The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug bromfenac has recently been reformulated with a lower pH to facilitate a reduction in the concentration of
bromfenac (to 0.07%) while ensuring an ocular bioavailability similar to that of the 0.09% formulation.
Bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.07% (hereafter referred to as
bromfenac 0.07%) [Prolensa(®)] is a once-daily topical
ophthalmic solution available in the USA and Canada for the treatment of postoperative
inflammation and the reduction of ocular
pain in patients who have undergone
cataract surgery. In an integrated analysis of two multicentre, phase III studies,
bromfenac 0.07% was significantly more effective than placebo in reducing ocular
inflammation and
pain. In these studies,
bromfenac 0.07% was well tolerated, with significantly lower incidences of adverse events, and adverse events affecting the study eye than with placebo. The most common adverse events in the study eye (
eye pain, anterior chamber
inflammation,
foreign body sensation,
photophobia, conjunctival hyperaemia and corneal oedema) occurred in numerically fewer
bromfenac 0.07% than placebo recipients. Thus, current evidence suggests once-daily
bromfenac 0.07% extends the treatment options currently available for the management of postoperative
inflammation and
pain following
cataract surgery.