Drugs List

Therapeutic Indications

Uses

Posterior segment non-infectious uveitis
Treatment of visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema

Treatment of vision impairment associated with chronic diabetic macular oedema insufficiently responsive to available therapies.

Prevention of relapse in recurrent posterior segment non-infectious uveitis.

Contraindications

Children under 18 years
Breastfeeding
Glaucoma
Ocular infection
Periocular infection
Pregnancy

Precautions and Warnings

Raised intra-ocular pressure

Advise visual disturbances may affect ability to drive or operate machinery
Consider premedication with antibiotic eye drops
Exclude infectious uveitis before treatment
Exclude ocular or periocular infection prior to treatment
Treatment to be administered under the supervision of a specialist
Check ocular lens frequently - risk of cataract formation
Consider implant migration to anterior chamber if visual disturbance occurs
Monitor for ocular complications 2 to 8 days following administration
Monitor IOP 2 to 8 days after injection and at least quarterly thereafter
Advise patient to report any symptoms of endophthalmitis immediately
Advise patient to report any unexpected changes in eye symptoms immediately
Consider removing implant by vitrectomy if IOP cannot be controlled

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy

Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Manufacturer recommends to avoid its use during pregnancy.
There is limited data regarding the use of fluocinolone acetonide administered intravitreally. Fluocinolone is a potent corticosteroid and low levels of systemic exposure can present risk to the foetus.

Lactation

Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant is contraindicated during breastfeeding.
Manufacturer states that a decision must be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to abstain from the treatment.
No data is available regarding the use of fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant during breastfeeding. Fluocinolone is know to be excreted in breast milk when used systemically.

Side Effects

Blepharospasm
Blurred vision
Cataracts
Cells in anterior chamber of eye
Choroidal detachment
Conjunctival haemorrhage
Conjunctival ulcer
Corneal deposits
Corneal erosion
Dry eyes
Endophthalmitis
Extrusion of implant
Eye swelling
Floaters
Glaucoma
Headache
Implant migration
Increased intra-ocular pressure
Increased susceptibility to infection
Iris adhesion
Iris neovascularisation
Macular fibrosis
Maculopathy
Ocular discharge
Ocular hyperaemia
Ocular hypotony
Ocular pain
Ocular pruritus
Optic atrophy
Optic disc haemorrhage
Photopsia
Posterior capsule opacification
Procedural pain
Reduced visual acuity
Retinal detachment
Retinal exudates
Retinal or optic nerve changes
Scleral thinning
Sensation of foreign body in eye
Visual field defects
Vitreous detachment
Vitreous disorder
Vitreous haemorrhage

Presentation

Intravitreal implant containing fluocinolone acetonide.

Drugs List

Therapeutic Indications

Uses

Posterior segment non-infectious uveitis
Treatment of visual impairment due to diabetic macular oedema

Treatment of vision impairment associated with chronic diabetic macular oedema insufficiently responsive to available therapies.

Prevention of relapse in recurrent posterior segment non-infectious uveitis.

Dosage

Adults

Contraindications

Children under 18 years
Breastfeeding
Glaucoma
Ocular infection
Periocular infection
Pregnancy

Precautions and Warnings

Raised intra-ocular pressure

Advise visual disturbances may affect ability to drive or operate machinery
Consider premedication with antibiotic eye drops
Exclude infectious uveitis before treatment
Exclude ocular or periocular infection prior to treatment
Treatment to be administered under the supervision of a specialist
Check ocular lens frequently - risk of cataract formation
Consider implant migration to anterior chamber if visual disturbance occurs
Monitor for ocular complications 2 to 8 days following administration
Monitor IOP 2 to 8 days after injection and at least quarterly thereafter
Advise patient to report any symptoms of endophthalmitis immediately
Advise patient to report any unexpected changes in eye symptoms immediately
Consider removing implant by vitrectomy if IOP cannot be controlled

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy

Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Manufacturer recommends to avoid its use during pregnancy.
There is limited data regarding the use of fluocinolone acetonide administered intravitreally. Fluocinolone is a potent corticosteroid and low levels of systemic exposure can present risk to the foetus.

Lactation

Fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant is contraindicated during breastfeeding.
Manufacturer states that a decision must be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to abstain from the treatment.
No data is available regarding the use of fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant during breastfeeding. Fluocinolone is know to be excreted in breast milk when used systemically.

Side Effects

Blepharospasm
Blurred vision
Cataracts
Cells in anterior chamber of eye
Choroidal detachment
Conjunctival haemorrhage
Conjunctival ulcer
Corneal deposits
Corneal erosion
Dry eyes
Endophthalmitis
Extrusion of implant
Eye swelling
Floaters
Glaucoma
Headache
Implant migration
Increased intra-ocular pressure
Increased susceptibility to infection
Iris adhesion
Iris neovascularisation
Macular fibrosis
Maculopathy
Ocular discharge
Ocular hyperaemia
Ocular hypotony
Ocular pain
Ocular pruritus
Optic atrophy
Optic disc haemorrhage
Photopsia
Posterior capsule opacification
Procedural pain
Reduced visual acuity
Retinal detachment
Retinal exudates
Retinal or optic nerve changes
Scleral thinning
Sensation of foreign body in eye
Visual field defects
Vitreous detachment
Vitreous disorder
Vitreous haemorrhage

Further Information

Last Full Review Date: April 2019

Reference Sources

Summary of Product Characteristics: Iluvien 190 micrograms intravitreal implant in applicator. Alimera Sciences Limited. Revised March 2019.