Bromfenac

Introduction

Written by Julz Richterman, PharmD, MBA, BCGP
Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD
Updated on October 10, 2023

Bromfenac (BROME fen ak) is a generic medication prescribed for treating inflammation (swelling) and reducing pain after cataract surgery. Bromfenac belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Side effects of bromfenac

Bromfenac may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of bromfenac 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 bromfenac’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for bromfenac listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with bromfenac are listed below. 

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about bromfenac’s side effects refer to the prescribing information for bromfenac 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.

Bromfenac eye drops’ mild side effects include:

• eye irritation (stinging or burning)
• eye redness
• feeling like something is in your eye
• headache
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for bromfenac” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of bromfenac are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about bromfenac’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for bromfenac 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, bromfenac’s serious side effects include:

• breaking down of your cornea (clear outer layer that protects the colored portion of your eye)
• a hole forming in your cornea
• thinning of your cornea
• loss of the outermost layer of the cornea
• delayed or slow healing after cataract surgery
• bleeding in your eye
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for bromfenac” section.

Uses of bromfenac

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as bromfenac for certain conditions. Approved uses for bromfenac are described below. 

Use for inflammation and pain after cataract surgery

Doctors may prescribe bromfenac eye drops for treating inflammation (swelling) and relieving pain after cataract surgery. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

During cataract surgery, your doctor will make small cuts on your eye to remove and replace a cataract (cloudy lens). While this procedure is usually painless, your eyes will still have to heal and recover. Your body will detect that your eye was injured. It will release certain substances, such as prostaglandins, that help with healing. 

Prostaglandins make it easier for other substances to get to the injured site and help heal your eye. But they also cause swelling and increased eye pressure, which can lead to pain. 

Common questions about bromfenac

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about bromfenac.

Is bromfenac similar to Yellox?

Yes. Bromfenac is the active drug in Yellox. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Yellox is the brand-name version of bromfenac in Europe. It’s not available in the United States. Bromsite and Prolensa are brand-name versions of bromfenac that are available in the United States. Bromfenac is the generic version of these drugs.

A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. 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.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about brand-name and generic medications.

How does bromfenac work? And how long does it take to start working?

Bromfenac belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications work by stopping certain substances called prostaglandins from being made.

Your body releases prostaglandins when you have an injury or after surgery, such as a cataract surgery. Prostaglandins usually help you heal. But they also have unwanted effects, such as swelling and pain. Stopping your body from making prostaglandins helps prevent swelling and increased eye pressure. This can help reduce your pain.

Bromfenac begins working within hours of applying it. Treatment usually begins the day before surgery and continues for two weeks after.

If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Interactions and warnings for bromfenac

Below you’ll find information about bromfenac’s possible interactions and warnings. 

Interactions of bromfenac

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
 
Before you use bromfenac, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs 
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for bromfenac” section below.

Warnings for bromfenac

Bromfenac should be used cautiously by certain people. 

Bromfenac could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether bromfenac is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for bromfenac, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Bromfenac can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to bromfenac or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe bromfenac. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

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 bromfenac, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of bromfenac

If you use bromfenac, you should not use more bromfenac than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve used too much bromfenac, 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 bromfenac

Information about bromfenac and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Bromfenac and pregnancy

There may be risks to using bromfenac during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having unmanaged eye swelling and pain while pregnant. (Keep in mind that bromfenac is used for managing eye swelling and pain after cataract surgery.)

If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your options before having cataract surgery. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take bromfenac during pregnancy.

Bromfenac and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether bromfenac should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication. 

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about bromfenac or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Will bromfenac affect my cataract surgery or recovery from it?
• How should I time my bromfenac dose with my other eye drops?
• What should I do if something accidentally touches the dropper tip?
• Can I wear my contacts while using bromfenac?

Resources

• Bromfenac ophthalmic solution. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/fa40fc6b-1bd0-4496-b53a-8b3e1c122a50/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.