WARNINGS
The refractive stability of patients undergoing corneal
refractive procedures and treated with Voltaren has not been established.
Patients should be monitored for a year following use in this setting. With
some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, there exists the potential for
increased bleeding time due to interference with thrombocyte aggregation. There
have been reports that ocularly applied nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
may cause increased bleeding of ocular tissues (including hyphemas) in
conjunction with ocular surgery.
There is the potential for cross-sensitivity to
acetylsalicylic acid, phenylacetic acid derivatives, and other nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, caution should be used when treating individuals
who have previously exhibited sensitivities to these drugs.
PRECAUTIONS
General
All topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
may slow or delay healing. Topical corticosteroids are also known to slow or
delay healing. Concomitant use of topical NSAIDs and topical steroids may
increase the potential for healing problems.
Use of topical NSAIDs may result in keratitis. In some
susceptible patients continued use of topical NSAIDs may result in epithelial
breakdown, corneal thinning, corneal infiltrates, corneal erosion, corneal
ulceration, and corneal perforation. These events may be sight-threatening.
Patients with evidence of corneal epithelial breakdown should immediately
discontinue use of topical NSAIDs and should be closely monitored for corneal
health.
Postmarketing experience with topical NSAIDs suggests that
patients experiencing complicated ocular surgeries, corneal denervation,
corneal epithelial defects, diabetes mellitus, ocular surface disease (e.g.,
dry eye syndrome), rheumatoid arthritis, or repeat ocular surgeries within a
short period-of time may be at increased risk for corneal adverse events, which
may become sight-threatening. Topical NSAIDs should be used with caution in
these patients.
Postmarketing experience with topical NSAIDs also suggests
that use more than 24 hours prior to surgery or use beyond 14 days postsurgery
may increase patient risk for occurrence and severity of corneal adverse
events.
It is recommended that Voltaren Ophthalmic, like other
NSAIDs, be used with caution in patients with known bleeding tendencies or who
are receiving other medications which may prolong bleeding time. Use of the
same bottle for both eyes is not recommended with topical eye drops that are
used in association with surgery.
Results from clinical studies indicate that Voltaren
Ophthalmic has no significant effect upon ocular pressure. However, elevations
in intraocular pressure may occur following cataract surgery.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Long-term carcinogenicity studies in rats given Voltaren in
oral doses up to 2 mg/kg/day (approximately 500 times the human topical
ophthalmic dose) revealed no significant increases in tumor incidence. A 2-year
carcinogenicity study conducted in mice employing oral Voltaren up to 2 mg/kg/day
did not reveal any oncogenic potential. Voltaren did not show mutagenic
potential in various mutagenicity studies including the Ames test. Voltaren
administered to male and female rats at 4 mg/kg/day (approximately 1000 times
the human topical ophthalmic dose) did not affect fertility.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been
observed between elderly and younger adult patients.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects - Pregnancy Category C
Reproduction studies performed in mice
at oral doses up to 5,000 times (20 mg/kg/day) and in rats and rabbits at oral
doses up to 2,500 times (10 mg/kg/day) the human topical dose have revealed no
evidence of teratogenicity due to Voltaren despite the induction of maternal
toxicity and fetal toxicity. In rats, maternally toxic doses were associated
with dystocia, prolonged gestation, reduced fetal weights and growth, and
reduced fetal survival. Voltaren has been shown to cross the placental barrier
in mice and rats. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies
in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always
predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if
clearly needed.
Non-teratogenic Effects
Because of the known effects of prostaglandin biosynthesis
inhibiting drugs on the fetal cardiovascular system (closure of ductus
arteriosus), the use of Voltaren Ophthalmic during late pregnancy should be
avoided.
Nursing Women
It is not known whether topical ophthalmic administration of
Voltaren Ophthalmic could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce
detectable quantities in breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human
milk, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to
discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the
mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been
established.