Skip to main content

What eye condition is Oxervate used to treat?

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 22, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Oxervate (cenegermin-bkbj) ophthalmic solution is used to treat neurotrophic keratitis

It is the first drug approved in the U.S. to treat neurotrophic keratitis, which is a rare degenerative disease that affects the health of the cornea (the clear layer covering the colored part of the eye) and leads to a loss of corneal sensation. This loss of corneal sensation weakens corneal health and leads to damage of the cornea over time, including corneal thinning, ulceration, and perforation in severe cases. The prevalence of neurotrophic keratitis has been estimated to be less than five in 10,000 individuals.

What type of drug is Oxervate?
Oxervate is classified as a recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) that can lead to corneal healing for patients. In two, eight-week clinical trials with 151 patients, groups received the active drug (cenegermin) or placebo given six times daily in the affected eye(s). Across both studies, complete corneal healing was seen in 70% of patients treated with Oxervate compared to 28% of patients receiving placebo. Before approval of Oxervate, treatment options for neurotrophic keratitis were limited, and included only choices for symptom relief such as artificial tears and antibiotics, palliative surgical procedures, and botulinum toxin A-induced ptosis.

What are the common side effects with Oxervate?
Common side effects with Oxervate include: eye pain, ocular hyperemia (eye redness), eye inflammation and increased lacrimation (tearing).

Read next

What are the best eye drops for dry eyes? A pharmacist explains.

Dry eyes are a common condition that can cause symptoms like stinging, burning, itching, redness, and a gritty sensation. These symptoms occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. Choosing the right eye drops depends on how severe your symptoms are, the underlying cause of your dry eye, and your individual needs.

Continue reading

All Eyes on Ibuprofen: What are 10 Things You Need to Know?

  1. Cheap, Effective, and Overused?
  2. High Doses of Ibuprofen Can Cause Stomach Erosions
  3. Ibuprofen Thins the Blood
  4. If You Have Asthma or Rhinitis Be Careful Taking Ibuprofen
  5. Reduced Kidney Blood Flow A Danger To Some
  6. Water Retention is Not Good For Blood Pressure
  7. Long-Term Use and High-Doses Are Risky to Heart Health
  8. Ibuprofen Has No Positive Effect on Sports Performance and May Cause Harm
  9. Ibuprofen May Be Associated With Sexual Dysfunction and Infertility
  10. Do Not Take Ibuprofen During Pregnancy, Especially In the Last Trimester
Continue reading

Can dry eyes cause blurry vision? Which medications help?

Yes, dry eyes can cause blurry or fluctuating vision. This occurs because dry eye syndrome disrupts the tear film that coats the eye’s surface, leading to uneven light refraction and irregularities on the corneal surface. Meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the oily layer of the tear film, is a major contributor to this problem.

Continue reading

See also:

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups