Ozurdex Side Effects

Generic name: dexamethasone ophthalmic

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 1, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Ozurdex Side Effects associated with dexamethasone ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Ozurdex.

Applies to dexamethasone ophthalmic: ophthalmic insert extended release, ophthalmic solution, ophthalmic suspension.

Other dosage forms:

• intraocular implant, intraocular suspension

Precautions

It is very important that your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure the medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects, especially if you will be using Maxidex® for 10 days or longer.

Steroid eye drops may cause glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye) or posterior subcapsular cataracts (a rare type of cataract) if used too long. Slow or delayed healing may also occur while you are using this medicine after cataract surgery. You will need to have regular eye exams with your doctor to check for these problems.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before you put the drops into your eyes. Wait at least 15 minutes after using Maxidex® eye drops before you put your contact lenses back in.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your eye doctor (ophthalmologist) right away.

Serious side effects of Ozurdex

Along with its needed effects, dexamethasone ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Ozurdex) 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 dexamethasone ophthalmic:

Other side effects of Ozurdex

Some side effects of dexamethasone 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 dexamethasone ophthalmic: intraocular implant, intraocular suspension, ophthalmic insert, ophthalmic ointment, ophthalmic solution, ophthalmic suspension.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were cataract, elevation of intraocular pressure, and conjunctival hemorrhage.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Cataract (up to 68%), elevation of intraocular pressure (28%), conjunctival hemorrhage (22%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Eye pain, conjunctival hyperemia, ocular hypertension, reduced visual acuity, conjunctivitis, vitreous floaters, conjunctival edema, dry eye, vitreous detachment, vitreous opacities, retinal aneurysm, foreign body sensation, corneal erosion, keratitis, anterior chamber inflammation, retinal tear, eyelid ptosis, vitreous detachment, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, corneal staining, photophobia, blurred vision, eye pruritus, increased lacrimation
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Burning, stinging
• Frequency not reported: Glaucoma with optic nerve damage, visual acuity and visual field defects, subcapsular cataract formation, secondary ocular infection and perforation of the globe

Postmarketing experience: Complication of device insertion (implant misplacement), device dislocation with or without corneal edema, endophthalmitis, hypotony of the eye (associated with vitreous leakage due to injection), retinal detachment^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (13%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dysgeusia, migraine
• Frequency not reported: Dizziness^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Postmarketing reports: Cushing's syndrome, adrenal suppression

Cushing's syndrome and adrenal suppression may occur at doses higher than recommended in predisposed patients including children and those on CYP P450 3A4 inhibitors.

See also:

Further information

Ozurdex 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