Type of medicine: antiviral (ophthalmic)
Generic and brand names: trifluridine, ophthalmic; Viroptic
This medicine, in the form of eyedrops, is used to treat certain eye infections caused by viruses.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to trifluridine or thimerosal. Also tell your provider if you wear contact lenses.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Wash your hands before putting medicine in your eyes. Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out.
To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. Do not rinse the dropper. After use, put the cap on tightly.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider, Do not stop using this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval even if your eyes feel better. Do not use more of it or use it more often than directed.
Your eyes may sting for a short time after you use the medicine.
If you are using other eyedrops prescribed by your healthcare provider, wait at least 5 minutes before you apply them.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Tell your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve in a week, if it gets worse, or if your eyes become irritated.
Your healthcare provider may want to check your eyes while you are using this medicine.
Do not use this medicine for any other eye conditions unless your healthcare provider approves.
Do not wear soft contact lenses while using this medicine.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Any new or severe irritation, redness, or swelling after applying the medicine.
Other: Temporary stinging, burning, or redness after applying the medicine, blurred vision.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, using steroid eyedrops at the same time is not recommended unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine in the refrigerator. Do not let it freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
