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Overview: Ozurdex is used to treat certain eye conditions that cause swelling and inflammation. It is a small implant that is injected into the back of the eye by a health care provider. It works by reducing inflammation. Common side effects include cataracts, increased pressure inside the eye, and red spots on the white part of the eye. Tell your health care provider right away if you have eye pain, redness, or discharge, sensitivity to light, or any vision changes after receiving Ozurdex.

Uses

What is Ozurdex used for?

Ozurdex (dexamethasone) is commonly used to treat the following conditions.

Ozurdex may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Ozurdex work (mechanism of action)?

Ozurdex is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. It works by blocking certain chemical messengers that cause inflammation, which helps reduce inflammation and swelling. 

How is Ozurdex supplied (dosage forms)?

Ozurdex is available as an implant that is injected inside the eye by a health care provider.

How should I store Ozurdex?

Ozurdex is injected inside your eye by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Ozurdex?

The most common side effects of Ozurdex are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Ozurdex that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Ozurdex?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Ozurdex are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ozurdex may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Eye Problems. Ozurdex is an implant that is injected into the back of the eye by a health care provider. These types of injections can cause certain side effects, such as eye swelling, increased pressure inside the eye, an infection in the eye (endophthalmitis), or a retinal detachment (when there is a tear or separation in the retina, the part of the eye that senses light). 

In addition, Ozurdex is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids may increase the risk of eye infections and other eye problems, including glaucoma or certain types of cataracts. Keep all appointments with your health care provider so they can check for these potential side effects. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. 

  • Eye pain 
  • Eye redness
  • Eye discharge
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Swollen eyelids or puffy eyes
  • Changes in vision or vision loss

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Ozurdex?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive Ozurdex.

  • Dexamethasone
  • Ozurdex
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Ozurdex.

Eye Infection. You should not receive Ozurdex if you have an infection in or around your eye.

Glaucoma. You should not receive Ozurdex if you have glaucoma, which is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma often happens because of increased pressure inside the eye.

Torn Part of the Eye Lens. You should not receive Ozurdex if you have a torn posterior lens capsule, which is a part of the eye that surrounds the lens.

What should I know about Ozurdex before using it?

Ozurdex is given by a health care provider in a clinic or hospital. It is an implant that is injected into the back of the eye. The implant slowly releases medicine over a few months.

After you receive the implant, your health care provider will monitor you for certain side effects, such as an infection or increased pressure inside the eye. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check for any eye problems. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any new or unusual eye symptoms after you receive Ozurdex.

You may have blurry vision after receiving Ozurdex. Do not drive or use heavy machinery until your vision is clear.

Follow all instructions from your health care provider about how to manage possible side effects of Ozurdex. For example, if you have increased pressure inside the eye, you may need to use eye drop medicines to lower the pressure. 

Receiving Ozurdex multiple times may increase your risk of cataracts, which can affect your vision. If you get cataracts, you may need surgery to remove the cataracts and improve your vision. Talk with your health care provider about this risk. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Ozurdex?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Ozurdex is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Herpes Eye Disease. Tell your health care provider if you have ever had herpes in your eye.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Ozurdex could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Ozurdex passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should receive Ozurdex while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Ozurdex?

For more information about Ozurdex, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.ozurdex.com or call them at 866-698-7339.

Interactions

Does Ozurdex interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Ozurdex and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Ozurdex. 

Does Ozurdex interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Ozurdex may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Ozurdex?

If you or someone else has used too much Ozurdex, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Ozurdex?

Ozurdex is given by a health care provider in a clinic or hospital. If you miss an appointment to get Ozurdex, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.