Iluvien

Generic name: fluocinolone ophthalmic implant [ FLOO-oh-SIN-oh-lone-off-THAL-mik-IM-plant ]
Other brand names of fluocinolone ophthalmic implant include Iluvien, Retisert, Yutiq
Drug class: Ophthalmic steroids

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Mar 16, 2025.

What is Iluvien?

Iluvein is a steroid implant for the eye containing fluocinolone that is used to treat:

• diabetic macular edema, a build-up of fluid in the retina that is caused by leaking blood vessels

• chronic non-infectious posterior uveitis, which is inflammation that affects the back of the eye.

This implant slowly releases fluocinolone into the eye over 30 to 36 months.

Iluvien may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Iluvien side effects

The most common side effects of Iluvien are:

• mild eye redness or pain;

• feeling like something is in your eye;

• headache; or

• your eyes being more sensitive to light.

Serious side effects and warnings

Iluvien may cause serious side effects.

Intravitreal Injection Complications

• Injections into the eye have been associated with endophthalmitis (infection and inflammation of the fluids inside the eye), eye inflammation, pressure changes, and retinal/choroidal detachments
• Non-infectious uveitis patients may experience a temporary drop in eye pressure  within 24 hours, resolving within 2 weeks
• Temporary blurred vision is common after the implant is inserted
• Post-injection monitoring recommended.

Corticosteroid-Related Risks

• Elevated pressure inside the eye: May lead to glaucoma with optic nerve damage and vision impairment; requires routine monitoring
• Cataracts: Can produce cataracts at the back of the eye
• Delayed Healing: May slow corneal healing after cataract surgery and increase bleb formation (these are small blister-like structures that form under the conjunctiva)
• Tissue Thinning: Extended use of corticosteroids in the eye can cause corneal/scleral thinning, potentially leading to globe perforation
• Infection Risks:
  • Bacterial: May suppress immune response, increasing secondary infection risk
  • Viral: Can prolong and worsen viral eye infections, especially herpes simplex
  • Fungal: Particularly prone to develop with long-term steroid use; suspect fungal invasion in persistent corneal ulcers.

Implant Migration

People who receive Iluvien with an absent or torn posterior lens capsule have an increased risk of implant migration.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, problems with peripheral (side) vision;

• eye redness, eye pain or swelling, seeing halos around lights;

• bleeding, oozing, or crusting of your eyes;

• flashes of light or "floaters" in your vision; or

• cloudiness in your pupil or iris (colored part of your eyes).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

You should not be treated with Iluvien if you have glaucoma, with a cup to disc ratio of greater than 0.8, any type of infection in or around your eye (including herpes), or are allergic to fluocinolone or any of the ingredients in the Iluvien implant.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with this medicine if you are allergic to fluocinolone, or if you have:

• glaucoma; or

• any type of infection in or around your eye.

The use of fluocinolone ophthalmic implant may increase your risk of developing cataracts and eventually needing cataract surgery. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma;

• herpes simplex;

• cataract surgery; or

• a detached retina.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether the Iluvien is harmful to an unborn baby if you receive the implant while you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during the 36 months after you receive the implant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How is the Iluvien put into place?

A healthcare provider will surgically place the implant in your eye. If both eyes will be treated, your implants will most likely be placed at two separate times, to decrease your risk of infection in both eyes at the same time.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to help control the pressure inside your eyes. Increased pressure inside the eye (also called ocular hypertension) can damage the optic nerve and lead to permanent blindness. You may need to continue using these other medications for several weeks.

Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or stop using your medications without your doctor's advice.

You may have a temporary decrease in vision. Call your doctor if your vision does not return to normal with 4 weeks after your implant was put in place.

Your eyes will need to be checked on a regular basis.

Iluvien will not correct vision problems you had before receiving the implant, such as near-sightedness or far-sightedness.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since the Iluvien is surgically put into place, you will not be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since the fluocinolone implant contains a specific amount of the medication, you are not likely to receive an overdose.

What should I avoid after receiving a Iluvien?

Iluvien may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Ask your doctor before wearing contact lenses after receiving the Iluvien.

What other drugs will affect Iluvien?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Frequently asked questions

• What are the differences between Retisert, Iluvien and Yutiq intravitreal implants?

Further information

• Your doctor can provide more information about Iluvien.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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