Acuvail

Acuvail is a prescription medication used to treat pain and inflammation that can occur after cataract surgery. 

Acuvail belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These work by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.

This medication comes in eyedrop form and is taken twice daily. Acuvail is started 1 day prior to cataract surgery and can be taken for up to 2 weeks after cataract surgery.

Common side effects of Acuvail include blurry vision and eye discomfort such as stinging and/or burning. 

Acuvail can cause blurry vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Acuvail affects you.

Acuvail is a prescription medication used to treat pain and inflammation that can occur after cataract surgery. 

• Allergan, Inc.

Serious side effects have been reported with Acuvail. See the “Drug Precautions” section for additional information.

Common side effects of Acuvail include the following:

• eye swelling
• eye pain including burning and stinging of the eyes
• blurry vision
• headaches

This is not a complete list of Acuvail side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if any side effect is bothersome or does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

No Acuvail drug interactions have been identified by the manufacturer, However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all drug interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Serious side effects have been reported with Acuvail including the following:

• Delayed healing. Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may slow or delay healing. Topical corticosteroids are also known to slow or delay healing. Use of topical NSAIDs and topical steroids at the same time may increase the potential for healing problems.
• Hypersensitivity. There have been reports of asthma attacks or the worsening of asthma linked with the use of Acuvail in patients who have either a known hypersensitivity to aspirin/NSAID drugs or a past medical history of asthma.
• Increased bleeding time. There have been reports that NSAIDs applied to the eyes may cause increased bleeding times if also undergoing surgery. It is recommended that Acuvail be used with caution in those with known bleeding tendencies or who are receiving other medications that may increase bleeding time.
• Keratitis. Use of topical NSAIDs may result in keratitis, or inflammation of the clear tissue covering your eyes. This may be reduce your sight if not corrected. Immediately stop use of Acuvail if your vision changes and talk to your healthcare provider about these changes.

Acular can cause blurry vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Acuvail affects you.

Do not take Acular if you wear contacts or are allergic to Acuvail or to any of its ingredients.

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Acuvail, there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving this medication.

Before taking Acuvail, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you:

• are allergic to Acuvail or any other medication, especially aspirin or other NSAIDs
• have had or will have eye surgery of any kind
• are currently taking any other NSAID medicaitons or corticosteroid medications
• have asthma
• have any blood-clotting disorders or take any blood-thinning medications
• wear contact lenses
• are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing
• are planning to administer this medication to a child under 2 years old

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

The FDA categorizes medications based on safety for use during pregnancy. Five categories - A, B, C, D, and X, are used to classify the possible risks to an unborn baby when a medication is taken during pregnancy.

Acuvail falls into category C. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication and had some babies born with problems. No well-controlled studies have been done in humans. Therefore, this medication may be used if the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the unborn child.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Take Acuvail exactly as prescribed. 

Acuvail comes in eyedrop form and is taken twice a day. Acuvail is started one day prior to cataract surgery and can be taken for up to 2 weeks after cataract surgery for pain and inflammation.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Take Acuvail exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

For the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery, the recommeded dose of Acuvail is one drop instilled into the affected eye(s) twice daily beginning 1 day before cataract surgery, and continued through the first 2 weeks after surgery.

If you take too much Acuvail, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.

If Acuvail is administered by a healthcare provider in a medical setting, it is unlikely that an overdose will occur. However, if overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention.

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.