Difluprednate
Generic Durezol
Difluprednate (dye floo PRED nate) is a generic medication prescribed for pain and swelling after eye surgery. It’s also prescribed for a specific type of swelling in the eye. Difluprednate belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids.
Difluprednate (dye floo PRED nate) is a generic medication prescribed for pain and swelling after eye surgery. It’s also prescribed for a specific type of swelling in the eye. Difluprednate belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids.
- Generic
- • Emulsion
- • 5ml of .05pct
- • 1 Bottle
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD
Updated on October 11, 2023
Difluprednate (dye floo PRED nate) is a generic medication prescribed for pain and swelling after eye surgery. It’s also prescribed for a specific type of swelling in the eye. Difluprednate belongs to a group of drugs called corticosteroids.
Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved difluprednate eye drops for treating:
- pain and swelling after eye surgery
- a specific type of uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye)
FAQ
Common questions about difluprednate
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about difluprednate.
What brand names are available for difluprednate?
Difluprednate is a generic eye drop medication. Durezol is the brand-name version.
A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.
If you’d like to know more about Durezol versus difluprednate, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is difluprednate similar to prednisolone?
Yes, difluprednate is similar to prednisolone (Pred Forte, Omnipred, Pred Mild). Both drugs are available as eye drops. Prednisolone is available in other forms as well.
Both belong to a group of drugs called corticosteroids. These drugs are prescribed to reduce inflammation (swelling) in the eye due to various conditions. In general, difluprednate and prednisolone are similarly effective.
For instance, in studies, difluprednate and prednisolone were shown to be equally effective for treating a specific type of uveitis (inflammation in the middle layer of the eye). In these studies, prednisolone eye drops were applied 8 times per day while the difluprednate drops were applied 4 times per day. Keep in mind that your doctor may prescribe a different dosage than what was used in these studies.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about how these drugs are alike and different.
How does difluprednate work? And how long does it take to start working?
Difluprednate is a type of eye drop called a corticosteroid. It works to reduce inflammation (swelling) in the eye.
Inflammation occurs when your immune system releases substances that help fight against infection, injury, or some other process that your immune system sees as harmful.
Difluprednate works by lowering the activity of your immune system. In doing so, the drug helps to block the release of substances that cause inflammation. This can help with symptoms related to inflammation, such as swelling, pain, or itchiness.
Difluprednate starts working right after you start using it. It may take a few days for the symptoms of your condition to ease after beginning treatment. And you’ll likely need to use difluprednate eye drops for at least 2 weeks to see its full effects.
If you’d like to know more about what to expect with difluprednate eye drops, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects
Side effects of difluprednate
Difluprednate may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of difluprednate and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about difluprednate’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for difluprednate listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects of difluprednate are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about difluprednate’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for difluprednate listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Difluprednate eye drop’s mild side effects include:
- fluid buildup in your eye
- irritation, redness, or discoloration of your eye or eyelid
- blurred vision
- headache
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for difluprednate” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of difluprednate are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about difluprednate’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for difluprednate listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, difluprednate’s serious side effects include:
- increased pressure inside the eye
- slower healing of the eye
- increased risk of infection
- cataracts
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for difluprednate” section.
Uses
Uses of difluprednate
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as difluprednate for certain conditions. Approved uses for difluprednate are described below.
Use for eye pain and swelling
Doctors may prescribe difluprednate eye drops for treating pain and swelling after eye surgery in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
After eye surgery, it’s common to experience pain and swelling. Corticosteroid eye drops, such as difluprednate, may be prescribed to start using 24 hours after eye surgery.
Use for uveitis
Doctors may prescribe difluprednate eye drops for treating a specific type of uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye) in adults and children ages 3 years and younger. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.
With uveitis, inflammation (swelling) develops in the middle layer of the eye. Symptoms may include eye discomfort and blurred vision. Difluprednate is specifically approved to treat a form of uveitis that affects the front of the middle layer of the eye and isn’t caused by an infection (endogenous anterior uveitis). Without treatment, this condition could lead to vision loss.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for difluprednate
Below you’ll find information about difluprednate’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of difluprednate
Difluprednate isn’t known to interact with any medications or supplements. (Interactions can affect how a drug works.) But this doesn’t mean drug interactions with difluprednate won’t happen or be reported sometime. For instance, medications created at a later time could interact with difluprednate.
Because of this, you should ask your doctor and pharmacist about possible interactions with difluprednate. They can check for any interactions that may affect you, such as those with:
- vaccines
- foods or alcohol
- other drugs
Warnings for difluprednate
Some people should not use difluprednate, and others should use it cautiously.
Difluprednate could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether difluprednate is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for difluprednate, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Difluprednate can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to difluprednate or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe difluprednate. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to difluprednate, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of difluprednate
If you use difluprednate eye drops, you should not use more difluprednate than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve used too much difluprednate, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and difluprednate
Information about difluprednate and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Difluprednate and pregnancy
It’s not known whether difluprednate should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Difluprednate and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether difluprednate should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about difluprednate or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How long will I need to use difluprednate eye drops?
- After eye surgery, will you prescribe two separate bottles of difluprednate eye drops (one for each eye)?
- I have glaucoma. Is it safe for me to use difluprednate eye drops as a short-term treatment?
Resources
Resources
- Difluprednate emulsion. (2021). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f7744cc9-bc5b-4642-8b36-07136704910a/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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