What is FML?
FML (fluorometholone) is a prescription used to treat eye diseases that involve inflammation. FML belongs to a class of drugs called ocular corticosteroids (eye). Corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory effects that help reduce swelling, redness, itching and pain. FML is available in the form of eye drops and eye ointment
Drug Facts
- Generic Name: Fluorometholone
- Brand name(s): FML, FML Liquifilm, FML Liquifilm, FML S.O.P, Fluor-OP, Flarex
- Management track(s): Ophthalmology
- Availability of medications: prescription
- Therapeutic classification: Ophthalmology Agent
- Generally Available: Yes
- Controlled Material: N/A
- Active ingredient: Fluorometholone
- Dosing form(s): suspension, ointment
What is FML used for?
The FDA has approved FML to treat eye conditions that cause inflammation, such as allergies (allergic conjunctivitis), severe dryness of the eye due to Sjogren’s syndrome, and blepharitis (blepharitis) 4. Topical steroids, such as FML, are often used in the short term after other treatments have failed because they can cause side effects.
FML should not be used for most viral eye infections, such as herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), sternitis, and varicella. It should also not be used to treat fungal or fungal eye infections.
How to take FML
FML comes in the form of an eye suspension (eye drops) and eye ointment. FML can be applied one to four times a day, depending on the product and the condition you are addressing. Your health care provider may recommend repeated administration during the first day or two of treatment to help control symptoms
Follow these steps to apply each product to ensure you get the best results.
Eye drops
- Remove contact lenses before using FML eye drops.
- Shake the bottle well.
- Tilt your head back, then put the specified number of drops in your eye. Some people find it helpful to lie down. Be careful not to touch the tip of the bottle to your eye or skin as this can cause bacteria to enter the medicine and lead to serious eye infections.
- After applying the drops, close your eyes. Press your fingers on the inner corner of the eye for one to two minutes. This helps keep the medicine in your eye.
- If you wear contact lenses, wait 15 minutes before putting them back on.
Eye ointment
Gently pull your lower eyelid and squeeze the amount of ointment your health care provider has told you to use (usually a half-inch layer) in your eye.
Be careful not to touch the tip of the tube to your eyes or skin.
Keep your eyes closed for one to two minutes.
Storage
Store FML at room temperature with the top securely secured, and be sure to keep eye drops in an upright position.
How long does FML take to work?
FML starts working the first day you start using it. Most people see the best results within one week. If symptoms don’t improve or worsen after 48 hours, contact your healthcare provider
What are the side effects of FML?
This is not a complete list of side effects, others may occur. A specialist can advise you about side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or medical professional. You can report side effects for FDA on www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
FML can sometimes cause side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if any of these side effects persist or become annoying.
Common side effects
Common side effects of FML can include: 1
- Blurry vision
- Change in taste
- Redness of the eyelid
- Swollen eyelid
- Feeling like there’s something in your eye
- Increased tears
- be agitated
- Itchy
- Hasty
- Stinging or burning sensation
Severe side effects
In rare cases, FML can cause serious side effects, including eye infections, glaucoma, cataracts, and eye damage – especially if used for a long time.1 These effects can sometimes be permanent, so be sure to let your healthcare provider know right away if you have:
- Pain in the eye
- Severe eye irritation
- Changes in visionAll drugs have the ability to cause an allergic reaction, which can sometimes be dangerous. Stop taking FML and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop any signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction, including:
- Rash or cells
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking
- Itchy
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat
- Unusual hoarseness
Report side effects
FML may cause other side effects. lkkyour healthcare provider if you have any unusual problems while taking this medicine.
If you experience serious side effects, you or your provider can report to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program (FDA) or by phone (1088-332-800-1).
Dosage: How much FML should I take?
Drug content provided and reviewed by IBM Micromedex
The dosage of this drug varies for different patients. Follow your doctor’s instructions or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this drug. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor asks you to do so.
The amount of medication you take depends on the strength of the drug. Also, the number of doses you take per day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medication depends on the medical problem for which you are using the medication.
For eye diseases resulting from swelling:
For the drug dose in the form of eye drops:
- Adults – Use one drop in the affected eye two to four times a day. During the first 24 to 48 hours, you can use this medicine every 4 hours, as directed by your doctor.
- Children two years of age and older: the dose must be determined by a doctor.
- Children under two years of age – use and dosage must be determined by a doctor.
For the dosage in the form of eye ointment:
- Adults: Use a small amount (1/2 inch of tape) in the affected eye one to three times a day. During the first 24 to 48 hours, you can use this medicine every 4 hours, as directed by your doctor.
- Children two years of age and older: the dose must be determined by a doctor.
- Children under two years of age – use and dosage must be determined by a doctor.
Missed dose
If you forget to take your dose of FML, take it as soon as you remember it. If it’s about time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Don’t double or use extra FML to make up for missed dose – this may increase your chance of side effects.
Overdose: What happens if you take too much FML?
You should only use FML in your eyes. Do not swallow FML or apply it to other parts of the body.
What happens if you overdose on FML?
If you believe you or someone else has overdosed on FML, contact your health care provider or poison control center (1-800-222-1222).
If someone breaks down or does not breathe after taking FML, call 911 immediately.
Precautions
Drug content provided and reviewed by IBM Micromedex
Your ophthalmologist will want to examine your eye(s) for regular visits to make sure the medication is working properly and not causing unwanted effects.
This medicine may increase the pressure inside your eye or cause other eye problems, including glaucoma or cataracts. Slow or delayed healing may also occur while using this medicine after cataract surgery. You’ll need regular eye exams with your doctor to check for these problems.
If you cut your eye or develop an eye infection, talk to your doctor immediately. You may need to change your medication or stop using it.
If symptoms do not improve within two days or if they worsen, consult your doctor.
What are the reasons why you shouldn’t take FML?
Some conditions increase the risk of complications of chronic myeloid leukemia. Your health care provider will likely recommend a different treatment if any of these situations apply to you.
You should not take FML if you have:
- Allergic reaction to FML or any other corticosteroid
- Some fungal, fungal or viral eye infections, including herpes simplex keratitis
What other drugs interact with FML?
Taking FML with NSAID eye medications may slow or delay eye healing.
- Acolar (Ketorolac)
- Diclofenac
- Fluorbiprofen
- Nevanak (Nepavinak)
- Prolensa (bromphenac)
Other drugs may interact with FML. Always keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you are taking and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting anything new.
What are similar drugs?
Many other prescription corticosteroids are available to treat inflammatory eye diseases. FML is a low-potency steroid that causes fewer side effects than other highly potency products, such as dexamethasone.
Other available ocular corticosteroids include:
- Dorzol (Difluprinate)
- Lotemax (loteprednol)
- Maxidex (Dexamethasone)
- Forte Mail (Prednisolone)
- Triacins (Triamcinolone)