Ozurdex Special Precautions

Treatment with OZURDEX is for intravitreal injection only.
Intravitreal Injection-related Effects: Intravitreal injections, including those with OZURDEX, have been associated with endophthalmitis, intraocular inflammation, increased intraocular pressure, and retinal detachment. Proper aseptic injection techniques must always be used. In addition, patients should be monitored following the injection to permit early treatment if an infection or increased intraocular pressure occur. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or any of the previously mentioned events without delay.
Risk of Implant Migration: Patients who had a tear in the posterior lens capsule (e.g., due to cataract surgery), or who had an iris opening to the vitreous cavity (e.g., due to iridectomy) are at risk of implant migration into the anterior chamber. Implant migration to the anterior chamber might lead to corneal edema. Persistent severe corneal edema could progress to the need of corneal transplantation. Regular monitoring of such patients allows for early diagnosis of device migration.
Potential Steroid-related Effects: Use of corticosteroids, including those with OZURDEX, have been associated with posterior subcapsular cataracts, increased intraocular pressure, and glaucoma. Use of corticosteroids may enhance the establishment of secondary ocular infections due to bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
Ocular Herpes Simplex: Corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with a history of ocular herpes simplex. Corticosteroids should not be used in active ocular herpes simplex.
Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Patients may experience temporary visual blurring after receiving an intravitreal injection. They should not drive or use machines until this has resolved.
Use in Children: Safety and effectiveness of OZURDEX in pediatric patients have not been established.
Use in the Elderly: No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients.