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Difluprednate Ophthalmic Emulsion

Generic: Difluprednate Ophthalmic

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
Manufacturer
Harrow
NDC
43598-588
RxCUI
804544
Route
OPHTHALMIC
ICD-10 indication
H59.89

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About Difluprednate Ophthalmic Emulsion

What is this medication? Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion is a potent topical corticosteroid medication specifically designed for use in the eyes. It is primarily prescribed to treat inflammation and pain following ocular surgeries, such as cataract extraction. By targeting the inflammatory response, the medication helps reduce swelling, redness, and discomfort that often occur after surgical procedures on the eye.

In addition to post-operative care, this medication is also used to treat endogenous anterior uveitis, which is a condition characterized by inflammation of the front part of the eye. As a steroid, it works by suppressing the immune system's response to injury or irritation, thereby preventing further damage to eye tissues. Patients should follow their doctors instructions closely, as the dosage is typically tapered off gradually to ensure the eye heals properly without complications.

Copay & patient assistance

Detailed copay and financial assistance information is not publicly available for this medication at this time. Please consult your pharmacist or the manufacturer's official patient support program for more details.

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for Difluprednate Ophthalmic Emulsion. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Sep 24, 2025

Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) is a corticosteroid indicated for: The treatment of inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery ( 1.1 ) The treatment of endogenous anterior uveitis ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Ocular Surgery Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) is indicated for the treatment of inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery. 1.2 Endogenous Anterior Uveitis Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) is indicated for the treatment of endogenous anterior uveitis. 1.1 Ocular Surgery Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) is indicated for the treatment of inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery. 1.2 Endogenous Anterior Uveitis Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) is indicated for the treatment of endogenous anterior uveitis.
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For the treatment of inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery instill one drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye 4 times daily beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period, followed by 2 times daily for a week and then a taper based on the response. ( 2.1 ) For the treatment of endogenous anterior uveitis instill one drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye 4 times daily for 14 days followed by tapering as clinically indicated. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Ocular Surgery Instill one drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye 4 times daily beginning 24 hours after surgery and continuing throughout the first 2 weeks of the postoperative period, followed by 2 times daily for a week and then a taper based on the response. 2.2 Endogenous Anterior Uveitis Instill one drop into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye 4 times daily for 14 days followed by tapering as clinically indicated. 2.3 Prescribing Guidelines The initial prescription and renewal of the medication order beyond one bottle should be made by a physician only after examination of the patient with the aid of magnification, such as slit lamp biomicroscopy, and where appropriate, fluorescein staining. If signs and symptoms fail to improve after two days, the patient should be reevaluated. Not more than one bottle should be prescribed initially, and the prescription should not be refilled without further evaluation.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%), as with other ophthalmic corticosteroids, is contraindicated in most active viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella, and also in mycobacterial infection of the eye and fungal disease of ocular structures. Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) is contraindicated in most active viral diseases of the cornea and conjunctiva including epithelial herpes simplex keratitis (dendritic keratitis), vaccinia, and varicella, and also in mycobacterial infection of the eye and fungal diseases of ocular structures. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Increase: Prolonged use of corticosteroids may result in glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision. If difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) is used for 10 days or longer, IOP should be monitored. ( 5.1 ) Cataracts : Use of corticosteroids may result in posterior subcapsular cataract formation. ( 5.2 ) Delayed Healing: The use of corticosteroids after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase the incidence of bleb formation. ( 5.3 ) Corneal and Scleral Melting: In those diseases causing thinning of the cornea or sclera, perforations have been known to occur with the use of topical corticosteroids. ( 5.4 ) Bacterial Infections: Prolonged use of corticosteroids may suppress the host response and thus increase the hazard of secondary ocular infections. In acute purulent conditions, corticosteroids may mask infection or enhance existing infection. If signs and symptoms fail to improve after 2 days, the patient should be re-evaluated. ( 5.5 ) Viral Infections: Employment of a corticosteroid medication in the treatment of patients with a history of herpes simplex requires great caution. Use of ocular corticosteroids may prolong the course and may exacerbate the severity of many viral infections of the eye (including herpes simplex). ( 5.6 ) Fungal Infections: Fungal infections of the cornea are particularly prone to develop coincidentally with long-term local corticosteroid application. Fungus invasion must be considered in any persistent corneal ulceration where a corticosteroid has been used or is in use. ( 5.7 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Inc., at 1-888-375-3784 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 5.1 lntraocular Pressure (IOP) Increase Prolonged use of corticosteroids may result in glaucoma with damage to the optic nerve, defects in visual acuity and fields of vision. Corticosteroids should be used with caution in the presence of glaucoma. If difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) is used for 10 days or longer, IOP should be routinely monitored. 5.2 Cataracts The use of corticosteroids may result in posterior subcapsular cataract formation. 5.3 Delayed Healing The use of corticosteroids after cataract surgery may delay healing and increase the incidence of bleb formation. In those diseases causing thinning of the cornea or sclera, perforations have been known to occur with the use of topical steroids. The initial prescription and renewal of the medication order beyond 28 days should be made by a physician only after examination of the patient with the aid of magnification such as slit lamp biomicroscopy and, where appropriate, fluorescein staining. 5.4 Corneal and Scleral Meling Various ocular diseases and long-term use of topical corticosteroids have been known to cause corneal and scleral thinning. Use of topical corticosteroids in the presence of thin corneal or scleral tissue may lead to perforation of the globe. 5.5 Bacterial Infections Prolonged use of corticosteroids may suppress the host response and thus increase the hazard of secondary ocular infections. In acute purulent conditions, corticosteroids may mask infection or enhance existing infection. If signs and symptoms fail to improve after 2 days, the patient should be re-evaluated. 5.6 Viral Infections Use of ocular corticosteroids may prolong the course and may exacerbate the severity of many viral infections of the eye (including herpes simplex ). Employment of a corticosteroid medication in the treatment of patients with a history of herpes simplex requires great caution; frequent slit lamp microscopy is recommended. 5.7 Fungal Infections Fungal infections of the cornea are particularly prone to develop coincidentally with long-term local corticosteroid application. Fungus invasion must be considered in any persistent corneal ulceration where a corticosteroid has been used or is in use. Fungal culture should be taken when appropriate. 5.8 Topical Ophthalmic Use Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) is not indicated for intraocular administration. 5.9 Risk of Contamination Do not allow the dropper tip to touch the eye, eyelids, or any surface, as this may contaminate the ophthalmic emulsion. 5.10 Contact Lens Wear The anti-microbial preservative in difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) should not be instilled while wearing contact lenses. Remove contact lenses prior to instillation of difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%). Contact lenses may be reinserted after 10 minutes following administration of difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%).
Adverse reactions
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious reactions are found elsewhere in the labeling: lntraocular Pressure (IOP) Increase [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5. 1 )] Cataracts [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Delayed Healing [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Corneal and Scleral Melting [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Bacterial Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Viral Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Fungal Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5. 7 )] For treatment of inflammation and pain associated with ocular surgery, most common adverse reactions (incidence 5% to 15%) are corneal edema, ciliary and conjunctival hyperemia, eye pain, photophobia, posterior capsule opacificalion, anterior chamber cells, anterior chamber flare, conjunctival edema, and blepharilis. For treatment of endogenous anterior uveilis, most common adverse reactions (incidence 5% to 10%) are blurred vision, eye irritation, eye pain, headache, increased IOP, iritis, limbal and conjunctival hyperemia, punctate keratilis, and uveitis. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Inc., at 1-888-375-3784 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Ocular Surgery Ocular adverse reactions occurring in 5% to 15% of subjects in clinical studies with difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) included corneal edema, ciliary and conjunctival hyperemia, eye pain, photophobia, posterior capsule opacification, anterior chamber cells, anterior chamber flare, conjunctival edema, and blepharitis. Other ocular adverse reactions occurring in 1% to 5% of subjects included reduced visual acuity, punctate keratitis, eye inflammation, and iritis. Ocular adverse reactions occurring in less than 1% of subjects included application site discomfort or irritation, corneal pigmentation and striae, episcleritis, eye pruritis, eyelid irritation and crusting, foreign body sensation, increased lacrimation, macular edema, sclera hyperemia, and uveitis. Most of these reactions may have been the consequence of the surgical procedure. 6.2 Endogenous Anterior Uveitis A total of 200 subjects participated in the clinical trials for endogenous anterior uveitis, of which 106 were exposed to difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%). The most common adverse reactions of those exposed to difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) occurring in 5% to 10 % of subjects included blurred vision, eye irritation, eye pain, headache, increased IOP, iritis, limbal and conjunctival hyperemia, punctate keratitis, and uveitis. Adverse reactions occurring in 2% to 5 % of subjects included anterior chamber flare, corneal edema, dry eye, iridocyclitis, photophobia, and reduced visual acuity. 6.1 Ocular Surgery Ocular adverse reactions occurring in 5% to 15% of subjects in clinical studies with difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) included corneal edema, ciliary and conjunctival hyperemia, eye pain, photophobia, posterior capsule opacification, anterior chamber cells, anterior chamber flare, conjunctival edema, and blepharitis. Other ocular adverse reactions occurring in 1% to 5% of subjects included reduced visual acuity, punctate keratitis, eye inflammation, and iritis. Ocular adverse reactions occurring in less than 1% of subjects included application site discomfort or irritation, corneal pigmentation and striae, episcleritis, eye pruritis, eyelid irritation and crusting, foreign body sensation, increased lacrimation, macular edema, sclera hyperemia, and uveitis. Most of these reactions may have been the consequence of the surgical procedure.
Use in pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug- associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Systemic exposure to difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion (0.05%) following ocular administration is low [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Consequently, the systemic exposure of a pregnant woman to difluprednate is expected to be minimal following topical ocular administration. In animal reproductive studies, subcutaneous administration of difluprednate to pregnant rabbits and rats throughout organogenesis produced maternal toxicity, embryo-fetal toxicity and teratogenicity in rabbits and fetotoxicity in rats. Administration of difluprednate to rats during late gestation through lactation did not produce adverse maternal, fetal or neonatal effects at clinically relevant doses. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15%to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In embryofetal development studies, subcutaneous administration of difluprednate to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis decreased the placental weight, at doses greater than or equal to 10 mcg/kg/day (approximately 0.48-fold higher than the maximum recommended human ophthalmic dose [MRHOD] of 0.2 mg/day, on a mg/m2 basis and assuming 100% absorption of the dose). Decreased weight gain and delayed ossification of the fetus were observed at a dose of 100 mcg/kg/day (approximately 4.8-fold higher than the MRHOD). The no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for teratogenic effects was 10 mcg/kg/day. In rabbits, subcutaneous administration of difluprednate during the period of organogenesis produced maternal toxicity, embryofetal lethality, fetal growth retardation and teratogenicity (cleft palate, cerebral hernia, exencephaly, hypogenesis of the first digit of the forelimbs, club hand, umbilical hernia and others) at 10 mcg/kg/day (approximately 0.97-fold the MRHOD on a mg/m2 basis and assuming 100% absorption of the dose). The NOEL was 1 mcg/kg/day. In a peri- or pre-/postnatal study in rats, subcutaneous administration of difluprednate during late gestation through lactation resulted in no abnormalities in postnatal development, growth and behavior or reproductive potential. The NOEL was greater than or equal to 10 mcg/kg/day (the highest dose tested; approximately 0.48-fold higher than the MRHOD on a mg/m2 basis and assuming 100% absorption of the dose).

