Medicines used to treat uveitis

Corticosteroids

Injected Corticosteroid Medicine

Medicines that suppress the body’s immune response can help save the sight of patients with some kinds of uveitis.

Antimetabolites

• Azathioprine (Imuran)
• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
• Mycophenolate Mofetil (Cellcept)

T Cell Inhibitors

• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
• Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Alkylating Agents

• Chlorambucil (Leukeran)
• Cyclophophamide (Cytoxan)

Biologics

• Infliximab (Remicade)
• Etanercept (Enbrel)
• Interferon (Avonex)
• Daclizumab (Zenapax)
• Alefacept (Amevive)
• Efalizumab (Raptiva)

The side effects described here will not affect everyone. Following are the most common and the less common side effects. We have not included those that are very rare and for that reason are very unlikely to affect you. If you do notice any effects which you think may be due to a medicine you are taking for uveitis, but which are not listed here, please discuss them with your doctor.

Side effects of Alkylating Agents (Cyclophosphamide/Chloramubcil)

Common side effects:

• Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells. This can result in tiredness; an increased risk of bruising or bleeding and an increased risk of infection.
• Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting)
• Loss of appetite
• Irritation of the bladder lining
• Temporary hair loss

Less common side effects:

• Temporary changes in the way your liver works
• Sore mouth and taste change
• Diarrhea
• Changes in nails
• Skin changes
• Changes to the lungs. Tell your doctor if you notice coughing or breathlessness.
• Cancer. There is a very small risk of developing a cancer after many years if this drug is taken long-term.
• Changes to your heart. This is very uncommon with standard doses.

Additional information:

Always tell your doctor about any medicine you are taking.

Fertility: Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. Discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.

Pregnancy: Cyclophosphamide may harm a developing fetus. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects of Antimetabolites

Methotrexate

Possible side effects:

• Reduction in the production of blood cells. This can result in tiredness, increased risk of bruising or bleeding and an increased risk of infection.
• Sore mouth and taste change
• Diarrhea
• Tiredness/feeling of weakness
• Temporary skin changes
• Kidney damage. This is not common with standard doses.
• Inflammation of the cornea/feeling of grit in the eyes

Less common side effects:

• Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting)
• Blurred vision. Methotrexate may affect your sight. Tell your doctor about any eye pain or vision changes.
• Hair loss
• Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
• Rash
• Changes to the lungs. Tell your doctor if you notice coughing or breathlessness.
• Temporary changes in the way your liver works
• Allergic reaction

Azathioprine

Possible side effects:

• Reduction in the production of blood cells. This can result in tiredness, increased risk of bruising or bleeding and an increased risk of infection.
• Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting)

Mycophenolate Mofetil

Possible side effects:

• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting)
• Diarrhea
• Rash

Side Effects of T Cell Inhibitors

Cyclosporine/Tacrolimus

Possible side effects:

• Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting)
• Diarrhea
• Headache

You may also be at increased risk of infections or other illnesses. Call your doctor if you experience fever, chills, weakness; unusual bruising; swollen glands, skin growths, chest pain, more frequent or painful urination; swelling of the hands or feet; difficulty breathing, or upset stomach.

Side Effects of Biologics

Infliximab

Possible Side Effects:

• Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting)

Call your doctor if you experience: fever, chills, headache, chest pain, cough, sore throat, unusual tiredness, stomach pain, unusual vaginal discharge or white patches in the mouth.

Less common side effects:

• Diarrhea
• Joint/muscle pain
• Mental/mood changes
• Changes in skin appearance
• Painful urination
• Increased urgency/frequency of urination
• Easy bruising or bleeding

Etanercept

Possible Side Effects:

• Colds
• Cough
• Headache
• Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting)

Less common side effects:

Tell your doctor right away if you experience

• Chest pain
• Stomach pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Rash

Rare side effects:

Tell your doctor right away if you experience

• Tingling of the hands or feet
• Unsteadiness
• Muscle weakness
• Vision changes
• Easy bruising or bleeding