Bimatoprost

What does bimatoprost eye solution do?

BIMATOPROST (Lumigan(R)) helps to reduce pressure in the eye for patients with increased pressure or open-angle glaucoma. Generic bimatoprost eye solution is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I use bimatoprost eye solution?

They need to know if you have, or have had, any of these conditions:

        •  eye abrasion, infection, or inflammation

        •  wear contact lenses

        •  closed-angle glaucoma

        •  kidney disease

        •  liver disease

        •  an unusual or allergic reaction to bimatoprost or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

        •  pregnant or trying to get pregnant

        •  breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Contact lenses should be removed prior to using bimatoprost eye solution. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following application of bimatoprost to the eye.

Bimatoprost eye solution is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or into the pouch. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch and gently close the eyes for 1—2 minutes. Do not blink. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use you medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What other medicines can interact with bimatoprost eye solution?

No interactions with other medicines have been reported.

Do not use any other eye products without telling your prescriber or health care professional.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from using bimatoprost eye solution?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

        •  any change in your vision

        •  inflamed or infected eyes or eyelids

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

        •  burning, stinging, or discomfort immediately after using the solution

        •  changes in eye, eyelash, or eyelid color

        •  dry eyes

        •  increased flow of tears

        •  sensitivity of the eyes to light

What do I need to watch for while I use bimatoprost?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Report any serious side effects promptly. Stop using bimatoprost if your eyes get inflamed, painful, or have a discharge, and see your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can.

This medicine may cause your eye, eyelashes, and eyelids to change color. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if this occurs. If only one eye is being treated with bimatoprost, a difference may develop between the treated and untreated eye in eyelash length, darkness or thickness, and/or color changes of the eyelid skin or iris. These changes may be permanent.

If you wear contact lenses, be sure to remove them before placing drops in the eye. Certain chemicals in the solution can be absorbed by contact lenses. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following application of bimatoprost to the eye.

Be careful not to touch the tip of the dispensing container onto the eye, or any other surface. Serious eye infections can result from contamination of eye solutions.

If you are using another eye preparation, there should be an interval of at least 5 minutes between use of bimatoprost and the other eye preparation.

Wear dark glasses if bimatoprost makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store the bottle at room temperature at 15—25 degrees C (59—77 degrees F).

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.