Bromfenac Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 24, 2025.

Applies to bromfenac ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Precautions

Your eye doctor will check your eyes at regular visits to make sure it is working properly and is not causing unwanted effects.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hives, hoarseness, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after using this medicine.

Slow or delayed healing may occur while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor before using this medicine together with a topical corticosteroid (eg, betamethasone, clobetasol, hydrocortisone, Lotrisone®).

Using this medicine may increase risk of having keratitis and corneal problems. Check with your eye doctor right away if you have blurred vision, changes in vision, or eye redness, irritation, or pain while using this medicine.

While applying the medicine, your eyes will probably sting or burn for a short time. This is to be expected.

Do not use other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, bromfenac ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking bromfenac ophthalmic:

Other side effects

Some side effects of bromfenac ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to bromfenac ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effects were foreign body sensation in eye, anterior chamber inflammation, headache, vitreous floaters, iritis, eye pain, photophobia, blurred vision, and ocular hypertension.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Anterior chamber inflammation, foreign body sensation in eye, vitreous floaters, iritis, eye pain, ocular hypertension, photophobia, blurred vision
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Reduced visual acuity, hemorrhagic retinopathy, corneal epithelium defect, corneal erosion, corneal epithelium disorder, corneal edema, retinal exudates, eyelid bleeding, eyelid edema, eye discharge, eye pruritus, eye irritation, eye redness, conjunctival hyperemia, ocular discomfort
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Corneal perforation, corneal ulcer, corneal erosion, scleromalacia, corneal infiltrates, corneal disorder, corneal scar^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache^[Ref]

Other

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Face swelling^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Epistaxis, cough, nasal sinus drainage
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Asthma^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Bromfenac ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer