Vexol

Generic name: Rimexolone
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids

Medically reviewed by  A Ras MD.

What is Vexol?

Vexol is a prescription medicine that is used to treat eye swelling.

Description

VEXOL® 1% Ophthalmic Suspension is a sterile, multi-dose topical ophthalmic suspension containing the corticosteroid, rimexolone. Rimexolone is a white, water-insoluble powder with an empirical formula of C₂₄H₃₄O₃ and a molecular weight of 370.53. Its chemical name is 11α-Hydroxy-16β, 17β-dimethyl-17-propionylandrosta-l,4-diene-3-one. The chemical structure of rimexolone is presented below:

Each mL Contains: Active ingredient: rimexolone 10 mg (1%). Preservative: benzalkonium chloride 0.01%. Inactive ingredients: carbomer 974P, polysorbate 80, sodium chloride, edetate disodium, sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH) and purified water.

The pH of the suspension is 6.0 to 8.0 and the tonicity is 260 to 320 mOsmol/kg.

Before taking Vexol, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to Vexol; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any kind of eye infection.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Vexol with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Vexol?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Vexol. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Use care when driving or doing other tasks that call for clear eyesight.
• Long-term use may raise the chance of cataracts or glaucoma. Talk with the doctor.
• Have your eye pressure checked if you are on Vexol for a long time. Talk with your doctor.
• Do not use Vexol for longer than you were told by your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Vexol while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is Vexol best taken?

Use Vexol as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• For the eye only.
• Keep using Vexol as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Avoid wearing contacts unless told to wear them by your doctor.
• Do not touch the container tip to the eye, lid, or other skin.
• Shake well before use.
• Tilt your head back and drop drug into the eye.
• After use, keep your eyes closed. Put pressure on the inside corner of the eye. Do this for 1 to 2 minutes. This keeps the drug in your eye.
• If Vexol is being used after surgery on both eyes, do not use the same bottle for both eyes. Your doctor may order 2 eye drop bottles; one for each eye. Make sure you do not mix the 2 bottles up.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Vexol that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.
• Eye discharge.

What are some other side effects of Vexol?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Eye irritation.
• Feeling that something is in the eye.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Vexol?

• Store at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

SRC: NLM .