This medication is used to treat herpes infection of the
eye. Herpes is a virus that lives in the body quietly until an outbreak is
triggered. Trifluridine is not a cure for the infection, but treatment of
an outbreak can speed up the healing of the sores/swelling in the eye and
lower the risk of complications (such as vision loss).
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
This drug may also be used for other eye infections
caused by viruses (such as vaccinia virus infections).
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually every 2 hours while awake until the eye has
healed.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any
other surface.
Tilt your head back, look up, and pull down the lower
eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place 1
drop into the pouch as directed by your doctor. Look down and gently close
your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye
(near the nose) and press gently. 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.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after
each use.
Do not use more than 9 drops into the eye in a 24-hour
period. After healing, use this medication for another 7 days, usually
every 4 hours while awake (at least 5 drops per day).
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as
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.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.
Keep using it for the full time prescribed. Stopping the medication too
early may result in a return of the infection.
Do not use this medication more often or use longer than
prescribed because doing so may increase the risk of side effects. This
medication should not be used for more than 21 days at a
time.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse, does not
get better after 7 days, or does not completely heal after 14
days.
Temporary mild burning, stinging, and irritation may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- swelling eyelids
- eye pain/redness
- feeling as if something is in the eye
- vision changes
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using trifluridine, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- other eye problems (such as glaucoma)
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs
clear vision until you can do it safely.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your
doctor tells you to.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exam) may be done
while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the refrigerator away from light. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.