
Sulindac
Sunitinib
Tacrolimus
Telaprevir
Telithromycin
Tenoxicam
Thalidomide
Tiaprofenic Acid
Tolfenamic Acid
Tolmetin
Tosufloxacin
Tramadol
Ubrogepant
Ulipristal
Valdecoxib
Velpatasvir
Vincristine Sulfate Liposome
Voriconazole
Vortioxetine
Voxilaprevir

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Alcuronium
Aminoglutethimide
Aprepitant
Aspirin
Atracurium
Auranofin
Caspofungin
Fluindione
Fosaprepitant
Fosnetupitant
Gallamine
Hexafluorenium
Licorice
Metocurine
Netupitant
Ospemifene
Pancuronium
Phenobarbital
Rifapentine
Saiboku-To
Vecuronium
Warfarin

What are alternatives to Ozurdex (dexamethasone)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ozurdex (dexamethasone). Compare a few possible alternatives below.

Ozurdex (dexamethasone)

Used for:

Diabetic macular edema (DME)
Macular edema due to a blocked vein in the retina
Inflammation in the back of the eye not caused by an infection

View prices

Iluvien (fluocinolone)

Used for:

Diabetic macular edema (DME) - Iluvien brand only
Chronic non-infectious inflammation (uveitis) to the back of the eye (e.g., eye injury, disease) - Retisert and Yutiq brand only

View prices