OCUFEN ® Flurbiprofen

OCUFEN ® is a Flurbiprofen based drug

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Stomatology, other substances for local oral treatment

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications OCUFEN ® Flurbiprofen

OCUFEN ® is indicated in the treatment of aseptic inflammatory states of the anterior segment of the eye, which generally follow ophthalmological surgery.

Mechanism of action OCUFEN ® Flurbiprofen

OCUFEN ® is a medicinal product based on flurbiprofen sodium, an active ingredient belonging to the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, used in these cases as an ocular solution during inflammatory states of the eye or during particular surgical procedures.

Although the mechanism of action is the same as that observed for all other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, therefore characterized by the inhibition of enzymes known as cyclooxygenases, involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins, the observed biological effects do not exhaust exclusively with the action anti-inflammatory, however necessary to reduce the damage and the painful stimulus to the ocular level, but they are also realized in the maintenance of vascular pressures, vascular permeability and in the inhibition of intraoperative miosis, non-cholinergic contraction of the pupil constricting muscles, which often makes it more difficult surgery.

The ease of application thanks to the use of special eye drops and the great efficacy from a therapeutic and prophylactic point of view, make OCUFEN ® a very important drug in the clinical eye practice.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. THE FLURBIPROPHENES IN THE MAINTENANCE OF MIDRIASIS

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2003 Nov; 29 (11): 2060-2.

Study demonstrating how the use of flurbiprodene sodium both in the preparation phase for cataract surgery, and during the surgery itself, can contribute to the maintenance of mydriasis, useful for surgical practice

2. THE FLRUBIPROPHEN IN OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SURGERY

J Cataract Refract Surg. 1997 Nov; 23 (9): 1317-23.

Work that seeks to evaluate the real efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs taken topically such as flurbiprofen on the maintenance of correct refraction and corneal opacity following laser keratectomy in patients with myopia. In this case topical steroids seem more effective in reducing regression and preserving proper corneal function.

3. OCUFEN IN THE TREATMENT OF OCULAR PAIN

CLAO J. 1994 Apr; 20 (2): 131-8.

Very important study that shows how the use of flurbiprofen topically can be effective and safe in reducing eye pain without compromising corneal functionality and sensitivity.

Method of use and dosage

OCUFEN ®

Eye drops of 0.03 gr of flubiprofen sodium per 100 ml of solution.

The dosing schedule should be defined by the doctor, based on the predetermined preventive-therapeutic objective.

Warnings OCUFEN ® Flurbiprofen

The use of OCUFEN ® should be carried out only following a medical prescription, considering that topical administration of flurbiprofen could:

Delaying healing of corneal ulcers;
Increase the risk of ocular bleeding, given the documented anti-platelet aggregation action for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The absence of studies able to characterize the efficacy and safety of OCUFEN ® in the pediatric population requires that the drug be kept out of reach of children, avoiding their use.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

Although DiOCUFEN ® intake is generally free of systemic side effects, it is not recommended to administer flurbiprofen even if topically ophthalmic, in pregnant women, given the absence of clinical studies able to clarify the safety profile of this active ingredient when taken by ophthalmic means.

The numerous side effects affecting the fetus, on the other hand, are noticeable following the presence of high flurbiprofen blood concentrations in the pregnant woman.

Interactions

Clinically relevant drug interactions between flurbiprofen and other topical ophthalmic active ingredients are currently unknown.

Contraindications OCUFEN ® Flurbiprofen

OCUFEN ® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to flurbiprofen or associated active substances as well as its excipients.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

The use of OCUFEN ® in the form of eye drops makes the administration of flurbiprofen as safe as it is, and lacks those potentially dangerous side effects classically associated with systemic therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Among the most commonly observed adverse reactions following the use of OCUFEN ® it is possible to describe the presence of burning at the time of instillation and minor eye irritations.