iluvien

Iluvien is the brand name for a fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant, a corticosteroid device used to treat diabetic macular edema (DME) in patients who have previously been treated with corticosteroids and are considered insufficiently responsive to that therapy. It is designed to provide long-term anti-inflammatory effects within the eye.

The implant is a small, nonbiodegradable device injected into the vitreous cavity of the eye. It releases fluocinolone acetonide continuously at an estimated rate of about 0.2 micrograms per day for up to 36 months, offering extended treatment from a single insertion.

Regulatory status: In the United States, Iluvien was approved by the FDA in 2014 for DME in patients who have been previously treated with a corticosteroid and are considered insufficiently responsive to that therapy. It is approved and used in many other regions as well, with administration restricted to ophthalmologists experienced in intravitreal injections and niche patient selection criteria, including prior corticosteroid exposure.

Clinical efficacy and safety: Clinical outcomes vary by patient. Some individuals experience stabilization or improvement in visual acuity and a reduction in central retinal thickness, while others show limited benefit. The most common risks are corticosteroid-related ocular adverse events, particularly cataract progression and elevated intraocular pressure, which may require glaucoma management. Additional risks include conjunctival irritation, infection, and, rarely, implant-related complications.

Monitoring and considerations: Because the implant can release medication for up to three years, long-term monitoring is required, including regular ophthalmic examinations, intraocular pressure measurements, and assessment of visual acuity. Iluvien is not suitable for all patients and is contraindicated in cases such as active ocular infection or conditions that markedly raise corticosteroid-related risks.