Uses

What is Acuvail used for?

Acuvail is commonly used to treat eye pain and inflammation from cataract surgery.

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

How does Acuvail work (mechanism of action)?

Acuvail is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking certain substances that lead to inflammation, which helps to relieve swelling and pain in the eye.

How is Acuvail supplied (dosage forms)?

Acuvail is available in the following dosage form that is applied to the eye.

  • 0.45% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

See Ketorolac and Ketorolac ophthalmic for information on other dosage forms.

How should I store Acuvail?

Acuvail should be stored at temperatures of 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C). This medicine comes in individual single-dose containers that are packaged in foil to protect them from light. After you open the foil pouch, fold the ends closed to protect the remaining containers from light. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store Acuvail.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Acuvail?

The most common side effects of Acuvail are listed below. Some of these may be related to the cataract surgery itself. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Acuvail 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 Acuvail?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Acuvail may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Acuvail 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

Bleeding. Acuvail may raise the risk of bleeding in or around the eye, especially during eye surgery. Your risk may be higher if you have a bleeding disorder or take other medicines that increase the risk of bleeding. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice signs of bleeding including bruising or bleeding that takes a long time to stop.

Severe Eye Problems. Acuvail may cause eye problems, such as thinning or inflammation of the cornea (keratitis). Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Using Acuvail more than a day before eye surgery or for more than 14 days after eye surgery could increase the risk or severity of corneal side effects. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Eye redness, itchiness, or pain
  • Eyelid swelling
  • Eye dryness, watering, or discharge
  • Vision changes that do not go away, such as blurry vision or sensitivity to light

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Acuvail?

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

  • Acuvail
  • Ketorolac
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Acuvail.

What should I know about Acuvail before using it?

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

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

Keep Acuvail out of the reach of children.

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

If you use more than one eye medicine, administer them at least 5 minutes apart. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure when to use your eye medicines.

Eye infections may occur if Acuvail eye drop containers get contaminated with bacteria or other germs. In some cases, eye infections may become severe and lead to vision loss. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an eye infection, eye injury, vision changes, or need eye surgery. Symptoms of an eye infection may include pink or itchy eye, blurry vision, eye discharge, swollen eyelids, and fever.

Acuvail eye drops are preservative-free, which means they can go bad quickly after the container is opened. Use the medicine as soon as you open it then discard the container. Do not save any leftover medicine.

Acuvail may cause slow or delayed healing, especially when used with corticosteroid eye drops. Keep all appointments following cataract surgery so that your healthcare provider can check how well your eye is healing. 

Do not wear contact lenses during your treatment with Acuvail. If you usually wear contact lenses, ask your healthcare provider about when you can start using them again.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Acuvail?

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 Acuvail is right for you.

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

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Bleeding disorder
  • Eye surgeries, especially if you have had problems with eye surgeries or multiple eye surgeries within a short time period
  • Problems with your cornea (the clear layer that covers the front of the eye) or eye surface, such as dry eye syndrome
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Other Medicines and Supplements. Acuvail may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Acuvail, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Aspirin or NSAID Allergy. Some people who have an allergy to aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be allergic to Acuvail. This can result in severe breathing problems, especially in people with a history of asthma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to medicines. They can help decide if it is safe for you to use Acuvail.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Acuvail 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 Acuvail passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Acuvail while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Acuvail?

For more information about Acuvail, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.allerganeyecare.com or call them at 800-678-1605.

Interactions

Does Acuvail interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Acuvail and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Acuvail.

Does Acuvail interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you take any other medicines that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or a blood thinner like warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto). 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Acuvail. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Acuvail (ketorolac) interact with other drugs you are taking?
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Overdose/Missed Dose

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

If you or someone else has used too much Acuvail, 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 Acuvail?

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 extra doses. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure what to do after a missed dose.

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