Retisert Side Effects

Generic name: fluocinolone ophthalmic

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 13, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Retisert.

Applies to fluocinolone ophthalmic: intraocular implant Side Effects associated with fluocinolone ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Retisert.

Applies to fluocinolone ophthalmic: intraocular implant.

Precautions

Your eye doctor will want to check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few weeks after you receive this medicine.

Serious eye problems may occur after receiving this medicine. Check with your eye doctor right away if you have a change in vision or the eye becomes red, sensitive to light, or painful. Also, tell your doctor if you feel an increased pressure in the eye.

Cataracts may occur after receiving this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blurred vision, decreased vision, or loss of vision.

This medicine may cause temporary blurred vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

This implant could move into a different part of your eye if the back part of your lens is missing or torn. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

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

Serious side effects of Retisert

Along with its needed effects, fluocinolone ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Retisert) 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 or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking fluocinolone ophthalmic:

Other side effects of Retisert

Some side effects of fluocinolone 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 fluocinolone ophthalmic: intravitreal implant.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effects were cataract operation, cataract, and increased intraocular pressure.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Cataract (82%), cataract operation (up to 80%), increased intraocular pressure (up to 34%), myodesopsia (21%), eye pain (15%), conjunctival hemorrhage (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Glaucoma, vitreous hemorrhage, conjunctival hemorrhage, blurred vision, reduced visual acuity, vitreous floaters, trabeculectomy, vitrectomy, trabeculoplasty, eye irritation, conjunctivitis, corneal edema, foreign body sensation in eyes, ocular hyperemia, ocular discomfort, photophobia, anterior chamber cell, blepharitis, choroidal detachment, diplopia, hyphema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Endophthalmitis, retinal vascular occlusion, optic nerve disorder, maculopathy, optic atrophy, conjunctival ulcer, iris neovascularization, retinal exudates, vitreous degeneration, vitreous detachment, posterior capsule opacification, iris adhesion, sclera thinning, eye discharge, eye pruritus, removal of extruded implant from sclera^[Ref]

Other

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Extrusion of implant, implant in line of sight, procedural complication, procedural pain, device dislocation^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Pneumonia, nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, cough^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia, back pain, limb pain^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (33%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, nausea^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia (11%)^[Ref]

Renal

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

See also:

Frequently asked questions

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

Further information

Retisert 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