Pred Forte

Since many of these developments could affect your vision temporarily or permanently, it is important to keep in close contact with your doctor while using Pred Forte eyedrops, and to use the drops only as directed.

Occasionally, long-term use of Pred Forte eyedrops may cause bodywide side effects due to an overload of steroid hormone. Such side effects may include a "moon-faced" appearance, obese trunk, humped upper back, wasted limbs, and purple stretch marks on the skin. These effects are likely to disappear once the medication is withdrawn. If bodywide side effects occur, you will need to stop using the eye drops gradually rather than all at once.

Why should Pred Forte not be prescribed?

You should not take Pred Forte if you have herpes or other viral diseases of the eye, or certain bacterial or fungal diseases of the eye.

Do not use Pred Forte if you are allergic to prednisolone or other steroids.

Special warnings about Pred Forte

You must stay in close touch with your doctor while using this medication, for the following reasons:

If you use Pred Forte eyedrops extensively and/or for an extended period of time, you may be at increased risk for cataracts or vision problems. Prolonged use also increases the risk of another infection.

If you have had cataract surgery, this medication can delay healing.

Some eye diseases, together with long-term use of steroids, can cause thinning of the cornea; you may be at increased risk for perforation of the eyeball.

If you have a persistent ulceration of the cornea of your eye while using Pred Forte eyedrops, the problem may be a secondary fungus infection which Pred Forte cannot cure. An eye doctor should evaluate this possibility.

If you use Pred Forte eyedrops for 10 days or longer, an eye doctor should check your intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eyeball) frequently, since prolonged use of steroids may increase this pressure. If you already have glaucoma, use this medication cautiously. If increased pressure is allowed to continue, it may cause loss of vision.