Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Diclofenac ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to reduce swelling, pain, and light sensitivity after certain eye surgeries.

Diclofenac ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Diclofenac ophthalmic is usually given 24 hours before eye surgery and continued for 3 to 14 days. Do not use for longer than prescribed or you could have serious side effects.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the prescribed number of drops.

Do not touch the dropper tip or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye and lead to serious vision problems.

Your doctor may insert a special contact lens, to be left in your eye for 3 days after surgery. Do not use any other type of contact lens during this time.

You may need vision exams for up to a year after your eye surgery.

Store at room temperature, tightly closed and protected from light. Do not freeze.

Usual Adult Dose for Postoperative Ocular Inflammation:

1 drop in the affected eye, 4 times per day beginning 24 hours after cataract surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the post-operative period

Use: Treatment of post-operative inflammation in patients who have undergone cataract extraction

Usual Adult Dose for Inhibition of Intraoperative Miosis:

1 or 2 drops in the operative eye within the hour prior to corneal refractive surgery; within 15 minutes after surgery, 1 or 2 drops should be applied to the operative eye and continued 4 times per day for up to 3 days

Use: Temporary relief of pain and photophobia in patients undergoing corneal refractive surgery

You should not use diclofenac ophthalmic if you are allergic to diclofenac.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an allergy to an NSAID (including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, celecoxib, indomethacin, and others);

• bleeding problems;

• diabetes;

• rheumatoid arthritis;

• glaucoma; or

• dry eye syndrome.

Also tell your doctor about any other recent or planned eye surgeries.

May harm an unborn baby if used during late pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Diclofenac ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

For at least 3 days after your surgery, do not wear any contact lens that has not been approved by your doctor.

Do not use other eye medications during treatment with diclofenac ophthalmic unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Diclofenac ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, or itching of your eyes;

• worsening eye pain, redness, or excessive watering;

• swollen or puffy eyelids;

• white discoloration over your pupil or iris (the colored part of your eye);

• crusting or drainage from your eyes; or

• headache, dizziness, stomach pain, vomiting, weakness, fever, chills, cold or flu symptoms (can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream).

Common side effects of diclofenac ophthalmic may include:

• eye pain or redness;

• watery eyes; or

• vision changes.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially a steroid medicine applied to the skin.

Other drugs may affect diclofenac ophthalmic, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.