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Originally Posted On: https://iluvien.com/articles/what-an-iluvien-injection-looks-like/
When diagnosed with diabetic macular edema (DME), there are many treatment paths you can follow. ILUVIEN, an innovative microimplant, stands apart from other DME treatments due to its unique design and long-term durability.
Delivered through a specially designed applicator, the tiny implant can be skillfully administered by your eye doctor during an in-office procedure. Created to release a continuous, low-dose treatment to the retina for up to 36 months, ILUVIEN can help you see less of the doctor so you can experience more of those moments that truly matter. From preparation to follow-up, here’s what you can expect from your journey with ILUVIEN.
Preparation for a Smooth Injection
Before receiving an ILUVIEN injection, your eye doctor will take certain steps to help ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. As with all intravitreal injections, your eyes will be numbed with a topical anesthetic prior to the procedure to ensure that you experience minimal pain or discomfort during the procedure. The anesthetic needs sufficient time to take effect, allowing you to remain comfortable throughout the injection of ILUVIEN.
Injection Procedure & Placement
Once the topical anesthetic takes effect, ILUVIEN will be administered through a sterile, single-use, preloaded custom applicator. Each applicator is carefully packaged in a sealed tray to maintain its sterility and integrity.
The ILUVIEN injection procedure is designed to be quick, easy, and smooth, allowing you to get back to what matters most. ILUVIEN is administered through a 25-gauge needle on the applicator that is inserted into the vitreous cavity of your eye. This precise placement ensures optimal delivery of the treatment for your DME.
During the injection process, you may experience a sensation of pressure as the microimplant is injected into your eye. Some individuals may also feel slight discomfort afterward. Rest assured, these sensations are generally temporary and considered normal, but if they persist, be sure to discuss them with your eye doctor.
Each ILUVIEN implant contains 0.19 mg of fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) and is engineered to provide a controlled, sustained release of medication over an extended period, allowing for consistent treatment for up to 36 months. That could mean fewer injections and less time spent on doctor visits for up to three years.
Following Up & Seeing Clearly
One of the most remarkable aspects of ILUVIEN treatment is the potential for a reduced number of injections for patients. In fact, about 70% of individuals who receive ILUVIEN require 2 or less additional treatments per year for their DME, significantly reducing the number of treatments they were receiving prior to ILUVIEN. The number of treatments you receive will be determined by your specific condition and your eye doctor’s professional judgment regarding what is best for you.1
While the treatment duration may be extended, it is still extremely important to maintain your routine follow-up appointments with your eye doctor. Your eye doctor will continue to monitor your condition and assess the potential development of cataracts, eye infections, and other conditions that may arise. But, by committing to regular appointments and proactive communication with your eye doctor, you can maintain the positive impact of ILUVIEN on your vision and overall well-being.
With ILUVIEN, you may maintain your vision with fewer injections. If you are already receiving DME treatment and are tired of frequent injections, ILUVIEN may be right for you. Visit your eye doctor for a detailed evaluation to assess your condition and determine if you are a candidate for ILUVIEN. Make an appointment today and begin to see more of what matters to you.
- Merrill PT, et al. The 0.19-mg Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Implant Reduces Treatment Burden in Diabetic Macular Edema. Am J Ophthalmol. 2023;248:16-23.
Sources:
Alimera Sciences
6310 Town Square, Suite 400,
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(678) 990-5740
Indication and Important Safety Information
Indication
Indication: ILUVIEN® (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant) 0.19 mg is indicated for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in patients who have been previously treated with a course of corticosteroids and did not have a clinically significant rise in intraocular pressure.
Important Safety Information
- Do not use ILUVIEN if you have or think you might have an infection in or around the eye.
- ILUVIEN should not be used if you have glaucoma with a cup to disc ratio of greater than 0.8.
- You should not use ILUVIEN if you have a hypersensitivity to any components of this product.
- Injections into the vitreous in the eye are associated with a serious eye infection (endophthalmitis), eye inflammation, increased eye pressure, glaucoma, and retinal detachments. Your eye doctor should monitor you regularly after the injection.
- Corticosteroids may increase secondary eye infections due to bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Let your doctor know if you have a history of herpes viral infections of the eye.
- If the posterior capsule of the lens of your eye is missing or torn, the ILUVIEN implant may move to the front chamber of the eye.
- The most common side effects reported in patients with diabetic macular edema who were treated with corticosteroids, including ILUVIEN, include cataracts (ILUVIEN 82%; sham 50%) and increased eye pressure (ILUVIEN 34%; sham 10%).
- This safety information is not comprehensive. For additional safety information, please talk to your doctor and see the full Prescribing Information for ILUVIEN at iluvien.com.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
