Mechanism of Action:

Bromfenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has anti-inflammatory activity. The mechanism of its action is thought to be due to its ability to block prostaglandin synthesis by inhibiting cyclooxygenase 1 and 2.

Prostaglandins have been shown in many animal models to be mediators of certain kinds of intraocular inflammation. In studies performed in animal eyes, prostaglandins have been shown to produce disruption of the blood-aqueous humor barrier, vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, leukocytosis, and increased intraocular pressure.

Pharmacokinetics:

The plasma concentration of bromfenac following ocular administration of 0.09% XIBROM (bromfenac ophthalmic solution) in humans is unknown. Based on the maximum proposed dose of one drop to each eye (0.09mg) and PK information from other routes of administration, the systemic concentration of bromfenac is estimated to be below the limit of quantification (50 ng/mL) at steady-state in humans.

Clinical Trials:

Clinical efficacy was evaluated in two randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled U.S. trials in which subjects with a summed ocular inflammation score ≥3 after cataract surgery were assigned to XIBROM or vehicle in a 2:1 ratio following surgery. One drop of XIBROM or vehicle was self-instilled in the study eye twice a day for 14 days, beginning the day after surgery. The primary endpoint was reduction of ocular inflammation (to trace inflammation or clearing) assessed 14 days post-surgery using a slit lamp binocular microscope. In the intent-to-treat analyses of both studies, a significant effect of XIBROM on ocular inflammation after cataract surgery was demonstrated (62-66% vs. 40-48%). An additional efficacy endpoint was the time required for resolution of ocular pain in subjects who reported pain. Overall, only 20% of patients undergoing cataract surgery in these trials had pain on the first day after surgery. In these patients, the XIBROM group demonstrated a statistically significant difference in median time to resolution of ocular pain of 2 days compared to 4 days for patients receiving vehicle.

General:

All topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may slow or delay healing. Topical corticosteroids are also known to slow or delay healing. Concomitant use of topical NSAIDs and topical steroids may increase the potential for healing problems.

Use of topical NSAIDs may result in keratitis. In some susceptible patients, continued use of topical NSAIDs may result in epithelial breakdown, corneal thinning, corneal erosion, corneal ulceration or corneal perforation. These events may be sight threatening. Patients with evidence of corneal epithelial breakdown should immediately discontinue use of topical NSAIDs and should be closely monitored for corneal health.

Postmarketing experience with topical NSAIDs suggests that patients with complicated ocular surgeries, corneal denervation, corneal epithelial defects, diabetes mellitus, ocular surface diseases (e.g., dry eye syndrome), rheumatoid arthritis, or repeat ocular surgeries within a short period of time may be at increased risk for corneal adverse events which may become sight threatening. Topical NSAIDs should be used with caution in these patients.

Postmarketing experience with topical NSAIDs also suggests that use more than 24 hours prior to surgery or use beyond 14 days post surgery may increase patient risk for the occurrence and severity of corneal adverse events.

It is recommended that XIBROM ophthalmic solution be used with caution in patients with known bleeding tendencies or who are receiving other medications which may prolong bleeding time.

Information for Patients:

XIBROM ophthalmic solution should not be administered while wearing contact lenses.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility:

Long-term carcinogenicity studies in rats and mice given oral doses of bromfenac

up to 0.6 mg/kg/day (360 times the recommended human ophthalmic dose [RHOD] of 1.67 µg/kg in 60 kg person on a mg/kg/basis, assuming 100% absorbed) and 5.0 mg/kg/day (3000 times RHOD), respectively revealed no significant increases in tumor incidence.

Bromfenac did not show mutagenic potential in various mutagenicity studies, including the reverse mutation, chromosomal aberration, and micronucleus tests.

Bromfenac did not impair fertility when administered orally to male and female rats at doses up to 0.9 mg/kg/day and 0.3 mg/kg/day, respectively (540 and 180 times RHOD, respectively).

Pregnancy:

Non-Teratogenic Effects:

Because of the known effects of prostaglandin biosynthesis-inhibiting drugs on the fetal cardiovascular system (closure of ductus arteriosus), the use of XIBROM ophthalmic solution during late pregnancy should be avoided.

Nursing Mothers:

Caution should be exercised when XIBROM ophthalmic solution is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use:

Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 18 have not been established.

Geriatric Use:

There is no evidence that the efficacy or safety profiles for XIBROM differ in patients 65 years of age and older compared to younger adult patients.

Clinical Practice:

The following events have been identified during postmarketing use of bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% in clinical practice. Because they are reported voluntarily from a population of unknown size, estimates of frequency cannot be made. The events, which have been chosen for inclusion due to either their seriousness, frequency of reporting, possible causal connection to topical bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09%, or a combination of these factors, include corneal erosion, corneal perforation, corneal thinning, and epithelial breakdown (see PRECAUTIONS, General: ).

Storage

Store at 15-25°C (59-77°F)