3. Flurbiprofen eye drops

Flurbiprofen eye drops

  • Do not use flurbiprofen if you are allergic to flurbiprofen, aspirin, or other similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicines.
  • If you normally wear contact lenses, use glasses instead whilst using flurbiprofen eye drops.
Type of medicine An anti-inflammatory eye drop
Used for Before and after eye surgery and laser surgery, to control eye inflammation
Before an operation to help prevent the pupil becoming smaller during surgery
Also called Ocufen®
Available as Eye drops (as single use vials)

Flurbiprofen eye drops work by reducing pain and inflammation in your eye. Flurbiprofen belongs to a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Before using flurbiprofen eye drops make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking medicine to thin your blood, or if you have a tendency to bleed easily.
  • If you have or have had previously, viral infections of the eye.
  • If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
You must not use the vial if the seal on the vial neck is broken before you use it.



How to use these eye drops

  • Wash your hands well before use.
  • Twist off the tab to open the vial.
  • Tilt your head back and gently pull out the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
  • Hold the vial upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye with the tip.
  • Squeeze the vial to release one drop.
  • Let go of the lower lid and close your eye for 30 seconds.
  • Repeat in the other eye (if you have been instructed to use flurbiprofen in both eyes).
  • If a drop misses your eye, try again.
  • Throw away each vial immediately after use.
  • Wash your hands.
  • Use flurbiprofen eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Other eye preparations should not usually be used with flurbiprofen. However, if your doctor recommends using flurbiprofen with another eye preparation, then leave at least 5 minutes between putting in flurbiprofen and the other preparation.
  • Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are using flurbiprofen eye drops.
  • Flurbiprofen eye drops are for you. Never give them to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side effects, although not everybody experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Irritation, stinging or burning in the eye This can happen after applying the drops. It should pass quickly

Important: If any of the side effects become serious, or if you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  • Do not use flurbiprofen after the expiry date which is printed on the vial. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

  • Flurbiprofen eye drops are for external use only. If you suspect that someone has swallowed any flurbiprofen eye drops, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are using.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
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Further reading & references

  • British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Ocufen Eye Drops®; Manufacturer's PIL, Ocufen Eye Drops®, Allergan Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2008.
Original Author: Helen Allen Current Version:
Last Checked: 23/03/2011 Document ID: 13613  Version: 1 © EMIS

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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