In the U.S.—

• Corticosteroid, ophthalmic
• anti-inflammatory, steroidal, ophthalmic

Rimexolone (ri-MEX-oh-lone ) belongs to the group of medicines known as corticosteroids (cortisone-like medicines). It is used to treat inflammation of the eye, which may occur following eye surgery or with certain eye problems.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

Ophthalmic
• Eye drops (U.S.)

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For ophthalmic rimexolone, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to rimexolone or other corticosteroids. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Ophthalmic rimexolone has not been studied in pregnant women. However, rimexolone has been shown to cause birth defects and other unwanted effects in the animal fetus when injected into pregnant animals.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether enough rimexolone is absorbed from the eye to get into breast milk. Discuss with your physician whether or not to breast-feed while using this medicine.

Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of rimexolone in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of rimexolone in the elderly with use in other age groups.

• Certain eye diseases that cause the cornea to get thin—Use of ophthalmic rimexolone could cause a hole to form (perforation)

• Fungus infection of the eye or
• Herpes infection of the eye or
• Virus infection of the eye or
• Yeast infection of the eye or
• Any other eye infection—Ophthalmic rimexolone may make existing infections worse or cause new infections

Shake the container very well before applying the eye drops.

To use:

• First, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and, pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to make a space. Drop the medicine into this space. Let go of the eyelid and gently close the eyes. Do not blink. Keep the eyes closed and apply pressure to the inner corner of the eye with your finger for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed by the eye.
• If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, use another drop.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.

Dosing—

The dose of ophthalmic rimexolone will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of ophthalmic rimexolone. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For ophthalmic dosage form (eye drops):
  • For inflammation after surgery:
    • Adults—Use one or two drops in the affected eye four times a day beginning twenty-four hours after surgery and continuing throughout the first two weeks after surgery.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For anterior uveitis (inflammation in the iris of the eye):
    • Adults—Use one or two drops in the affected eye every hour, while awake, for the first week. Then use one drop in the affected eye every two hours, while awake, for the second week. Then gradually decrease the number of times the medicine is used each day according to your physician's instructions.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage—

To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

An ophthalmologist (eye doctor) should examine your eyes at regular visits while you are using this medicine.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Less common or rare
  • Blurred vision or other change in vision;  eye discharge, discomfort, dryness, or tearing;  eye redness, irritation, or pain;  feeling of something in the eye;  itching;  sore throat;  stuffy or runny nose;  swelling of the lining of the eyelids 
  
  

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• Less common or rare
  • Browache;  change in taste;  crusting in corner of eye;  dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness;  headache ;  increased sensitivity of eyes to light;  sticky sensation of eyelids;  unusual tiredness or weakness 
  
  

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.