Bromday

Bromfenac, also known and sold under the trade names of Bromday, Prolensa, and Xibrom, is a product which belongs to a group of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

This medication is used in the treatment of inflammation (swelling) and pain in the eye after a certain eye surgery. It is considered to work by blocking the effects of certain natural substances – known as prostaglandins, which are known to cause inflammation and pain of the eye. This medication is available in the form of a solution.

Before the decision to start the treatment with this medication is made, it is essential to get informed about the expected beneficial effects, as well as, about the potential side effects and risks.

For this decision to be made, the beneficial effects must outweigh the potential risks. This is a decision that you and your doctor, together, will have to make.

During the consultations, it is important to inform the doctor about:

• Allergic reactions – Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any specific kind of medications, prescribed or not prescribed. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergic reaction to any specific kind of food, dye, fabric and etc.
• Pediatric – There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in pediatric patients. This medication is not recommended to be used in pediatric patients. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
• Geriatric – Proper studies done have confirmed that there are no age-related risks and side effects when this medication has been used in geriatric patients. However, due to the increased sensitivity in geriatric patients, this medication has to be used with extra caution during the treatment.
• Pregnancy – Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used during pregnancy. It is unknown how would it affect the fetus. This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
• Breastfeeding – Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in nursing mothers. It is unknown if it is extracted in the milk or how would it affect the infant. This medication is not recommended to be used in nursing mothers. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
• Drug interactions – Inform the doctor if you are currently using any other medications, prescribed or not prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with others, due to the possibility that certain interactions could occur. However, sometimes the doctor may decide to use a certain combination, including two or more medications, to treat your condition, if he or she considers that combination to prove as beneficial regarding your condition.
• Other interactions – Certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with specific types of food, tobacco and alcohol. Because of this, it is important to get informed if there is a need for you to follow a specific diet and discontinue your use of tobacco and/or alcohol during the treatment with this medication.
• Other medical problems – Inform the doctor about your medical history, any other medical problems and conditions from the past or at the moment. Especially, inform the doctor if there are any of the following conditions present – asthma, bleeding problems, sulfite allergy, allergy to aspirin, corneal, diabetes, eye diseases, eye surgeries, or rheumatoid arthritis.

For proper use, follow the directions given by your doctor. This medication is available in the form of a solution, for the ophthalmic route.

Wash your hands before and after every application. To avoid infections, do not touch the tip of the bottle to the eye.

If you are currently using contact lens, remove them before every application and wait at least 10 minutes before you replace them. The contact lens can absorb the medication, thus decreasing the beneficial effects from its use.

Tilt your head back and using two fingers, pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. In the pouch apply the prescribed number of eye drops and close your eye. Massage your upper eyelid gently and keep your eyes closed for at least 10 minutes to help the medication to get absorbed in the affected eye.

The dose is individual for every patient, prescribed by your doctor and based on your condition. In order to get the most beneficial effects from its use, remember to apply each dose regularly.

If you forget a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. Do not double to catch up. This medication is harmful in case of a swallowing and overdose. If swallowing or an overdose is suspected, contact the doctor right away for further directions.

Visit your doctor regularly, at your scheduled appointments, so that he or she would be able to track your condition and make any adjustments if needed. These adjustments may refer to the dose – e.g. the doctor may decide to increase or decrease the dose, or to the treatment itself – the doctor may decide to discontinue your treatment if there are any serious side effects present that would worsen your condition, or if your condition does not improve.

Inform the doctor about any allergic reaction to any kind of medications, prescribed or not prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because this medication may contain inactive substances that could cause certain interactions to occur.

Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy, due to the lack of studies that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used during pregnancy. At least two proven forms of birth control should be used during the treatment with this medication.

Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. This medication is not recommended to be used in nursing mothers, due to the lack of studies that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in nursing mothers. This medication may cause temporary blurred vision to occur. Avoid driving and any other activities that require clear vision during the treatment with this medication.

Along with its needed beneficial effects, there are potential side effects that could occur. These side effects do not occur in all patients, also they could be mild or more serious.

However, it is essential to get informed about the potential side effects, so that you would be able to notice their presence and inform the doctor as soon as possible.

Common Side Effects

• Temporary blurred vision
• Temporary itching/stinging of the eye
• Watery eyes
• Headache

These are common side effects which are not considered as serious. However, if their presence persists or worsens, inform the doctor right away.

Serious Side Effects

• Severe pain/redness of the eye
• Increased sensitivity of the eye to the sun
• Itching/redness around the eye

These are serious side effects whose presence must be reported to the doctor as soon as possible.

A serious allergic reaction to this medication is not common. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, inform the doctor as soon as possible

• Skin rash
• Itching/swelling of the face/tongue/hands/feet
• Trouble breathing
• Severe dizziness