Drug Name

FML Forte (Fluorometholone)

Drug Uses

FML Forte is used for treating inflammation (swelling, warmth, redness, pain) of the eyes and eyelids.

How to use

Use FML Forte as directed by your doctor.

• Shake well before each use.
• To use FML Forte , first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back. Using your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Do not blink. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. To prevent germs from contaminating your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface, including your eye. Keep the container tightly closed.
• Do not wear soft contact lenses while you are using FML Forte . Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer's directions and check with your doctor before using them.
• If your doctor prescribed more than 1 eye medicine, find out the best order for using each medicine.

Drug Class and Mechanism

FML Forte is a corticosteroid. Exactly how FML Forte works is unknown.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of FML Forte, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store FML Forte between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep FML Forte out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use FML Forte if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in FML Forte;
• you have a viral infection of the eye (e.g., herpes), a fungal or tuberculosis infection of the eye, certain untreated eye infections (e.g., infections producing pus or discharge), or vaccinia or chickenpox infection.

• FML Forte may cause blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to FML Forte.
• If your condition does not improve within 2 days or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.
• Lab tests, including eye pressure, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use FML Forte with extreme caution in children younger than 2 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using FML Forte during pregnancy. It is unknown if FML Forte is excreted in breast milk after use in the eye. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using FML Forte, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• blurred vision; taste changes; temporary burning or stinging.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in vision; continuing blurred vision; discharge from eyes; eye pain, itching, redness, swelling, irritation, or sores not present when you began using FML Forte.

More Information

If you have any questions about FML Forte, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
FML Forte is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.