Pronunciation:

FLURE-a-seen

Brand Names:

• AK-Fluor
• Angioscein
• Fluorescite

Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Disclosing Agent

Uses of This Medicine:

Fluorescein injection is used to help certain parts of the eye (eg, retina, iris) become more visible during eye medical procedures.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Before Using This Medicine:

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children—

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of fluorescein injection in children.

Older adults—

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of fluorescein injection in the elderly.

Breast-feeding—

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Other medicines—

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other interactions—

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems—

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Allergy to food, dye, or medicine, history of or
• Asthma, or history of—May increase risk of having an allergic reaction to occur again.

Proper Use of This Medicine:

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you or your child this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

Your doctor will check your progress closely while you or your child is receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it and to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention. The most serious signs of this reaction are very fast or irregular breathing, gasping for breath, or fainting. Other signs may include changes in color of the skin of the face, very fast but irregular heartbeat or pulse, hive-like swellings on the skin, and puffiness or swellings of the eyelids or around the eyes. If these side effects occur, get emergency help at once.

Tell your doctor right away if you or your child has redness, swelling, or peeling of the skin, or severe pain or loss of feeling in the arm for several hours after receiving this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you or your child has nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain after receiving this medicine.

You or your child may notice a strong taste in your mouth after this medicine is injected. Your skin may have a yellowish discoloration for about 6 to 12 hours after your test. Your urine may appear bright yellow for up to 36 hours after your test.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Bluish color

cold, clammy skin

confusion

cough

difficulty breathing

difficulty swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

hives, itching, or skin rash

lightheadedness

noisy breathing

pain, redness, swelling, or peeling of the skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

severe pain in the arm

sweating

tightness in the chest

unconsciousness

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abdominal or stomach pain

diarrhea

nausea

vomiting

yellow skin and urine

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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