Generic Name: Fluocinolone Acetonide eent
Class: Corticosteroids
Chemical Name: (6α,11β,16α) - 6,9 - Difluoro - 11,21 - dihydroxy - 16,17 - [(1 - methylethylidene)bis(oxy)] - pregna - 1,4 - diene - 3,20 - dione
Molecular Formula: C24H30F2O6
Introduction
Synthetic fluorinated corticosteroid.1
Uses for Retisert
Uveitis
Management of chronic noninfectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye (designated an orphan drug by FDA for this use).1 2 4
Retisert Dosage and Administration
Administration
Ophthalmic Administration
Surgically implant intravitreally through a pars plana incision into posterior segment of eye.1
Maintain aseptic technique prior to and during the procedure to ensure sterility of the surgical field and implants.1 Do not resterilize implants by any method.1
Handle implants only by the suture tab to avoid damaging the implant; damage may increase rate of drug release.1
Avoid simultaneous implantation into both eyes in order to minimize risk of bilateral postoperative infections.1
Following depletion of fluocinolone acetonide from the implant, may remove the implant and replace with a new one to continue therapy.1
During implantation and explantation, avoid applying sheer forces on the implant that could disengage the silicone cup reservoir from the suture tab.1
Dosage
Available as fluocinolone acetonide; dosage expressed in terms of the salt.1
Pediatric Patients
Uveitis
Ophthalmic
Children ≥12 years of age: 0.59 mg (1 implant) in affected eye(s) approximately every 30 months.1 3
Adults
Uveitis
Ophthalmic
0.59 mg (1 implant) in affected eye(s) approximately every 30 months.1 3
Cautions for Retisert
Contraindications
Viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva (e.g., epithelial herpes simplex keratitis [dendritic keratitis], vaccinia, varicella).1
Mycobacterial infection of the eye.1
Fungal diseases of ocular structures.1
Known or suspected hypersensitivity to fluocinolone acetonide, other corticosteroids, or any ingredient in the formulation.1
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Surgical Complications
Potential complications accompanying insertion of the implant may include cataract formation, choroidal or retinal detachment, temporary decrease in visual acuity, endophthalmitis, hypotony, increased intraocular pressure (IOP), exacerbation of intraocular inflammation, vitreous hemorrhage, vitreous loss, and wound dehiscence.1
Immediate and temporary decrease in visual acuity in the implanted eye will occur in most patients and may persist for 1–4 weeks after implantation.1
Increased Intraocular Pressure
Risk of glaucoma with prolonged use of corticosteroids; monitor periodically for elevated IOP (e.g., every 3–6 months, more frequently in immediate postimplantation period).1 3 Use with caution in the presence of glaucoma.1
Approximately 60% of patients expected to require drug therapy to reduce IOP within 34 weeks after implantation.1 Within 2 years of implantation, 32% of patients expected to require filtering procedures for IOP control.1
Immunosuppressive Effects
Risk of prolongation or exacerbation of ocular viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex) with ophthalmic corticosteroids.1 Use with extreme caution in patients with history of herpes simplex.1
Risk of secondary ocular infection (bacterial, fungal, or viral) with prolonged use of corticosteroids.1 Consider possibility of fungal infection if persistent corneal ulceration occurs.1
In acute purulent conditions, corticosteroids may mask or enhance existing infections.1
Wound Healing Complications
Use of ophthalmic corticosteroids after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase bleb formation.1
General Precautions
Proper Handling of Implants
Exercise caution in order to maintain sterility of and avoid damage to the implant.1 (See Administration under Dosage and Administration.)
