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Overview: Xipere is used to treat a certain type of macular edema, which is fluid buildup and swelling in part of the retina. It is given as an injection in the eye by a health care provider. It works by reducing inflammation. Common side effects include eye pain and increased pressure inside 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 Xipere.

Uses

What is Xipere used for?

Xipere (triamcinolone) is used to treat macular edema associated with uveitis. Macular edema is fluid buildup in the macula, which is a part of the retina. Uveitis is inflammation of a part of the eye called the uvea.

Xipere: A Targeted Injection for Uveitic Macular Edema

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

How does Xipere work (mechanism of action)?

Xipere is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. It works by helping to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response.

How is Xipere supplied (dosage forms)?

Xipere is available as liquid that is injected inside the eye by a health care provider.

How should I store Xipere?

Xipere 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 Xipere?

The most common side effects of Xipere 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 Xipere 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 Xipere?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Xipere 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. Xipere is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids may increase the risk of eye infections and other eye problems, including cataracts, increased pressure inside the eye, or glaucoma. 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

Changes in Hormone Function. Xipere is a corticosteroid. The body makes its own corticosteroids, but when you use a corticosteroid medicine for a long time, your body may not make as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This may increase your risk for certain problems, such as high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or Cushing’s syndrome. Your risk of these problems may be higher if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell all of your health care providers that you have received Xipere, even if it was several months ago. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • More thirsty or hungry than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Your breath smelling fruity
  • Nausea, vomiting, or feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • A rounded, rosy color of the face
  • Weight gain or fat buildup in the upper back or base of the neck
  • Thinning skin that bruises easily
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Sleep problems

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Xipere?

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

  • Triamcinolone
  • Xipere
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

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

What should I know about Xipere before using it?

Xipere is given by a health care provider in a clinic or hospital. It is a liquid that is injected in the outer wall of the eye. 

After you receive Xipere, 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, such as eye pain or redness, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light.

You may not be able to drive after receiving Xipere. 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 Xipere. For example, if you have increased pressure inside the eye, you may need to use eye drops to lower the pressure.

Receiving Xipere 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 Xipere?

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 Xipere is right for you.

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

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have ever had any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Xipere 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 Xipere 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 Xipere while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Xipere?

For more information about Xipere, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.xipere.com/patient or call them at 866-272-8838.

Interactions

Does Xipere interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Xipere. 

Does Xipere interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Xipere 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 Xipere?

If you or someone else has used too much Xipere, 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 Xipere?

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