OZURDEX (DEXAMETHASONE)

Ozurdex is a sustained release dexamethasone intravitreal implant that is approved for retinal vein occlusion, diabetic macular edema and posterior uveitis.

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OZURDEX® (dexamethasone intravitreal implant) 0.7 mg is a biodegradable implant injected into the eye (vitreous) to treat adults with macular edema following branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) or central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and to treat adults with noninfectious uveitis affecting the back segment of the eye.

The OZURDEX® implant is so tiny that it can be injected into the eye (vitreous) with a procedure in your doctor’s office. Each implant is already inside a special applicator device that is needed to perform the insertion. The implant will be injected into the vitreous humor inside your eye. This is known as an intravitreal injection.

Inside the eye, the implant is slowly dissolved by the vitreous gel that fills the eye, releasing medicine to reduce the swelling or inflammation. As the level of medication decreases over time, swelling or inflammation may affect your vision again. If this occurs, your doctor may recommend another OZURDEX® injection.

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In 2 clinical studies, 427 patients were treated with OZURDEX® and 426 patients received sham (simulated) injections.

  • About 20% to 30% of those who received OZURDEX® (40 of 201 patients and 67 of 226 patients) gained 3 or more lines of vision on the eye chart within 1 to 2 months–compared with 7% to 12% of patients who received sham (simulated) injections (15 of 202 patients and 27 of 224 patients)
  • Once vision had improved, the improvement lasted 1 to 3 months

It’s important to remember that each case of retinal vein occlusion is unique. Your own results may vary.

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OZURDEX® intravitreal implant has been proven effective for noninfectious uveitis affecting the back segment of the eye in a clinical trial. OZURDEX® helps treat the inflammation causing vitreous haze that is affecting your vision. In a clinical study, 77 patients were treated with OZURDEX® and 76 patients received sham (simulated) injections.

  • 47% of those who received OZURDEX® (36 patients) achieved a vitreous haze score of zero (where a score of zero means no inflammation) at week 8–compared with 12% of those who received sham injections (9 patients)
  • Also, at week 8, 43% of OZURDEX® patients (33 patients) gained 3 or more lines of vision on the eye chart, compared with 7% of sham-treated patients (5 patients)

It’s important to remember that each case of noninfectious uveitis affecting the back segment of the eye is unique. Your own results may vary.

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Ozurdex is a sustained-release dexamethasone implant that is used in the treatment of various eye conditions, including diabetic macular edema (DME). DME is a complication of diabetic retinopathy, characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Ozurdex provides several benefits in the management of DME:

  1. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Ozurdex contains dexamethasone, a corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory properties. In DME, inflammation plays a role in the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier, leading to fluid leakage into the macula. By suppressing inflammation, Ozurdex helps reduce the severity of macular edema.
  2. Reduction in Vascular Permeability: Dexamethasone has the ability to reduce the permeability of blood vessels. In diabetic retinopathy and DME, the blood vessels in the retina can become leaky, allowing fluid to escape into the surrounding tissue. Ozurdex acts to stabilize blood vessel walls, decreasing the leakage of fluid and improving macular edema.
  3. Sustained-Release Formulation: Ozurdex is an implant that releases dexamethasone slowly over time. This sustained-release feature allows for a prolonged therapeutic effect, reducing the need for frequent injections.
  4. Improved Visual Acuity: Clinical studies have demonstrated that Ozurdex can lead to improvements in visual acuity for some patients with DME. By addressing macular edema, Ozurdex helps improve central vision and overall visual function.
  5. Reduced Central Retinal Thickness: Ozurdex has been shown to reduce central retinal thickness, indicating a decrease in macular edema. This reduction contributes to improvements in retinal structure and function.
  6. Convenience: The sustained-release nature of Ozurdex allows for less frequent injections compared to some other intravitreal treatments. This may be advantageous for patients who prefer a treatment regimen with fewer visits to the eye care professional.

It’s important to note that while Ozurdex can be effective in reducing macular edema associated with DME, it is associated with potential side effects and risks. These may include an increase in intraocular pressure (leading to glaucoma), cataract formation, and the potential for systemic side effects.