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category C.1
Lactation
Caution if used in nursing women.1 Not known whether ocular administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in milk.1
Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other adverse effects.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy not established in children <12 years of age.1
Geriatric Use
No substantial differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults.1
Common Adverse Effects
Cataracts, increased IOP, ocular pain, and surgical complications (e.g., cataract fragments in the eye, injury, mechanical complications, migration or expulsion of implant; wound complications or wound dehiscence) reported in 50–90% of patients.1
Reduced visual acuity, conjunctival hemorrhage or hyperemia, glaucoma, blurred vision, abnormal sensation in the eye, ocular irritation or inflammation, hypotony, pruritus, vitreous floaters or hemorrhage, ptosis, maculopathy, eyelid edema, increased tearing, and dry eye reported in 10–35% of patients.1
Headache was most frequent systemic effect.1
Interactions for Retisert
No formal drug interaction studies have been performed to date.3 However, because of limited systemic exposure, only intraocular interactions would be expected.3
Retisert Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Implant is designed to release fluocinolone acetonide locally to the posterior segment of the eye at a nominal initial rate of 0.6 mcg daily, decreasing over the first month to steady state of 0.3–0.4 mcg daily for approximately 30 months.1
Concentrations of the drug in aqueous and vitreous humor highly variable 1
Limited systemic exposure following intravitreal implantation; plasma concentrations are usually undetectable.1
Stability
Storage
Ophthalmic
Implant
15–25°C. Protect from freezing.1
ActionsActions
Corticosteroids inhibit edema, fibrin deposition, capillary dilation, leukocyte migration, capillary and fibroblast proliferation, deposition of collagen, and scar formation associated with inflammation.1
Mechanism of ocular effects is unknown.1 Corticosteroids may induce phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins; these proteins may inhibit release of arachidonic acid, thus controlling biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation (e.g., prostaglandins, leukotrienes).1
Advice to Patients
Importance of informing patients that fluocinolone acetonide treats ocular inflammation only and does not treat underlying disease.1
Importance of advising patients to return to clinician’s office for follow-up ophthalmologic examinations of both eyes at appropriate intervals following insertion of the implant.1
Importance of explaining risks of surgical complications, adverse ocular effects, and ocular infections.1
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.1
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as any concomitant illnesses, especially glaucoma or existing bacterial, viral, or fungal infections of the eye.1
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.1 (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ophthalmic | Implants | 0.59 mg | Retisert | Bausch & Lomb |
Comparative Pricing
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 03/2011. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
Fluocinonide 0.05% Cream (TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA): 30/$12.99 or 90/$36.97
Fluocinonide 0.05% Cream (TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA): 15/$11.99 or 45/$22.97
Fluocinonide 0.05% Cream (FOUGERA): 60/$14.99 or 180/$26.97
Fluocinonide 0.05% Gel (FOUGERA): 60/$37.99 or 180/$105.97
Fluocinonide 0.05% Gel (TARO): 30/$23.99 or 90/$67.97
Fluocinonide 0.05% Gel (FOUGERA): 15/$17.99 or 45/$49.97
Fluocinonide 0.05% Ointment (TARO): 60/$33.99 or 180/$90.96
Fluocinonide 0.05% Ointment (TARO): 15/$19.99 or 45/$54.97
Fluocinonide 0.05% Ointment (TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA): 30/$23.99 or 90/$67.97
Fluocinonide 0.05% Solution (TARO): 20/$23.99 or 40/$39.98
Fluocinonide 0.05% Solution (TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA): 60/$22.99 or 180/$64.99
Fluocinonide-E 0.05% Cream (TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA): 60/$17.99 or 180/$50.96
Fluocinonide-E 0.05% Cream (TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA): 30/$15.99 or 90/$41.97
Fluocinonide-E 0.05% Cream (TEVA PHARMACEUTICALS USA): 15/$16.99 or 45/$36.97
Vanos 0.1% Cream (MEDICIS): 30/$179.99 or 90/$499.97
Vanos 0.1% Cream (MEDICIS): 60/$280.99 or 180/$780.97
Disclaimer
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions June 2006. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
References
1. Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. Retisert (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant) 0.59 mg prescribing information. Rochester, NY; 2005 Apr.
2. Bausch & Lomb. Retisert (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant) 0.59 mg formulary kit. Tampa, FL; 2005 May.
3. Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY: Personal communication.
4. Food and Drug Administration. Orphan designation pursuant to Section 526 of the Federal Food and Cosmetic Act as amended by the Orphan Drug Act (P.L. 97-414). Rockville, MD. From FDA website ().
More Retisert eent resources
- Retisert eent Side Effects (in more detail)
- Retisert eent Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Retisert eent Drug Interactions
- Retisert eent Support Group
- 2 Reviews for Retisert eent - Add your own review/rating
Compare Retisert eent with other medications
- Uveitis
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