About rimexolone eye drops

About rimexolone eye drops

Rimexolone eye drops are used to treat short-term inflammatory eye conditions. They are usually prescribed by an eye specialist. They contain a corticosteroid (sometimes called a 'steroid') which helps to relieve inflammation, redness and irritation.

Before using rimexolone eye drops

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using rimexolone drops it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any eye drops or any other medicine.
• If you think you may have an eye infection.
• If you wear soft contact lenses.
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use rimexolone eye drops

1. First wash your hands.
2. Shake the bottle well and remove the cap.
3. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket.
4. Hold the bottle upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.
5. Gently press on the base of the bottle to release one drop into your eye. If the drop misses, try again.
6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.
7. Repeat the process in your other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes.
8. Replace the cap on the bottle.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before you use the eye drops, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about rimexolone and a full list of possible side-effects.
• Use the eye drops exactly as your doctor has told you to. The directions you are given will depend upon the reason why you are using the drops. If you have had eye surgery, it is likely you will be asked to use the drops four times a day for two weeks. For other eye conditions, you may be asked to use the drops more often than this, or for longer than this.
• Rimexolone eye drops are only meant to be used for a short period of time - this means a maximum of four weeks. This is because they can cause problems within your eye when used for longer periods of time than recommended.
• Take care not to touch the tip of the dropper with your eye, fingers, or any other surface. This will help to prevent the risk of infection.
• When first put in, eye drops may cause blurred vision. This should quickly clear, but make sure you can see properly before you drive or use tools or machines, as otherwise you may put yourself and others at risk.
• If you are using any other eye drops or eye ointments, leave about ten minutes between applying each one.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, you should check again with your doctor or eye clinic.
• Do not wear contact lenses while you are using eye drops unless your doctor has advised you otherwise. This is because there is a preservative in bottles of eye drops which may affect soft contact lenses.

Can rimexolone eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the eye drops, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store rimexolone eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Eye drops only keep for four weeks once the bottle has been opened, so throw away the bottle after this time, even if there is some solution left. Never keep opened bottles of eye drops to use later.

Important information about all medicines