What are the differences between Iluvien, Retisert and Yutiq intravitreal implants?

Retisert and Yutiq are both indicated for non-infectious uveitis at different dosages. Iluvien is indicated for diabetic macular edema (DME).

There are several differences between Iluvien, Retisert and Yutiq, including approved uses, doses, and insertion. However, all three eye implants contain the anti-inflammatory drug fluocinolone, a corticosteroid medicine that helps to prevent inflammation (swelling) in the eye. Fluocinolone implants are not be used if you have an infection of the eye from viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The main differences between these implants are outlined below:

Iluvien (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant) 0.19 mg (milligram) is a sustained release corticosteroid intravitreal implant used for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). The macula is a part of the eye that helps control vision. In DME, fluid collects in the macula, leading to swelling, blurry vision, and possible vision loss.

• Iluvien contains 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide, designed to release fluocinolone acetonide at an initial rate of 0.25 mcg (micrograms)/day. One injection of the Iluvien micro-insert provides medication for 36 months with a slow release.
• The Iluvien insert is given via a tiny needle during an in-office procedure, and no stitches are required. Prior to the procedure, your eye is numbed so you will not feel pain, but you may feel pressure on your eye. No hospital stay or surgery is typically required.
• Your doctor will check your eye after the injection for possible side effects, including development of cataracts, infection (endophthalmitis), eye swelling, elevated eye pressure, glaucoma, and retinal detachments.

Retisert (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant) 0.59 mg is a corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of chronic non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye.

• Chronic non-infectious uveitis is inflammation inside the eye that affects the uvea (the middle layer of the eye). Common symptoms include eye pain, eye redness, floaters, light sensitivity, blurred vision, possible loss of vision.
• Retisert is implanted into the posterior (back) segment of the affected eye through a surgical incision.
• Placement of Retisert 0.59 mg will release fluocinolone acetonide at an initial rate of 0.6 mcg/day, decreasing over the first month to a steady state between 0.3 to 0.4 mcg (micrograms)/day over about 30 months.
• After implantation of Retisert, you will have a decrease in clear vision in the implanted eye which lasts for approximately one to four weeks after surgery.
• The most common side effects occurring in 50 to 90 percent of patients included cataract, increased intraocular pressure, procedural complications and eye pain. The most common non-eye side effect was headache (33%). You will visit your doctor for regular eye exams after implant insertion.

Yutiq (fluocinolone acetonide) 0.18 mg is a corticosteroid intravitreal implant used for the treatment of chronic non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye, the same indication as Retisert.

• Yutiq is supplied in a preloaded needle applicator that can be administered in the physician’s office. Prior to the procedure, your eye is numbed so you will not feel pain. You will typically go home the same day.
• Yutiq is designed to release fluocinolone acetonide into your eye at an initial rate of 0.25 mcg/day, lasting over a period of 36 months.
• As with other fluocinolone implants, the most common adverse reactions reported were cataract development and an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). You will visit your doctor for regular eye exams after implant insertion.

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