Drug Name

FML (Fluorometholone)

Drug Uses

FML is a corticosteroid that is used for treating inflammation of the eyes and eyelids.

How it is taken

Shake the bottle well before using. Now wash your hands, tilt back your head, use your index finger and pull away the eyelid to form a pouch where you can drop the medicine. Once you have dropped the medicine, close your eyes. Apply pressure on the inside corner of the eye gently with your index finger.

Remove any excess medicine around the eye with a tissue paper.

Ensure that you do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including your eye) to prevent contamination.

Do not use FML if you wear soft contact lenses.

Drug Class & Mechanism

FML is a corticosteroid and the exact functioning of the drug is not known.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of FML, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

FML may cause blurred vision. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or are allergic to any ingredient in FML, have a viral infection of the eye (e.g., herpes), a fungal or tuberculosis infection of the eye, certain untreated eye infections (e.g., infections producing pus or discharge), or vaccinia or chickenpox infection.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using FML and contact your doctor immediately.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

It is unknown whether FML is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Use with extreme caution in children below 2 years of age as the safety and effectiveness of the drug in this group have not been confirmed yet.

Periodic lab tests including eye pressure may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are blurred vision, taste changes, temporary burning or stinging. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in vision; continuing blurred vision; discharge from eyes; eye pain, itching, redness, swelling, irritation, or sores not present when you began using FML.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.

More Information

If you have any questions about FML, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
FML is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.