8 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M A R C H 2 0 1 9
Dextenza (Ocular Therapeutix)
Patients are least likely to
adhere to drop regimens
after eye surgery, so any
product that reduces the
need for drops is bound
to be a welcome addition.
Recently FDA-
approved, Dextenza (dex-
amethasone ophthalmic
insert) 0.4mg is a tiny
plug that's inserted into
the punctum and
canaliculus — "a very straightforward and efficient way of applying
the steroid after surgery," says ophthalmologist I. Paul Singh, MD the
Eye Centers of Racine and Kenosha (Wisc.). "What's unique about
having a punctal plug is that it's not inside the eye. That makes it easi-
Jim Burger | Contributing Editor
Catching Up With
5 Sustained-Release Drugs
New inserts, implants and injections extend
therapy for days or even weeks after surgery.
W
elcome to the world of time-release treatments —
meds that you administer before or during sur-
gery, but that keep working for days, weeks,
months or even years, so your patients don't have
to. From analgesia to ophthalmic therapies, here's
a look at 5 sustained-release drugs that ease the burden of medication
adherence and compliance for your patients and your physicians.
