Ozurdex

Ozurdex (dexamethasone intravitreal implant 0.7mg) is a prescription ophthalmic treatment made by AbbVie (through Allergan). It is a small, biodegradable implant containing dexamethasone — a potent corticosteroid — that is injected directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye, where it slowly releases the drug over several months to reduce intraocular inflammation and swelling.

Without insurance, each Ozurdex injection can cost $1,500–$2,500, and many patients require injections every 4–6 months. AbbVie's Allergan patient assistance program provides access for qualifying patients.

How to Afford Ozurdex

• Uninsured patients who meet income requirements may receive Ozurdex at no cost through AbbVie's Allergan Patient Assistance Program.
• Commercially insured patients can lower their copay with the Ozurdex Savings Card.
• Medicare Part B covers Ozurdex injections administered in a physician's office under "incident to" billing in many cases — check with your retina specialist.

ClariMeds determines the right free program for Ozurdex and handles all enrollment paperwork on your behalf.

What Does Ozurdex Treat?

Ozurdex is FDA-approved for:

• Macular edema following branch or central retinal vein occlusion (BRVO/CRVO) — when a vein in the retina becomes blocked, causing fluid to accumulate in the macula (the central vision area)
• Diabetic macular edema (DME) — swelling in the macula caused by leaking retinal blood vessels in people with diabetes
• Non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye (inflammation inside the eye)

How Ozurdex Works

Dexamethasone reduces inflammation by suppressing the production of prostaglandins, cytokines, and other inflammatory mediators that cause blood vessel leakage in the retina. The implant itself is made of a biodegradable polymer (PLGA) that gradually breaks down over 4–6 months, releasing the drug directly at the site of disease. Because it delivers the drug locally rather than systemically, Ozurdex achieves high therapeutic concentrations in the eye with minimal systemic side effects. After the drug is released, the polymer remnants are fully absorbed — no removal procedure is needed.