Common questions about Still (FAQ)
Q: How quickly should I expect to feel the effects of Still?
According to official regulatory documents, the active ingredient in Still is quickly absorbed by the eye's tissues after application. Detectable levels are usually found in the aqueous humor (the fluid in the eye) within one to four hours. However, this pharmacokinetic information does not specify the precise time required to feel relief from pain or swelling.
Q: Is it normal to feel a bit drowsy when first starting Still?
Official reports list systemic side effects associated with the drug class, such as insomnia (difficulty sleeping) and headache. While drowsiness itself is not usually listed as a very common side effect, some reports mention dizziness. The product is designed to have minimal absorption into the rest of the body, which is consistent with the limited systemic side effects reported.
Q: Can Still be taken with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen?
Official product information cautions against using Still with systemic medications that can prolong bleeding time, such as certain anti-platelet agents or anticoagulants. The concurrent use of systemic NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen) with Still has the potential to increase the risk of bleeding in ocular tissues.
Q: Does Still interact with common supplements like multivitamins or fish oil?
Still is an eye drop solution, meaning it has minimal absorption into the rest of the body. Regulatory documents state there are no known clinically significant systemic pharmacokinetic interactions. Official labeling does not typically provide specific data for every supplement, such as multivitamins or fish oil, given the drug's minimal systemic absorption.
Q: Why do doctors prescribe Still instead of other options?
Official product information indicates that Still (Diclofenac Ophthalmic) is approved for specific uses related to eye surgery. It is officially sanctioned for reducing inflammation and relieving pain following procedures like cataract extraction. The drug's use is localized to the eye, providing a targeted effect.
Q: What kind of research has been done on the long-term use of Still?
Regulatory warnings indicate that the medication is generally intended for short-term use. Official safety information specifies that using the eye drops for longer than 14 days after certain surgeries may increase the risk and severity of serious corneal complications. For this reason, official safety information recommends against use beyond this short duration due to increased risk.
Q: Is there a generic version of Still available?
Yes, the active ingredient in Still is Diclofenac Sodium. This compound is available from multiple manufacturers and can be found on the market as a generic ophthalmic solution.
Q: What are the documented benefits of Still according to clinical studies?
Clinical studies supporting the drug's approval demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing postoperative inflammation and providing temporary relief from pain and light sensitivity. The official benefits are linked to specific uses following procedures like cataract extraction or corneal refractive surgery.
Q: Does Still interact with birth control pills?
Because Still is an eye drop solution, its absorption into the bloodstream is minimal. Regulatory documents generally state there are no known clinically significant systemic pharmacokinetic interactions. Specific interaction data with oral contraceptives is generally not provided due to the drug's minimal systemic exposure.
Q: Does Still interact with common cold or flu medicines?
Regulatory information advises caution when using Still alongside any systemic medication that may prolong bleeding time. This caution is advised because some cold or flu medicines contain systemic NSAIDs, which can potentially affect bleeding time.
Q: What is the evidence supporting the efficacy of Still?
The efficacy (effectiveness) of Still is supported by controlled clinical studies that were submitted to regulatory bodies like the FDA. These studies confirmed the drug's ability to manage inflammation and pain specifically in the anterior segment of the eye following certain types of surgery, leading to its official indications for use.
Q: Can Still be crushed or split if a person has trouble swallowing pills?
Still is formulated as an ophthalmic solution, meaning it is a liquid administered as eye drops. It is not a tablet or a capsule that is taken orally. It must be administered only to the eye as directed.
Q: Can Still cause lightheadedness or dizziness?
Dizziness has been reported as an adverse reaction following the use of Diclofenac ophthalmic solution. Additionally, temporary blurring of vision can occur after administration, which may indirectly lead to a feeling of unsteadiness.
Q: Does Still interact with anti-depressant medications?
As an eye drop solution, Still has very minimal systemic absorption. Regulatory documents state there are no known clinically significant systemic pharmacokinetic interactions. Specific interaction data with all antidepressant classes is usually not provided due to the drug's minimal systemic absorption.
Q: What happens if I miss several doses of Still?
Official instructions for a single missed dose advise skipping it and resuming the regular schedule at the next scheduled time. The instructions explicitly prohibit taking two doses at the same time. The product information does not specify a separate procedure for missing multiple doses; patients are instructed to skip the missed dose(s) and continue with the regularly scheduled dose.
Q: How long does Still stay in your system after you stop taking it?
Regulatory pharmacokinetic data for the active ingredient, Diclofenac, show a systemic elimination half-life of about 1.2 to 2 hours. However, since this drug is applied topically as eye drops, its concentration in the bloodstream is minimal and quickly cleared.
Q: Can people with kidney problems use Still safely?
Still is an eye drop with very low systemic exposure. Due to the drug's low systemic exposure, significant risks to the kidneys are considered minimal, although general caution for the NSAID class is noted for patients with severe renal impairment.
Q: Is Still commonly prescribed for a short time, or is it a long-term treatment?
The drug is officially indicated and prescribed for short-term use. This is to treat conditions following specific eye surgeries. The product information carries a safety constraint warning against use beyond 14 days post-surgery due to increased risks of serious corneal complications.
Q: Can Still affect your ability to drive or operate machinery?
Regulatory information warns that using the eye drops may cause temporary blurring of vision or other visual disturbances immediately after application. Patients are advised not to drive or operate machinery until their vision has returned to normal.
Q: What happens if you take an alcoholic drink while on Still?
Still is an eye drop, which means minimal drug reaches the rest of your body. However, the systemic forms of this drug class (NSAIDs) carry a warning that alcohol consumption may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as stomach bleeding.
Q: Does Still affect liver function?
Still is an ophthalmic solution with minimal systemic absorption, so it is unlikely to affect the liver. While systemic NSAIDs have warnings related to potential hepatotoxicity, the minimal systemic absorption from the eye drops means these risks are significantly lower compared to oral NSAIDs.
Q: Is Still an addictive drug?
No, Still (Diclofenac Ophthalmic) is classified as a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). It is not a controlled substance or a narcotic and does not carry a risk of addiction or physical dependence.
Q: Do people with heart conditions need to avoid Still?
Systemic NSAIDs carry warnings for an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events. Although the eye drops have minimal systemic absorption, the general class warning advises that patients with existing heart conditions should be cautious regarding NSAIDs.
Q: Is it okay to take Still if you have high blood pressure?
Systemic NSAIDs, which belong to the same drug class as Still, may cause new onset or worsening of existing hypertension and could interfere with blood pressure medications. Patients with high blood pressure are generally cautioned regarding the NSAID class.
