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Overview: Trifluridine eye drops are used to treat eye infections caused by herpes viruses. The most common side effects are temporary burning or stinging, swollen eyelid, and eye irritation. Keep all appointments to have your eye checked, and tell your healthcare provider if your eye does not get better while using trifluridine eye drops.

Uses

What is trifluridine used for?

Trifluridine is commonly used to treat herpes infections in the eye. Specifically, it treats conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) and keratitis (an inflamed cornea, which is the clear layer covering the front of the eye) due to herpes simplex viruses.

Trifluridine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does trifluridine work (mechanism of action)?

Trifluridine is an antiviral eye drop. It works by stopping certain viruses from making DNA. This stops the eye infection from spreading and helps the eye heal.

How is trifluridine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Viroptic

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store trifluridine?

Trifluridine should be stored in a refrigerator, at a temperature between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of trifluridine?

The most common side effects of trifluridine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Temporary burning or stinging after you put the drop in your eye
  • Swollen eyelid
  • Eye irritation, itchiness, discomfort, or redness
  • Fluid buildup in your cornea
  • Increased pressure inside the eye

There may be other side effects of trifluridine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of trifluridine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of trifluridine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Trifluridine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using trifluridine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use trifluridine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use trifluridine.

  • Trifluridine
  • Viroptic
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific trifluridine products they stock.

What should I know about trifluridine before using it?

Do not use trifluridine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share trifluridine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep trifluridine out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Trifluridine is an eye drop. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly use eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

Keep all appointments to have your eye checked. If your eye does not start to get better within a week after starting trifluridine treatment, or has not healed within two weeks, your healthcare provider may recommend a different treatment for you. Do not use trifluridine for longer than prescribed.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using trifluridine?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if trifluridine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how trifluridine ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if trifluridine ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does trifluridine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between trifluridine ophthalmic and foods.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect trifluridine. 

Does trifluridine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between trifluridine ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much trifluridine?

If you or someone else has used too much trifluridine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of trifluridine?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.