Prolensa (bromfenac) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is available as eye drops. It is used to reduce pain and inflammation following cataract surgery. There are no known contraindications, but caution should be taken if there is a sulfite allergy present.
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Prolensa overview
BRAND NAMES:
Bromsite, Prolensa
Generic Names:
Bromfenac
Uses:
Treats eye pain and swelling after cataract surgery.
What is Prolensa used for?
Prolensa is used to treat pain and inflammation of the eye after a cataract surgery is performed. Prolensa eye drops should begin one day before surgery and continue for 14 days following surgery.
Expert tips for using Prolensa
List up to 5 most important takeaways you would want your patient to know before taking Prolensa. These should be written very clearly, concisely, and in layman’s terms. Each bullet point should be limited to 1-2 sentences.
Prolensa contains sodium sulfite, which may cause an allergic reaction in certain people. The overall risk of sulfite sensitivity is unknown and most likely low, but seek medical help if signs of an allergic reaction occur.
Prolensa is usually used starting one day before cataract surgery and continues for 14 days after the surgery. Take this medication as prescribed.
Contact lenses should be removed before instilling Prolensa in the eye. Contact lenses can be inserted 10 minutes following Prolensa administration.
The most commonly reported side effects of Prolensa were inflammation of the eye, specifically in the anterior chamber, feeling of a foreign body in the eye, eye pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Notify your eye doctor if any of these side effects occur.
What form(s) does Prolensa come in
Topical ophthalmic solution:
0.07%
What are common Prolensa doses?
One drop of Prolensa should be instilled in the affected eye once daily on the day before cataract surgery, the day of surgery, and through the first 14 days following the surgery.
Common Prolensa prescriptions
Prolensa
3ml of 0.07% bottle
How to take Prolensa
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
If you had surgery on both eyes, you will need a separate bottle of medicine for each eye. This will help prevent an infection.
To use the eye drops, hold the dropper close to your eye with the hand that is not pulling the eyelid down. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for one minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it. Keep the bottle tightly closed when you are not using it.
Do not wear contact lenses when you are being treated with this medicine. Take your contacts out before you put the medicine in your eye. Wait at least 10 minutes before you put your contact lenses back in.
Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
What to do if you miss a dose of Prolensa
Take a missed dose of Prolensa as soon as you remember to. However, if it is closer to the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose. Do not ever double up on doses due to missing one.
Prolensa contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to bromfenac or sulfite.
Prolensa warnings
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have asthma, a sulfite allergy, a bleeding disorder, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or another eye problem, such as dry eye. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin, phenylacetic acid, or another NSAID (including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib).
This medicine may cause the following problems: Increased risk for bleeding, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea which can lead to cornea damage), and slower healing, especially if you also use a steroid medicine.
If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor immediately. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Prolensa interactions
Some medicines can affect how bromfenac works. Tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner, including warfarin, or a steroid eye medicine, including dexamethasone or fluocinolone.
If you use more than one eye medicine, use the medicines at least 5 minutes apart.
Prolensa side effects
Some side effects can occur while taking Prolensa. While less serious side effects can be uncomfortable, they usually resolve after treatment is complete. However, if a serious side effect occurs, seek medical help right away. A severe allergic reaction may warrant a visit to an emergency room.
Serious side effects:
Blurred vision or other vision changes
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Bleeding, pain, swelling, or severe redness or irritation in your eye
Increased sensitivity to light
Less serious side effects:
Feeling that something is in your eye
Mild burning, stinging, or itching of your eye
Sources:
Key facts about influenza (flu), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022)
Highlights of prescribing information, Bausch & Lomb Incorporated (2013)
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