clobetasol 0.05 % eye drops,suspension

Generic name:
Clobetasol - ophthalmic

Pronunciation
(kloe-BAY-ta-sol)

This medication is used to treat swelling (inflammation) and pain after eye surgery. Clobetasol works by relieving symptoms such as swelling, redness, and itching. It belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids.

Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed by your doctor, usually 2 times daily. This medication is usually started 1 day after surgery and continued for 2 weeks after surgery. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Contact lenses may absorb the preservative in this product. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink or rub your eye. If directed to use this medication in both eyes, repeat these steps for your other eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

This medication is used as directed by your doctor, usually for 14 days after eye surgery. Do not start using this medication early, use it more often than prescribed, or keep using it for longer than directed by your doctor.

Continue to use this medication for the full time prescribed. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Eye discomfort, redness, or sensitivity to light may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Use of this medication for long periods or in high doses may cause serious eye problems (such as cataracts or high pressure inside the eyes). Tell your doctor right away if either of these serious side effects occur:

• vision problems
• eye pain

This medication may mask the signs of an eye infection. It may also put you at greater risk of developing an eye infection, especially with longer use. Report any new or worsening symptoms such as eye discharge/swelling/redness, vision problems, or no improvement of your current eye condition. Your doctor will need to adjust your treatment.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• headache
• dizziness

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using clobetasol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• eye infections
• recent eye surgery
• cataracts
• glaucoma (open-angle type)
• severe nearsightedness (myopia)
• diabetes

After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you can do it safely.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

If you have a new eye infection or injury, or need eye surgery, ask your doctor if you should continue to use your current bottle of clobetasol eye drops or start a new bottle.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another eye condition unless your doctor tells you to.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams, measurement of the pressure inside the eyes) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store the bottle upright at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.