Durezol (Difluprednate Opthalmic Emulsion)

Do’s

• Use Durezol exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• The typical dosage for treating endogenous anterior uveitis is to instill 1 drop into the affected eye 4 times a day for 14 days. After 14 days, your healthcare provider will explain how to stop the medication gradually.
• Your healthcare provider may direct you to use this medication more often at the beginning of treatment and then reduce your dose gradually.
• Wash your hands before using Durezol to prevent the spread of germs or bacteria to the medication or your eye.
• 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 1 drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed or if your dose is for more than 1 drop. 
• Replace the dropper cap after each use.
• If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 10 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Continue using it for the full time prescribed.
• If you are using another kind of eye medication (for example, drops or ointments), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for the dosage and administration of Durezol. If you have any concerns or if your condition does not improve, consult them for further guidance.
• Always remember to wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery after using Durezol.

Don’ts

• Do not stop using this medication without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface, skin, or your eye to prevent contamination and possible infection.
• Do not rinse the dropper after use.

Common Side Effects:

• Increased sensitivity to light

Serious Side Effects:

• New or increased eye pain, swelling, discharge, redness, discomfort in bright light, or changes in vision

 If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly.

Allergic Reactions: 

While rare, serious allergic reactions to Durezol can occur. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms are experienced, immediate medical help should be sought.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and other side effects may occur. Patients should consult their healthcare provider for more comprehensive information about the potential side effects of Durezol.

Prolonged use of corticosteroids like Durezol may result in glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity, and fields of vision. Therefore, steroids should be used with caution in the presence of glaucoma. If Durezol is used for 10 days or longer, intraocular pressure should be monitored.

Durezol, as with other ophthalmic corticosteroids, may result in the development of cataracts. Patients should be monitored for this potential side effect.

Durezol is contraindicated in most active viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva, including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis, vaccinia, and varicella. It is also contraindicated in mycobacterial infection of the eye and fungal diseases of ocular structures.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider about any other medications or supplements they are currently taking, as interactions may occur.

The information provided here is not exhaustive, and patients should always consult their healthcare provider for specific advice and guidance regarding the use of Durezol.