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

Conditions we've indexed resources for

Click a condition to see copay cards, grants, and PA rules specific to it. For the full list of FDA-approved indications, see Prescribing information above.

Medicare Part D coverage

How Difluprednate Ophthalmic Emulsion appears across Medicare Part D plan formularies nationally. Source: CMS monthly Prescription Drug Plan file (2026-04-30).

Covered by plans

49%

2,703 of 5,509 plans

Most common tier

Tier 4

On 40% of covering formularies

Prior authorization required

0%

of covering formularies

TierFormularies on this tierShare
Tier 1 (preferred generic)56
25%
Tier 2 (generic)49
22%
Tier 3 (preferred brand)29
13%
Tier 4 (non-preferred brand)90
40%

Step therapy: 1% of formularies

Quantity limits: 1% of formularies

Coverage breadth: 224 of 65 formularies

How to read this:plans on the same formulary share tier + PA rules. Your specific plan's copay depends on (a) the tier above, (b) your plan's cost-share for that tier, (c) whether you're in the initial coverage phase or past the 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap. For your exact plan, check its Summary of Benefits or log in to your Medicare.gov account. Copay cards don't apply to Medicare (federal law).

Prior authorization & coverage

PayerPAStep therapyCopay tier

Medicare Part D

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How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
  • Copay and assistance URLs verified periodically; if you hit a broken link, tell us.

Rare-disease navigation (specialists, trials, patient communities)

Difluprednate Ophthalmic Emulsion treats 2 rare conditions. For in-depth disease pages on our sister site:

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